Degree Requirements

The basic program and credit requirements for the Master of Fine Arts are:

  • 48 credit hours in the major studio area
  • 15 credit hours in the elective studio area
  • 12 credit hours in Fine Arts graduate seminars
  • 15 credit hours in academic electives
  • 4 credit hours in graduate Fine Arts thesis

A total of 94 credit hours is required. One and one-half quarter term credit hours equal one semester term credit; thus, a 90 credit hour program is the equivalent of a 60 semester hour program. The program is normally completed in two academic years or six quarters. In addition to the above degree requirements, students must fulfill the following:

  • All full-time first-year graduate students must successfully pass a graduate committee review of their visual work and general progress before advancement to degree candidacy.
  • Preparation with major instructor of comprehensive thesis exhibition.
  • A written paper appropriate to the candidate's studio area.
  • Successful completion of an oral examination before a thesis committee.
Andy's Seminar 1
Andy Stillpass teaching a Fine Art Graduate Seminar, here discussing a work by Maurizio Cattelan from his collection. Left to right: Andrew Eckerle, Emil Robinson, Rob Anderson, Andy Stillpass, Shannon Ross, Sarah Hollis
Andy's Seminar 2
Fine Art Graduate Seminar, here viewing works by Felix Gonzales-Torres and Martin Creed in Andy Stillpass's collection. Left to right: Sarah Hollis, Eric Camper, Shannon Ross, Karen Gergely, Kim Taylor, Andrew Eckerle, Rob Anderson, Emil Robinson