The 60-credit MFA signals the highest level of professional competence in the Fine Arts. It requires the development of a verbally and visually articulate argument in a chosen medium, such as painting, drawing, sculpture, metals, woodworking, ceramics, and trans-media collaborations. The art student’s research and development culminate in a written thesis and a mature body of artwork presented in a thesis exhibition.
Art students who desire professional practice or university/college level teaching upon graduation should choose the MFA program. Preparation for professional practice and teaching in higher education is exercised through rigorous, diverse components of the program such as critiques, studies in contemporary culture in contexts of art history, art theory, and criticism.
The MA and MFA degree programs at IUP are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and conform to guidelines and standards of the College Art Association.
Individuals seeking admission to the graduate study within the Department of Art and Design must meet the general admission standards and adhere to academic policies established by the School of Graduate Studies and Research at IUP. These specific policies are described in the Graduate Catalog.
An applicant to the MFA program must either be a graduate of an accredited BFA, BA, or be judged to possess the necessary prerequisite studio proficiency. Admission into the MFA program of the Department of Art is based on the nature, extent, and quality of the preparation in studio, art history, criticism, and other academic subjects. If an applicant is deemed to be deficient in any of these particular areas, the graduate committee may require satisfactory completion of certain undergraduate courses.
Admission Requirements
Individuals seeking admission to the graduate study within the Department of Art and Design must meet the general admission standards and adhere to academic policies established by the School of Graduate Studies and Research at IUP. These specific policies are described in the Graduate Catalog.
An applicant to the MFA program must either be a graduate of an accredited BFA, BA, or be judged to possess the necessary prerequisite studio proficiency. Admission into the MFA program of the Department of Art and Design is based on the nature, extent, and quality of the preparation in studio, art history, criticism, and other academic subjects. If an applicant is deemed to be deficient in any of these particular areas, the graduate committee may require satisfactory completion of certain undergraduate courses.
Applicants must submit items required by graduate admissions including two letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and professional goal statement. The M.F.A. program also requires the submission of a portfolio (PDF format) of twenty images representing the applicant’s professional artistic work and identified by medium, size, and date of completion.
Application Deadlines:
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First admission consideration and applications for assistantships. February 15
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Final admission consideration May 1