Master of Fine Arts
Graduate Program Coordinator: Ariya Martin
amartin3@uno.edu
The Department of Art offers a three year Master of Fine Arts degree in Fine Arts. The program encourages innovative work in drawing, installation, interdisciplinary studio, new genres, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, social practice, video and more.
The M.F.A. in Fine Arts degree program fosters students' creative, intellectual, and professional development as artists who produce excellent work, are able to discuss and contextualize their work cogently, and who are prepared to enter various career paths available to artists. Course work emphasizes advanced studio practices, art history, theory, and criticism. A Visiting Artist Program that brings a wide range of artists and scholars to campus on a regular basis enhances the MFA experience by providing lectures, workshops, and critiques. The program culminates in an exhibition of a body of work, a written thesis that supports the work, and an oral defense of both.
The M.F.A., Fine Arts degree program at the University of New Orleans requires extensive research and writing as a fundamental aspect of artistic practice. Applicants to the program should document a desire and ability to engage in the highest level of discourse in all components of the program.
Program Objectives
While in the M.F.A. in Fine Arts program at the University of New Orleans we expect students to engage Visual Literacy, Willingness to Enter into Critical Discourse and Fervent Art Practice. Emphasis is given to developing a course of study tailored to your needs, while encouraging exploration and risk-taking. Our program supports a thorough engagement with the processes and principles that are fundamental to the discipline, as well as an informed awareness of issues and practices within the larger art community. Developing fluency in critical discourse, analysis, and writing are important parts of graduate life.
With a cohort of 12 MFA graduate students, you will develop a tight-knit community and relationships with: Faculty members, Regional artists, Gallery directors, Curators and Arts managers. Awarded annually, Graduate Assistantships provide opportunities for significant financial support, as well as teaching and professional experience. We encourage applicants to visit our facilities and meet our faculty members.
The degree requires 60 total credits distributed as follows:
- 30 credits in major studio
- 12 credits in minor studio
- 6 credits in graduate seminar
- 6 credits in art history
- Candidacy approval
- 6 credits in thesis development (exhibition and written thesis with oral defense
To apply to the MFA program in Fine Arts we ask prospective students submit:
- 20 high resolution images of work with titles, materials and dates submitted in 1 single PDF file
- Artist Statement
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Official Transcripts - sent directly to the UNO admissions office
The due date for materials is March15th
in order to apply for admission during the 2020 fall semester.
We do not accept students for admission during the spring semester.
If you were unable to include the attached information in your application please email it to: Ariya Martin - amartin3@uno.edu