Emphasis - Sculpture
M.F.A. in Art
Description
The M.F.A. is the terminal degree in studio art and is the professional degree preparing students to teach at the university level. Students choose a specialization in ceramics, painting, printmaking, or sculpture.
Minimum Total Credit Hours: 61
Course Requirements
The M.F.A. in art degree requires the successful completion of Art 692 (taken during the fall semester of the first year of residence); 6 hours of Art 697 (Thesis); 12 hours of art history, including AH 503 (Art Theory and Criticism); 18 hours of a specific studio specialization (ceramics, painting, printmaking, or sculpture); 15 semester hours from at least two studio areas other than the area of specialization; and 9 hours of electives. A minimum of 6 hours must be taken in drawing, either as part of the 15 hours of secondary specialization or as electives.
Other Academic Requirements
After completing at least half of the degree requirements, a student may be advanced to candidacy after being reviewed favorably by the graduate faculty in the general review of all students, which takes place each semester. During the last semester in residence, each student is required to register for Art 697 (Thesis) and to install a thesis exhibition with the advice of the student's thesis director. It is required that the candidate successfully pass an oral examination, open to all faculty and graduate students, and a written analytical and critical exposition of the creative thesis. In addition to the illustrative matter accompanying the written thesis, a minimum of five images must be deposited with the Department of Art for purposes of documentation. The candidate’s thesis committee may recommend the collection of a thesis work for the Department of Art's permanent collection of art. (Note: This is according to the College Art Association (CAA) policies. Documentation and Retention of Student Work Documentation of MFA exhibitions should be required and kept by the institution as a matter of record. Weighing considerations of maintenance and media, institutions should be encouraged to purchase one or more examples of work for the permanent collection, if possible. CAA, in its resolution of April 29, 1972, has discouraged the all-too- prevalent past practice of institutions demanding, without compensation, examples of student work. The acquisition of student work assumes the existence of adequate display and/or storage facilities for artwork. The issues of conservation and restoration should also be considered before student work is purchased.