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 Bennett and 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.
Portfolio Requirements for MFA Applicants
- 20 images, submitted on CD.
- Images should be in jpg format no bigger than 300 dpi, 5"x7". They will be viewed on a Mac, in Preview or iPhoto.
- A separate image identification sheet or images labeled with name, title, medium, size and date. This may include details and/or multiple views of works.
- Letter of intent, 1-2 pages
- Résumé
- Complete application, letters and transcripts, as required by the Graduate School
Note: the visual art portfolio is sent directly to the Art Department - MFA Metal Application, SUNY-New Paltz, FAB225, 1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY 12561. Other details of the application are sent to the Graduate Office.
For more detailed information regarding applications, course offerings and other degree requirements, contact the Graduate Office at (845) 257-3285 .
We strongly recommend that you arrange a visit to New Paltz for an interview. We generally conduct interviews by appointment on Wednesday and Thursday, during the academic year. We have always found this extremely beneficial for the student and for ourselves. Seeing the school and meeting faculty and students will always give you the better sense of the program than what you may learn from other's observations and views.
Graduate applications received by February 15th will be given first consideration. Visits should occur before March 1. Please contact us at bennettj@newpaltz.edu, and mimlitsm@newpaltz.edu, or by phone at (845) 257-3836, to schedule an appointment.
