Program Overview

Introduction to the Master of Fine Arts in Drawing and Painting

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Drawing and Painting program at Georgia State University's Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design is designed to support artists who explore unique approaches to the creative endeavor and who transcend boundaries. The faculty encourages innovative and original ideas, and the curriculum ensures a comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various approaches to media, content, imagery, and teaching styles.

Program Highlights

• The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design features an internationally active faculty and a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for professional careers in art and design.
• The M.F.A. degree is NASAD accredited.
• Funding opportunities are available, with the majority of students receiving scholarships or full funding for their master's degree journey.
• The competitive Welch Fellowship provides monthly stipends and funds students for the entire three years of study.

Program Details

Admissions Requirements

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

• Three letters of recommendation.
• Statement of purpose: A one-to-two-pages describing academic interests, proposed area of specialization, and long-range career goals.
• Artist statement: A one-page description of current body of artwork and studio practice.
• Portfolio: A digital portfolio of 20 high-resolution jpeg images of recent work, including details if necessary.
• Unofficial transcript from all other schools attended.
• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• The online portion of the application.

Curriculum

The requirements for an M.F.A. include:

• Professional Development: 12 units (Pedagogy, Teaching Practicum, Professional Practices, and Thesis Writing).
• Studio-Specific Courses: 30 units (Graduate Studio/Design Seminars and Graduate Studio/Design Practice).
• Electives: 6 units (Variable, must be outside area of specialization).
• Art History: 12 units (Graduate-level courses in Art History).
• Thesis: 12 units (Intensive work with a thesis committee to prepare the written thesis and exit show, lecture, presentation, or screening).
• Total: 72 units.

Goals and Outcomes

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

• Ensured comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various faculty approaches to media, content, imagery, and teaching styles.
• Encouraged multidisciplinary approaches with other studio areas.
• Developed pedagogical skills and strategies with teaching assistantships for undergraduate-level courses.
• Prepared students 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, among others.

Description of the Program

The M.F.A. in Drawing and Painting program supports artists who explore unique approaches to the creative endeavor and who transcend boundaries. The faculty encourages innovative and original ideas, and the curriculum ensures a comprehensive exposure to an array of perspectives as represented by the various approaches to media, content, imagery, and teaching styles. Students are encouraged to explore the traditions of printmaking as well as drawing and painting and to work in pursuit of new forms and with contemporary issues.