Application Deadlines:
US Students: February 1
International Students: January 1
MFA in Studio Art
The mission of FSU’s Master of Fine Arts curriculum is to offer the students discipline, training, and artistic understanding required for life as a practicing artist and professional. The program is designed to develop the student’s capabilities for creative thinking and a sense of open inquiry, together with a thorough awareness of the multiplicity of new and traditional principles. Such capabilities may further enable an artist to make a valuable contribution as a professional artist, designer, art instructor, arts administrator, museum staff, gallery owner, or other related creative professional.
The MFA program is highly selective and is presently limited to 33 participants. Graduate students are chosen on the basis of artistic accomplishment and potential, evidence of conscientious work habits and sense of commitment. The professional reputation of our faculty, and the outstanding accomplishments of the students who graduate from our department contribute to an ongoing pursuit of excellence. The Graduate Program is housed in our CAB studio facility that includes spacious individual graduate studios, Working Method Contemporary Gallery, and media specific work areas.
Art. Research. Technology.
In an effort to provide an environment that stimulates creative thinking and artistic production, the department offers numerous full faculty critiques, thesis committee reviews, and encourages positive student interaction and collaboration. Faculty assist students with their technical, conceptual, and professional skills and offer strategies to strengthen their creative research, production, and recognition.
The sixty-hour program requires a minimum of thirty semester hours in studio art courses, twelve semester hours of electives within or outside the department, a minimum of three courses (nine semester hours) in academic study at the graduate level, and a minimum of nine semester hours toward preparation of the graduate exhibition and thesis. The studio workshop class structure and interdisciplinary freedom that is part of the departmental philosophy provides opportunities for varied explorations and choices. Students may choose from a variety of curricular and media options and combinations, which include: ceramics, design, drawing, electronic media, installation, painting, paper-making, performance, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and video.
At the end of their education training, students mount a comprehensive exhibition of their work at the Museum of Fine Arts (MOFA). Faculty assist graduates long after their degree completion, providing continuous support as mentors, colleagues, and peers.
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What does the MFA Program at FSU Offer?
The Florida State University Master of Fine Arts is an interdisciplinary program with a strong focus on research and practice. We offer outstanding, dedicated faculty and a rigorous curriculum. Our primary concern is contemporary art and the practice, history, and theories that inform it. The MFA in STUDIO ART Degree is a three-year residency program.
- Fully funded*, three-year media-fluid interdisciplinary studio art program
- Additional scholarship/fellowship opportunities that include awards of up to $30,000
- Graduate assistantships with generous stipends and health insurance subsidies available
- Professional training in teaching art in higher education with opportunities to teach at the college level
- Dedicated individual and spacious graduate studios
- Extensive facilities + labs with exclusive workshops for graduate students
- 24/7 access to all MFA facilities: Studios, Computer Lab, Wood Shop, Metal Shop, Ceramics Shop, Installation Rooms, MFA Gallery, Sound & Video Rooms
- Additional trained access to FSU’s Innovation Hub, FabLab (Fabrication Lab), Lightbox (Professional Documentation Studio), and our Large Format Printing Lab
- Variety of study trips to major art hubs
- Dynamic visiting artist and scholar program with hosted events and individual studio visits
- Exhibition and curatorial opportunities on campus and in the community
- Culminating exhibition in FSU’s Museum of Fine Art (MoFA)
Funding Overview
- Graduate students are eligible to receive full tuition waivers based on merit
- Graduate students are eligible to receive Graduate Teaching or Technical Assistantships based on merit
- Graduate students are eligible to receive a subsidy toward the university health insurance plan
- Accepted candidates are eligible to be nominated for our new Departmental Scholarships
- Accepted candidates may also be nominated for FSU’s Legacy Fellowship worth $10,000 per year for 3 years
About our Facilities
The Carnaghi Arts Building (CAB) accommodates studio space for three departments in the College of Fine Arts: the Department of Art, the Department of Interior Architecture + Design, and the School of Theatre. This 114,000+ square foot space provides a unique and collaborative learning environment for students in all art disciplines.
- MFA Gallery [WMC] and four additional project / installation spaces totaling 4000 ft²
- Individual 235 ft² graduate studios, common spaces and a graduate seminar room
- Ceramics: decal printer, wet 3D printer, various kilns (gas, electric, soda, raku, doll, etc.), wheels/wheel room, glaze room, plaster/mold-making area, spray booth, slab roller, including MFA exclusive shop
- Digital Media: computer labs, sound and video editing lab, video documentation room [BlackBox], equipment available to checkout, including MFA exclusive labs
- Digital Fabrication [FabLab]: laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC milling machine, vinyl cutter, 3D scanner, and electronics bench
- Painting + Drawing: large and expansive labs with natural light, prop closet, including MFA exclusive spaces
- Photo: digital large format, B&W darkroom, equipment available to checkout, large format negative scanner and photo documentation studio [LightBox]
- Printmaking: area specific computer lab, letterpress, screen printing, lithography, etching, book arts
- Sculpture: wood shop, metal fabrication shop, wide range of tools, sewing machines, including MFA exclusive shops
Meet our faculty!
The Department of Art faculty is dedicated to preparing our students for a successful career in the Arts.
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