Photography and Media Program Requirements

Master of Fine Arts and Advanced Certificate of Fine Arts

Learning Goals and Requirements for the Photography and Media MFA Program 

MFA Program Goals:

• Develop a distinctive and substantive body of work.

• Contextualize an art practice in formal, historical, conceptual, and personal terms.

• Establish a sustained discussion of artworks (about one’s own work and those of others) in connection with contemporary, historical, and theoretical discourse, along with a representational analysis.

• Gain the ability to conceptualize and execute an exhibition or other presentation of work, as demonstrated through at least two public presentations in the form of gallery exhibitions, screenings, or other approved projects.

• Demonstrate and maintain a practice supported by a Fall Intensive study with a dedicated faculty member during the third semester of residence, culminating in a final project.

• Complete a mid-residency review and graduation review, including an artist statement.

Mentoring:

Mentoring is an essential element of the program, providing structured guidance and support to students throughout their studies. Each student is assigned a dedicated faculty mentor who serves as an advocate and advisor.

Students are expected to:

·       Maintain regular contact with their mentor, including at least one meeting per semester.

·       Consult their mentor regularly regarding their course schedule.

·       Keep their mentor informed and involved in developing their artistic process and production.

Required Courses:

-       Two semesters of Graduate Critique

-       Two semesters of Graduate Seminar

-       One exhibition or other public presentation of their work per year on campus

-       Fall Intensive in the first semester of their second year of residency (or third semester of the student's residency). The Fall Intensive is a 5-unit independent study intended to help prepare for a final fourth-semester thesis project

Courses:

FIRST YEAR Requirements:

Graduate Critique (APHM515) (first semester)

Graduate Seminar (APHM525F) (topics change each semester)

Independent Study (APHM599)

Exhibition or other public presentation on campus

MFA Independent Studio (APHM700) (Winter Session)

SECOND YEAR Requirements:

Fall Intensive Study (APHM698)

Graduate Critique (APHM515)

Graduate Seminar (APHM525F) (topics change each semester)

Independent Study course (APHM699)

Exhibition or other public presentation on campus

MFA Independent Studio (APHM700) (Winter Session)