Graduate Degree Program
Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
The Master of Fine Arts is the terminal degree in studio art. Our MFA program is a three-year, 60 credit studio art program. The MFA degree provides artists with the necessary background to compete in state, national and international vacancies. Career opportunities include placement in state and federal arts organizations, galleries, museums, colleges and universities. This degree includes courses in contemporary art world issues, the historic role of the artist and art of the circumpolar north. Study is two-thirds in studio art. The degree culminates in a solo gallery exhibition.
We recommend that prospective applicants review the student handbook to understand the structure and degree requirements of our MFA program.
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M.F.A. Degree Map
Admission Requirements
Applicants must fulfill the as well as the following department-specific criteria.
The prerequisite for our M.F.A. program is a B.F.A. or B.A. degree in Art.
A student who submits an exceptional portfolio with an undergraduate degree in another field, will be accepted only if they make up any deficiencies as determined by their graduate committee. The same requirements are observed when considering credit for previous schooling from a University other than UAF. Students with a degree from UAF will be considered if they have attended full time a MFA program at another institution for one year.
Applying to the MFA Program
Applicants should apply to a graduate degree program at least six to nine months before the beginning of the semester in which they plan to enroll. Most departments require earlier submission of credentials for acceptance to their program. Contact the department for specific deadlines. The number of students accepted for graduate study is limited.
Graduate students are strongly encouraged to apply early. Applications received near the deadline will be processed as time permits or may be considered for the following semester.
Applications must include the following:
A separate portfolio of work; including 20 slides of work or the appropriate digital equivalent (jpegs or Quicktime movie files) must be sent to the Art Department Office.
An information sheet (may be digital) must be included with the digital portfolio. For CDs and DVDs, this should be a color contact sheet of thumbnails of the images with no more than 20 images per sheet. Include the following information on the contact sheet: name, title of piece, size (height X width X depth), medium and date created. If work is collaborative, detail your contribution.
- March 1: Fall admission
- October 1: Spring admission
Course Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 60 credits of coursework.
Alongside of the graduate general university requirements and the master's degree requirements, MFA students fulfill the art requirement which include the MFA Thesis Project or the Non-thesis research/project. Students opting for the later complete a studio course with a two hour oral exam.
A comprehensive exam must be passed before the end of the second semester and a Report on Comprehensive Exam submitted. This includes a demonstration of the ability to synthesize information in the field at a level appropriate for a master’s degree.
Students should take 20 credits from their primary studio area, and 9 credits from their secondary studio area.
ART F602 Anthropology of Art
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Anthropological study of art in cross-cultural perspective. Social context of art production and use and cross-cultural variations in definition of an artist's role.
M.F.A. Thesis
The MFA thesis contains the thesis exhibition, project report, public presentation and oral defense of the thesis. An MFA project binder must also be turned into the advisory committee by the last day of instruction of the ART F98 Project class. The contents of the project binder can be found in the MFA Handbook.
Browse previous art graduate thesis work through ScholarWorks.
Opportunities for Funding
There are many opportunities for students to find funding, from tuition help to special projects.
Teaching Assistantships
Teaching Assistantships (frequently referred to as a TA) vary widely across institutions and disciplines but essentially they are an investment on behalf of the university in graduate student who shows promise in teaching and in working professionally in their discipline. In exchange for teaching and assisting the department the graduate student is given a tuition waiver and stipend.
For more information on TAships, please contact the Art Department Office.
