Program Overview
Introduction to the Master of Fine Arts Program
The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) program at Wayne State University is designed to provide students with the opportunity for intensive work toward personal artistic goals. The program is offered under the College of Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts and is tailored to meet the needs of students seeking advanced study in the field of art.
Eligibility and Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the M.F.A. program, applicants must hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree or another degree with equivalent coursework and/or experience. The M.F.A. degree program demands superior qualification, potential, and commitment as an artist. Admission to the program is contingent upon admission to the Graduate School, and final admission is determined by the department based on ranked criteria, including:
- Artist Statement
- CV/Resume
- Image List
- 20 Images (with specific criteria)
- 3 Letters of Recommendation
- Link to Work or Time-Based Media (Optional)
- Statement of Intent
- Personal Interview
Admission Methods
Admission to the M.F.A. degree program is possible through three methods:
- Direct Admission with the BFA: If the applicant is of clearly superior quality and preparation, direct admission is possible.
- Direct Admission with the MA Degree: Individuals who have already completed the M.A. degree in art (a studio discipline) may apply directly for admission to the M.F.A. program.
- Transfer from the WSU MA Program: Once in the M.A. program, the student is eligible for transfer to the M.F.A. at their first review (12 credits) or second review (24 credits).
Program Structure and Requirements
The M.F.A. program must be completed within three academic years. The program consists of 60 credits in art, including:
- 20 credits of Graduate Hours
- 9 credits of Graduate Seminar
- 9 credits of Graduate Studio
- 12 credits in electives
- 6 credits in art history (one of which is to be contemporary art)
- 4 credits of MFA Thesis
Faculty and Advising
The Advisor's responsibilities include explaining the program, helping the student plan their course of study, and moderating student reviews. The student selects a permanent Advisor during their first semester, and both the initial and permanent advisors must agree to the student's selection.
Studio Space and Facilities
The department ordinarily provides individual studio spaces to all M.F.A. students, assigned based on seniority, area concentration, and space availability.
Transfer of Credits
Up to 4 credits can be transferred to the M.F.A. program from any graduate program outside of WSU, and a maximum of 15 credits can be transferred from the WSU M.A. program to the M.F.A. program.
Reviews and Assessment
The M.F.A. student must meet with a faculty review committee each semester. The review committee evaluates the student's work, and the student receives a written summary of the review and an evaluation as Satisfactory (S) or Unsatisfactory (U).
Graduation Requirements
To graduate, the student must:
- File for Degree: Register for their final semester and file for a degree at the University Graduation Office.
- Final Exhibition: Present a final thesis exhibition prior to graduation, held in the WSU Community Art Gallery during the Winter term.
- Final Review: Receive a satisfactory review (S, passing) for the review in their final semester, held at the student's thesis exhibition.
- Image Portfolio: Provide their advisor with a portfolio of 20 images of works executed during graduate studies, including the thesis exhibition.
Disciplines and Course List
The M.F.A. program offers various disciplines, including:
- Ceramics
- Digital Art
- Drawing
- Fashion Design
- Fibers
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Interior Design
- Metalsmithing
- Painting
- Photography
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
The course list includes:
- Graduate Seminar (9 credits)
- Graduate Studio (9 credits)
- Art History (6 credits)
- Graduate Hours (20 credits)
- MFA Thesis (4 credits)
- Electives (12 credits)
- MFA Progress Review (0 credits)
- MFA Assessment Review (0 credits)
Art History Elective Courses
Art History electives include courses such as:
- Hellenistic Art
- Ancient Rome
- Classical Greek Art
- Roman Painting and Sculpture
- The Ancient City of Athens
- Art and Architecture in the High Middle Ages
- Early Renaissance in Italy
- High Renaissance and Mannerism in Italy
- Art of Renaissance Venice
- Special Topics
- Performance Art of the Americas
- Trends in Nineteenth Century Art
- Modernism: Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries
- Twentieth Century Art
- Art
- Gender and Race in Visual Culture
- Topics in Twentieth-Century Art
- Museum Practicum
- Seminar