Art, Studio M.F.A.
Degree: Master of Fine Arts
https://www.towson.edu/cofac/departments/art/grad/studio/
Program Director: Carrie Fucile
Phone: 410-704-3818
Email: cfucile@towson.edu
The Master of Fine Arts degree is designed to meet the needs of those who wish to pursue the study of art, either for a career as an artist or as a college-level instructor. The program consists of professional study in painting, photography, interactive media design, digital media, animation, graphic design, illustration, sculpture, printmaking, metalsmithing and jewelry, and interrelated media. M.F.A. students are encouraged to attend full time, but may attend part time for part or all of their degree work. The M.F.A. student enrolled full time also maintains a residency in the Department of Art, working in an assigned studio space. The Department of Art fosters an M.F.A. program that draws from all aspects of a diverse and comprehensive curriculum.
M.F.A. students focus on a specific area of study while also being able to choose from a wide variety of learning experiences. The conceptual and ideological bases for artistic endeavors are explored through art history, graduate seminars and weekly critiques. The main goal of the M.F.A. program is to direct the M.F.A. student to explore, focus and excel.
Through conceptual and ideological dialogue, as well as the availability of technical expertise, the M.F.A. student at Towson is directed toward thematic consistency. While the postmodern environment encourages the integration of new technologies, interdisciplinary approaches and multicultural influences, the need to focus ideas within this climate is foremost in the mentoring of developing artists in the M.F.A. program.
Applicants to the M.F.A. program who are denied admission but display outstanding potential may be invited to participate in post-baccalaureate studies in studio art as preadmission course work for the M.F.A. program in Studio Art. Upon successful completion, these studies guarantee acceptance into the M.F.A. program in Studio Art.
Admission Requirements
Application deadlines and a full listing of materials required for admission can be found on the website.
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| 600- and 700-level studio art courses in a selected area of study | 24 | |
| ART 782 | ART TOPICS (ART 782 Art Topics is a 3-unit course that is repeatable) | 3 |
| ART 783 | MFA SEMINAR | 3 |
| Art History Courses | ||
| ARTH 795 | DIRECTED READINGS IN ART HISTORY | 3 |
| ARTH Electives | 6 | |
| Studio & Project Courses | ||
| ART 785 | MFA STUDIO II 1 | 9 |
| ART 880 | MFA PROJECT | 9 |
| Elective Art Courses | ||
| Select 3 units with the consent of the adviser from approved graduate courses | 3 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
- 1
Student is required to take ART 785 (3 unit course) a minimum of 3 times.
Students are required to participate in both a midterm and end-of-term review of their work each term. Students failing the midterm review will have until the end-of-term review to make necessary adjustments. The review committee has the right to recommend dismissal from the program if it is deemed necessary.
- Develop and demonstrate advanced technical and conceptual skills in the production of art and/or design work.
- Demonstrate the ability to evolve an individual aesthetic/conceptual direction in the production of a body of original work.
- Demonstrate knowledge of art history, art criticism, art theory, aesthetics, and cultural context in general, and in relation to individual original artwork.
- Demonstrate research and writing skills commensurate with advanced study in studio art.
- Prepare for careers specific to studio art: artist, designer, curator, critic/writer, teacher, gallery and museum work.