Fine Arts - Master of Fine Arts
Emphasis: Studio Art
Art requirements for an MFA degree with an emphasis in studio art include a minimum of 60 credits of academic work, usually completed in three years. Of those 60 credits,
- 9 must be taken in art history,
- 6 in non-art courses numbered 450 or above,
- 6 in ARTS 598 Studio Thesis
- 3 in ARTH 579 Methodologies and Historiography of Art History and Art Theory
- 12 in ARTS 596 Graduate Studio Seminar.
In order to remain in good standing in the MFA program, a student must maintain an average GPA of 3.0. Any grade lower than B- in an Art Department graduate course is considered failing. In the event that a student fails a required course, they must repeat the class in order to get credit for it. If a student is awarded a graduate assistantship, he or she must maintain an average GPA of 3.0.
| Prefix | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Program Requirements | ||
| ARTH 579 | Methodologies and Historiography of Art History and Art Theory | 3 |
| Seminar | 12 | |
| Graduate Studio Seminar | 3 | |
| ARTS 598 | Studio Thesis | 6 |
| ARTS Electives (ARTS 500 level) | 18 | |
| Non-ARTS/Non-ARTH 450 level or higher courses | 6 | |
| ARTS courses (500 level) | 9 | |
| Two additional courses, either ARTS 596 or 500-level ARTS Elective | 6 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Semester Reviews
At the end of the first two semesters, each graduate student's creative production will be reviewed by the assembled faculty. Participation in semester reviews are required for successful completion of graduate level studio courses.
Candidacy
Candidacy occurs during the third semester of study in residency. Candidacy consists of a formal review of the student’s work by the assembled graduate faculty. The graduate faculty advances the student to his or her final 3 semesters of study by a majority vote. If the faculty does not advance the student, candidacy may be repeated one additional time at the end of the next consecutive semester. The final three semesters of thesis work will commence from that point. Students who are not successful in their second candidacy attempt will be dis-enrolled from the MFA program.
Thesis Committee
At the end of the third semester and after a successful candidacy the student will propose his or her thesis committee, consisting of two department of art graduate faculty members, and one graduate faculty member from outside the department.
Thesis Exhibition
The studio thesis will culminate in an exhibition of the candidate’s creative works and a written thesis statement. A successful oral examination and defense of the thesis and exhibition is required for graduation. Two copies of the thesis and a photographic record of the final exhibition are required; other requirements may be determined by the graduate faculty. Students who do not satisfactorily complete their oral examination may not participate in the thesis exhibition.
Thesis exhibitions for the MFA degree will be held in the spring semester in the University Art Museum. Students who wish to graduate at mid-year are obligated to find an exhibition space other than the NMSU Art Museum that meets with the approval of the graduate committee. In this case the student is responsible for making all arrangements for the thesis exhibition.