Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts
Margaret Grimes, Graduate Coordinator
Phone: (203) 837-8402
Tony Zatzick, M.F.A. Assistant
Phone: (203) 837-8881
Fax: (203) 837-8945
zatzickt@wcsu.edu
M.F.A. Overview
The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Visual Arts is a terminal degree and is the preferred degree for the practicing artist who is preparing for a professional career in the visual arts. The objectives of the program are to provide a period of focused and steady study under the guidance of established professionals and to deepen and broaden the development of individual artistic character. This objective is reached through intensive work in a university studio over four semesters. Work is evaluated through a series of individual critiques with resident faculty and visiting artists, as well as in group critiques with the student body. Because of the nature of the program, full-time attendance is mandatory. M.F.A. degrees are available in painting and in illustration.
Program Mission, Goals and Objectives
The objectives of the program are to provide a period of intense, focused and steady study under the guidance of established professionals to deepen and broaden the development of individual artistic character and skill.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the graduate admissions policies of the Division of Graduate Studies, students will be admitted with a B.A. in Art plus a portfolio review, or a B.A. in another field and demonstrable competency in art, plus a portfolio review. A strong academic record will be required. Acceptance by the art department through portfolio review and interview is mandatory prior to applying to the Division of Graduate Studies.
Degree Program Requirements
Emphasis in each program to be chosen from Painting or Illustration.
Every student is expected to complete the Art Colloquium plus 56 credits of independent study under the guidance of his or her mentor/adviser and with approval of the program coordinator.
In close advisement with the student, the faculty will encourage, whenever necessary, a consistent minimum G.P.A. standard of 3.0. With adviser’s approval, independent studio courses may be taken in small increments over several semesters.
Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts
| Required Courses: | ||
| ART 510 | Art Colloquium | 4 SH |
| ART 511 | Advanced Independent Studies in Art History (To be taken incrementally over first three semesters) | 9 SH |
| ART 512 | Individual Introductory Graduate Studio (in area of emphasis) | 3-6 SH |
| ART 520 | Individual Applied Studio I | 3-6 SH |
| ART 521 | Individual Applied Studio II | 6 SH |
| ART 530 | Advanced Individual Studio I | 12-15 SH |
| ART 531 | Advanced Individual Studio II | 9 SH |
| ART 580 | Practicum Internship | 3-6 SH |
| ART 581 | Individual Introductory Graduate Studio in Related Area | 3-6 SH |
| ART 590 | Thesis Exhibition | 6 SH |
(In all studio courses, each course hour requires three hours of applied studio work per week)
Assessment
The recipient of the M.F.A. will attain a certifiable level of technical proficiency and the ability to make art. However, earning the degree does not necessarily guarantee an ability to teach this proficiency to others. When work toward the M.F.A. has been concentrated in a particular medium, there should be complete professional mastery of that medium. The generalist whose preparation has been broader and less specialized, must still meet the critical demands of the profession by convincingly demonstrating expertise and knowledge
in a number of areas. Ongoing critiques with the students’ mentors and visiting artists will be a continuing part of the evaluation process. It is customary for these critiques to periodically include the other students. A review of the students’ progress will take place prior to admission to their final semester. Since the profession demands from M.F.A. degree recipients an ability ‘to make art,’ a faculty, institutional, and public review of the final product is necessary. As a final step prior to receiving the degree, each M.F.A. candidate is required to mount a substantial exhibition of his/her work.
