The Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art is the terminal professional degree in studio art. The Graduate School of Art subscribes to the standards for the MFA degree as set forth and accepted by the College Art Association of America and the National Association of School of Art and Design.

The residence requirement for the MFA degree is at least two academic years of full-time study (minimum 12 credits each semester.) Students have five calendar years from the date of first registration to complete the degree, which includes a final degree exhibition, written thesis, and oral defense in addition to required course work. Individual programs are arranged with the Director of Graduate Studies.

Candidacy

Admission to candidacy for the MFA degree is contingent upon passing a review by the Graduate Committee at the end of the first year of study. The Committee recommends program content and thesis approval. At the time of your review, consideration may be given to the transfer of up to six units of graduate credit earned at another institution, provided you can demonstrate how it would further the achievement of a specific academic goal.

A student who fails to achieve candidacy prior to the beginning of the second year of residence may be advised to withdraw from the program. If denied admission to candidacy twice, the student will be dismissed.