Graduate Programs

Master of Fine Arts, Studio Art (M.F.A.)

The Master of Fine Arts degree at Towson University is designed to meet the needs of those who wish to pursue the study of art, either for a career as an artist, or as a college-level instructor. The program consists of professional study in painting, photography, digital media, graphic design, illustration, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, metalsmithing and jewelry and interrelated media. M.F.A. students are encouraged to attend full time, but may attend part time for part or all of their degree work. The M.F.A. student enrolled full time also maintains a residency in the Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education, working in an assigned studio space.

The Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education fosters an M.F.A. program that draws from all aspects of a diverse and comprehensive curriculum. M.F.A. students study within a specific concentration while also being able to choose from a wide variety of learning experiences. The conceptual and ideological bases for artistic endeavors are explored through art history, graduate seminars and weekly critiques. The goals of the M.F.A. program are to direct the M.F.A. student to explore, focus and excel. Through conceptual and ideological dialogue, as well as the availability of technical expertise, the M.F.A. student at Towson is directed toward thematic consistency. While the postmodern environment encourages the integration of new technologies, interdisciplinary approaches and multicultural influences, the need to focus ideas within this climate is foremost in the mentoring of developing artists in the M.F.A. program.

Applicants to the M.F.A. program who are denied admission but display outstanding potential may be invited to participate in post-baccalaureate studies in studio art as preadmission course work for the M.F.A. program in Studio Art. Upon successful completion, these studies guarantee acceptance into the M.F.A. program in Studio Art.