Introduction
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Overview
As you pursue a master's in fine arts you’ll explore the role of contemporary art through painting, printmaking, sculpture, and expanded forms.
The MFA in fine arts studio is a rigorous two-year program comprised of major studio courses, studio electives such as glass, ceramics, film, and photography, theory and research seminars, as well as thesis credits.
The program is committed to collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches both within the four major fine arts areas of study and the entire College of Art and Design. The program's structure allows for personal growth, experimentation, collaboration, and unique, non-discipline specific results to occur in the thesis. Courses are meant to concentrate on creative visual work while also thinking about making and sustaining a dialogue.
Industries
Performing and Fine Arts
Fashion
Design
Museums
Retail Stores
Typical Job Titles
Fine Artist
Studio Artist
Sculptor
Art Teacher
Photographer
Gallery Owner/Assistant
Art Auctioneer
Advertising Director
Mural Artist
Caricaturist
Art Buyer
Print Maker
Greeting Card Artist
Art Exhibit Coordinator
Silkscreen Artist
Exhibit Designer
Museum Curator
Book/Magazine Illustrator
Custom Printer
Retoucher
Art Director (book, editorial)
Creative Director
Courtroom Artist
Curriculum
Film and animation (2D animation option), MFA degree, typical course sequence
First Year
ARTH-605 Thinking About Making: The Practice of Art in a Global Society
STAR-702 Fine Art Research
STAR-714 Ideation and Series
STAR-706 Business Practices
Fine Arts Studio Major Courses*
Art History (Contemporary) Course†
CIAS Studio Elective
Second Year
STAR-790 Research and Thesis
STAR-890 Research and Thesis
Fine Arts Studio Major Courses
CIAS Studio Elective
Free Electives
† Art history (contemporary) courses may be selected from any graduate-level art history course offered by CIAS or the College of Liberal Arts in which the major content of the course reflects the study of art since World War I.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the MFA program in fine arts studio, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:
Complete a graduate application.
Hold a baccalaureate degree (or equivalent) from an accredited university or college of fine arts.
Submit a portfolio containing a cohesive body of artwork that demonstrates both technical skill and visualization of conceptual thought. (Refer to Graduate Portfolio Requirements for more information.)
Submit official transcripts (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work.
Submit a personal statement of educational objectives, including why the candidates are interested in earning an MFA, the selection of RIT for the MFA degree, and professional goals to be achieved.
Submit an artist’s statement explaining the intention behind the portfolio.
Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
Submit two letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources.
International applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. A minimum TOEFL score of 80 (internet-based) is required. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 is required. The English language test score requirement is waived for native speakers of English or for those submitting transcripts from degrees earned at American institutions.
