Program Overview

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Introduction to the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design at Georgia State University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in art and design. The school is committed to fostering creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills in its students, preparing them for successful careers in the arts.

Undergraduate Programs

The school offers several undergraduate programs, including:

• Bachelor of Arts in Art, Concentration in Art History
• Bachelor of Arts in Art, Concentration in Studio
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art Education
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio, with concentrations in:
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing and Painting
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Textiles

Graduate Programs

The school also offers several graduate programs, including:

• Master of Art Education
• Master of Arts in Teaching, Art Education
• Master of Fine Arts in Studio, with concentrations in:
  • Ceramics
  • Drawing and Painting
  • Graphic Design
  • Interior Design
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Textiles

Program Details: Textiles, M.F.A.

The Master of Fine Arts in Textiles program emphasizes professional skills and achievements, fostering personal direction, diversity, technical proficiency, and professional presentation. The program offers a highly progressive curriculum that considers textiles as a broad-based practice, providing a strong foundation in the history of the discipline and technical mastery of the material.

Admissions Requirements

Applicants for the M.F.A. degree must submit:

• Three letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Portfolio
• Unofficial transcript from all other schools attended
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Online application

Curriculum

The M.F.A. program requires 72 semester hours of graduate coursework, including:

• Professional Development (12 units)
• Studio-Specific Courses (30 units)
• Electives (6 units)
• Art History (12 units)
• Thesis (12 units)

Goals and Outcomes

Upon completion of the M.F.A. program, students will have:

• Comprehensive exposure to various perspectives and faculty approaches
• Explored continuing traditions of art making and contemporary issues
• Developed pedagogical skills and strategies through teaching assistantships
• Prepared for a professional arts career through development workshops

Careers

The graduate programs at the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design prepare students for competitive careers in contemporary art, art education, design, and art entrepreneurship. Career paths include graphic, interior, and web designers, multimedia artists, curators, gallery directors, museum and non-profit arts managers, art administrators, K-12 art teachers, art educators, art historians, and writers.

Research and Creative Activity Support

The school offers various resources and support for research and creative activity, including:

• URSA (Undergraduate Research and Creative Activity)
• Human Subjects (IRB)
• Individual Award Routing Form
• Internal Grants
• Provost's Faculty Fellowships

Faculty and Staff Resources

The school provides various resources and support for faculty and staff, including:

• WSAD Faculty and Staff Guidebook
• WSAD Studio Use Policy
• Financial Forms, Waivers, Access, and Contracts
• Studio and Lab Safety Manuals
• COTA Faculty Grant Data

Campus and Facilities

The school is located on the Atlanta Campus of Georgia State University, with access to state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• Creative Media Center
• Student Resources
• Advising
• Creative Media Industries Institute
• EX LAB
• Library Visual Arts Collection
• Art Librarian
• University Library

Conclusion

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design at Georgia State University offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs in art and design, preparing students for successful careers in the arts. With a focus on creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills, the school provides a supportive and stimulating environment for students to explore their artistic and academic interests.