The Master of Fine Arts is the terminal degree in the field of fine arts. It involves a minimum of 60 credits of course work in a full-time residency program. Edinboro University currently offers MFA degree programs in Ceramics, Jewelry/Metal-smithing, Painting, Printmaking, and Sculpture.
As a full-time residency program, the MFA provides an opportunity for concentrated studio work under the advisement of professional artists. The program is primarily designed for persons seeking careers as studio artists. Some graduates pursue careers as arts administrators, gallery directors, or educators at the college and university level. Studies in the program include courses in the major studio area (30 credits), a secondary studio area (6 credits), art history and theory (9 credits), elective studies (9 credits), MFA seminar (3 credits) and Thesis Exhibition (3 credits).
Students in the MFA program are provided individual or shared studio space. The constant interaction with the art faculty and other students creates an intense artistic and academic experience. These resources prove to be of great value for achieving further goals in the art field. Admission to the MFA program is selective, and is largely based upon a portfolio review and can include a personal interview. Interested students are advised to visit the Edinboro campus and discuss the program with the faculty and students prior to formal application. Admission to the MFA program guarantees a Graduate Assistantship.
MA
The Master of Arts degree in Art is offered for those persons seeking to work beyond the undergraduate level without entering the terminal MFA program.
Students enrolled in the MA program include teachers of grades K-12 seeking continuing education, persons interested in pursuing additional art studio or art history courses, or those interested in graduate work at the Ph.D or MFA levels in the future.
The program requires a minimum of 30 credits of coursework including 18-21 hours of art studio/art theory courses, 6 hours of related elective courses, and 3-6 hours of either a final exhibition or a thesis. Since this degree does not require a full-time residency, enrollment is generally on a part-time basis during the regular academic year, or is concentrated in summer sessions.
Graduate assistanceships are NOT available for MA students at this time.
APPLY
To apply for admission to the MFA program, you must have a bachelor of fine arts degree in the area of intended study or one comparable, submit 20 slides of recent artwork, three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty members you have worked with, transcripts, a letter of intent and a completed application form. International students must take the Toefl test to assess your English speaking abilities. An on-campus interview, although not required, is recommended. Keep in mind that the quality of artwork in the slides is the main criteria for selecting or denying an application. Send slides that clearly represent your best work. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL SLIDES. Please note that the deadline for application to the MFA program is January 15th.
To apply for admission to the MA program, you must be a graduate of a bachelors degree program in the area of intended study or one comparable, submit 10 slides of recent artwork, three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculity members you have worked with, transcripts and a completed application form. DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL SLIDES. Please note that the deadline for application to the MA program is January 15th.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Edinboro University operates on two semesters of fifteen weeks duration. Summer courses meet from three to six weeks in two or three sessions. During the academic year, studio courses meet for 6 hours per week; academic courses meet 3 hours per week. Art studios are generally available to Graduate Students, 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.
Our main gallery, Bruce Gallery, hosts visiting exhibitions from artists nationwide. The exhibitions range in media and rotate monthly during the academic year. Graduate students are able to utilize the gallery during the summer for their thesis exhibition. Also, Bates Gallery and Hamilton Gallery are two spaces for students to exhibit artwork on campus. These galleries are open to student jurying for exhibitions each semester.