Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts: Plan of Study

The MFA in Visual Arts is an intense, production-oriented studio art program directed toward individual development. The curriculum is designed for maximum flexibility to accommodate both those seeking advanced training in a particular studio area and those whose interests may involve more media cross-over. Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers as professional artists. The MFA is the terminal degree in Studio Art. A committee will be formed during the second semester of enrollment and will meet periodically to supervise the candidate’s progress during the entire period of study.

Upon completion of twenty hours of course work and prior to the completion of thirty hours, the candidate must submit his/her work to the faculty committee, which will determine the student’s progress and capability for continued enrollment in the MFA program. This review will focus on issues such as the growth of the student’s work, the consistency of production at the graduate level, and the demonstrated ability to fulfill the expectations of a graduate degree. All of the student’s work completed by this time will be assembled and reviewed and the student will be questioned about specific issues related to his/her work. Successful completion of this examination is prerequisite for continuing as a candidate for the degree.

In the last semester of enrollment, the candidate will present a graduate exhibition to be displayed in the Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum at FIU or at an appropriate alternative space. Each student’s committee will conduct an oral examination with the candidate. This will take place in the exhibition space during the display of the candidate’s graduate exhibition. It will focus on the exhibition and the development of the candidate’s work. This examination must be completed successfully in order for the candidate to be awarded his/her degree.

The following page presents a typical plan of study for students in the MFA Studio program. Studio practice is maximized with the department’s rich array of graduate course offerings. It is important that the MFA candidate meet with the MFA Program Director every semester for updates and/or changes about the program and course offerings, as well as his/her progress towards graduation.

*For a complete list of Graduate Faculty in the Department of Art and Art History, please go to http://gradschool.fiu.edu/facultystaff/#toggle-id-4

For a complete list of requirements visit the MFA Plan of Study: MFA Plan of Study