About This Program
The Master of Arts degree in Studio Art serves students wishing to develop a robust studio practice in a supportive and diverse community of makers. Students enter the program through a particular discipline and can work with a variety of studio art faculty. Students may use the degree to develop an individual voice within their studio practice and as an avenue for promotion or advancement within an existing career.
The M.A. degree is a flexible model that can be completed in one to three years, based on the student's individual needs and goals. Travel study courses and summer Kent Blossom Art Intensives offer unique opportunities for professional development and mentorship. Although private studio space is not available for M.A. students, access to facilities is available by taking courses in particular studio disciplines.
Contact Information
Program Delivery
Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries*
Artists and related workers, all other
- -0.2% little or no change
- 13,100 number of jobs
- $65,800 potential earnings
Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
- 1.0% slower than the average
- 28,300 number of jobs
- $52,340 potential earnings
Accreditation
National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
For more information about graduate admissions, visit the graduate admission website. For more information on international admissions, visit the international admission website.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
- Minimum 2.750 undergraduate GPA on a 4.000-point scale
- Official transcript(s)
- Curriculum vitae that includes exhibitions and relevant experience
- Goal statement (250-500 words) indicating applicant's reasons for applying and the motivations for pursuing the degree in the proposed area of specialization
- Artist statement (250-500 words) that describes the major themes in the applicant's work, how the applicant formalizes those themes and the concepts and artists that influence the applicant
- Portfolio of 20 images with title, medium, dimensions and date
- Three letters of recommendation from persons who are in the proposed area of study or a closely related field
- English language proficiency - all international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning one of the following:1
- Minimum 79 TOEFL iBT score
- Minimum 6.5 IELTS score
- Minimum 58 PTE score
- Minimum 110 DET score
Application Deadlines
- Fall Semester
- Application deadline: February 1
All application materials (including applicable fee, transcripts, recommendation letters, etc.) submitted by this deadline will receive the strongest consideration for admission.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Create and publicly present a self-directed body of work.
- Develop a studio practice that synthesizes form, media and meaning.
- Engage with interdisciplinary research within contemporary art and supporting fields.
- Articulate verbally and in written form critical analyses of contemporary art as it relates to form and meaning in their work and the work of others.
- Situate their work within the context of the field and the public.
- Build a strong portfolio to enhance opportunities for further education and/or career and entrepreneurial options.
