Overview
As you pursue a masters 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.
Program taught in:
- English
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Annual tuition (12-18 credit hours). Additional fees may apply. Scholarships and aids are available.