MFA in Studio Art
Gain an in-depth exploration of studio practice, focusing on critical reflection of your creative process and the artist’s role in society.
Program Overview
The Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art is a three-year, full-time residency program that is highly selective and designed to refine your visual language, enhance clarity of expression, and sharpen critical thinking skills including:
- Graduate Seminars: Engage in diverse topics including art criticism, contemporary art history and professional practices.
- Group Critiques: Participate in weekly critiques to refine your work and receive feedback.
- Faculty Interaction: Collaborate closely with faculty and assist in undergraduate classes. Qualified graduates may even serve as teachers of record in their third year.
Optional concentrations include:
Our three-dimensional studies programs focus on hands-on art making, providing comprehensive instruction and well-equipped facilities for our graduate students. You'll have access to semi-private studios, cutting-edge equipment and digital technology to explore a variety of techniques and creative concepts. You’ll be encouraged to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to fully realize your artistic vision.
Collaboration with practicing artists, peers and active participation in the Dallas-Fort Worth art community are key aspects of this program. These interactions will help you achiece high professional standards in concept, technique and presentation, while fostering continuous artistic development and prolific creation.
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Ceramics
New Media
Sculpture
The painting and drawing program emphasize developing a unique artistic voice through focused image-making, conceptual exploration, and process inquiry. We provide individual instruction, mentorship, and extensive facilities, including private studios, a critique room, a wood shop, and digital technology. Each semester includes studio visits with Dallas-Fort Worth painters and individual critiques.
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The printmaking program is tailored to each student's unique experiences, fostering both new concept development and mastery of traditional and contemporary techniques. Students are encouraged to explore new media and work in individual studios with full access to the main lab. The lab includes equipment for:
- Papermaking
- Bookbinding
- Screenprinting
- Intaglio
- Relief printing
- Letterpress
- Lithography
- Photomechanical processes
Additionally, students have access to a digital imaging lab with resources such as an Epson 9900 inkjet printer, risograph, 3D printers, vinyl cutter, laser cutter, CNC router, and video cameras with editing software.
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For a full look at what makes our program unique, view our Program Overview.
Explore Our Facilities & Campus Tours
Discover the cutting-edge facilities where you will elevate your artistic vision and enhance your technical expertise for a career in creative expression, or schedule a visit to the TCU campus.
Degree Requirements
A total of at least six semesters of graduate work is required. 60 semester hours must be earned for the Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art.
Colloquia, organized by faculty, provides a personal and informal platform for communication between students and faculty. These sessions feature presentations and discussions with on-campus and off-campus speakers, faculty, and members of the School of Art.
Admission to candidacy requires approval from the student's thesis committee and must be completed by the end of the third semester of graduate study. Students not admitted to candidacy by the start of their fourth semester may not earn additional credits. If additional elective credits are desired, students may continue for a probationary period of up to 12 semester hours as a ‘non-degree’ student. Further enrollment will only be permitted if the student is re-admitted to the degree program.
The Master of Fine Arts thesis exhibition, including a written thesis statement and supporting material, represents the culmination of the graduate experience. Enrollment in the thesis exhibition requires prior admission to candidacy. The advisory committee must approve the installation of the thesis exhibition and the written portion. The format of the permanent record for the thesis exhibition will be determined by the committee.
Graduate Funding
The School of Arts offers competitive funding for graduate students.
Graduate Program FAQ
Get answers to common questions about our graduate programs, including admissions, funding and program options.