The MFA curriculum requires three consecutive years in residence. During all three years, students focus on extensive studio time, and meet weekly to critique and discuss their work with peers, faculty, visiting artists, critics, and curators.
In the first year, students enroll in two Critical Studies seminars, which encourage students to critically read, research, and incorporate art history, theory, and criticism into their writing and artistic practice. The second year introduces Contextual Practice, wherein students produce project-based and collaborative experimental works that creatively expand the role of art in the public sphere, while meaningfully engaging with new contexts and communities. During the Spring semester of the second year, students begin work on the written thesis, which allows them to explore the historical, social, and theoretical positions relevant to their studio practice. The third year allows for continued progress on the written thesis alongside studio work toward the thesis exhibition; together, the exhibition and written thesis serve as the capstone of the degree.
In addition to coursework, all students in the program hold a graduate assistantship each semester. These assistantships allow students to gain extensive experience in teaching, research, and course development.
| First Year | |
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| MFA Studio (24) MFA Critical Studies Seminar I (12) Integrative Critique Seminar (12) *Optional electives allowed | MFA Studio (24) MFA Critical Studies Seminar II (12) Integrative Critique Seminar (12) University Elective (9-12) |
| Second Year | |
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| MFA Studio (12) Integrative Critique Seminar (12) Contextual Practice (12) University Elective (9-12) | MFA Studio (24) Integrative Critique Seminar (12) Thesis Writing Seminar I (9) *Optional electives allowed |
| Third Year | |
| Fall Semester | Spring Semester |
| MFA Studio (24) Integrative Critique Seminar (12) Thesis Writing Seminar II (9) *Optional electives allowed | MFA Studio (36) Integrative Critique Seminar (12) *Optional electives allowed |
Total required units: 291 – 297 (dependent on unit value of electives)
* MFA students are required to take an elective in both the Spring of their first year and the Fall of their second year. Candidates have the option of taking additional electives during any term in which they are enrolled within the program. If a student enrolls in an elective in their first term, this may count as one of their required electives, however approval for this elective to count towards their requirements must come from the Program Director. Enrollment in additional electives is at the discretion of the student; however, depending on the student’s academic standing within the program, enrollment in these courses may be subject to faculty and/or advisor approval.