Graduate Studies
The MFA degree is a two-year course of study, which requires the student to complete a total of 60 credit hours, with a studio concentration of 48 credits in the Metal Program. Additional curriculum requirements include 3 credits in Graduate Art Seminar and 3 credits in Critical Dialogues; 6 credits of 500-level Liberal Arts/ Art History/Theory. A portion of studio credit may be taken in Selected Topics, as well as specific program offerings such as Internship to College Teaching. This three-credit class determines eligibility for consideration of a teaching assistantship, and is generally taken in the first year of study. The capstone experience for MFA students is a thesis exhibition in the Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art on campus.
Graduate students meet in studio and seminar classes with Professor Jamie Bennett and Professor Myra Mimlitsch-Gray each semester. There are generally twelve graduates in the Metal Program. The students represent a broad international range of backgrounds and interests. We additionally have exchange students, most recently from Australia, Colombia, Japan, Finland, and Sweden. We also have a very active visiting artist program. Recent participants include: Peter Balhuis, Lola Brooks, Simon Cottrell, Bob Ebendorf, Iris Eichenberg, Lisa Gralnick, Barbara Seidenath, Tracy Steepy, Sarah Turner, Veleta Vancza and Andrea Wagner. We have also invited numerous writers, critics and curators, including: Ken Ames, Mary Douglas, John Stuart Gordon, Dave Hickey, Sienna Patti, David Levi Strauss, Ken Trapp, among others.
Our students are actively committed to involvement in the Student Art Alliance, which supports visiting artists, travel and other creative projects. The SAA creates greater opportunity for interdisciplinary exchange.
The MFA plan of study is designed for a full-time commitment over four semesters. An MA degree in Metal is not considered often. The faculty will advise and review your options and opportunities related to your plan of study at the onset.
