Fine Arts, M.F.A.

Review

Formal reviews are required of all M.F.A. students at the end of the second and fourth semesters or at the end of 18 and 36 credit hours. The student is required to present a body of work and an artist’s statement to discuss with their thesis committee. If the student does not pass the formal review, a probationary review will take place at the end of the next semester. Failure to pass any probationary review will result in dismissal from the program.

The MFA Thesis

The student will select a graduate professor to be director of the master’s thesis and chair of the thesis committee. The master’s thesis is defined by the student in consultation with the major professor and consists of a body of creative works in the student’s identified area of emphasis and a written component discussing the works. All candidates are required to participate in a solo or group exhibition at a University gallery. Alternative venues must be approved by School of Art faculty. Candidates for the M.F.A. degree are encouraged to participate in national or regional exhibitions prior to their oral examination. Candidates should consult with the graduate advisor concerning specific requirements for the completion of the degree.

The format for the submission of the thesis work consists of professional documentation in prints and CD/DVD-ROM, as well as a written master’s statement. The evaluation committee consists of a minimum of three professors: two from studio art and one from a discipline outside the studio art area. The committee will conduct an oral examination during the candidate’s thesis exhibition, at which time the student will defend and discuss the work presented in his or her exhibition. The written component and images must be submitted to the Graduate School and follow the thesis processing guidelines.