Master of Fine Arts (in Studio Art)

Introduction

The MFA program fosters a transformative, interdisciplinary education for makers and scholars who aspire to explore ideas that are hospitable for the well-being of individuals, communities and the planet. Our faculty encourage students to engage in clearly articulated, specific contexts so that their work will find relevance in the world. In our supportive yet challenging community of makers and thinkers, we collectively engage in art practice as an essential human endeavor, questioning and exploring what it means to be an artist and how to be in our times.

The program is well positioned for students to benefit from the academic excellence UMass and the Five College consortium offer. Students are encouraged to take courses in the other colleges, university departments and programs that deepen their research interests. The three-year MFA program also offers a comprehensive overview of teaching art in higher education settings, an introduction to critical pedagogy, and a solid teaching experience.

We are a highly competitive program accepting approximately six students per year. To defray the cost of tuition, teaching assistantships are awarded to all accepted students. Graduate students have 24-hour access to their studios, equipment, and facilities.

As our graduate program is interdisciplinary, students are not admitted into nor expected to work within one particular discipline. The ability of our MFA students to explore broadly reflects the current art world and is a highlight of our contemporary curriculum.

We do not have a rolling deadline. All applicants must hold an undergraduate degree or be in their final year of an undergraduate degree program before applying.

To tour the department, please make an appointment by emailing Professor Susan Jahoda.

Program Requirements

The Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art is interdisciplinary and supports and encourages working across all disciplines. The emphasis in the program is developing work through extensive critique, classes in theory and practice, and intensive studio practice.

The Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art program requires a 60-credit, three-year on-campus residency. This includes an 18-credit Masters’ Thesis, (during the final year), Graduate Seminar, Teaching Workshop/Graduate Seminar in Art Education, Electives in studio, or art history/theory/criticism, or Independent Study. You are encouraged to devise your own plan of study, maximizing the opportunities of studying at a major Research University. You are further encouraged to take classes within the four liberal arts colleges located within the area: Amherst, Hampshire, Mt. Holyoke, and Smith.

Incoming students enroll in the fall; there is no rolling admission.