Visual Studies, MFA

Program Description

Advanced study in Visual Arts and Design with an emphasis placed on the student’s individual research. The curriculum is specifically designed to be flexible to meet the individual research needs within contemporary, traditional and interdisciplinary approaches and media. The Department of Art and Design offers a wide range of facilities including graduate studios.

A variety of students with differing backgrounds and research interests is considered an important factor in the development of a scholarship community with an interest in developing original research.

Admission Requirements

Admission requires approval of a departmental entrance committee who will examine the applicant’s potential for further professional success in Visual Art and/or Design and the ability of the department to support the applicant’s stated path of study. For priority consideration deadlines, contact the department office.

Admission to the program is based on the following:

A bachelor’s degree with extensive preparation in the Visual Arts or Design and at least 9 hours in art history, art theory/criticism, or a related discipline (other options exist, see notation below);
A completed Missouri State University Graduate Application; and
The following materials must be submitted:

portfolio should document an original body of work that demonstrates technical acuity and a clear conceptual direction for potential graduate level research presented in an appropriate digital format (pdf is preferred for still images);
information list for each work in the portfolio including title, dimensions, materials, and year created;
a 300 to 800-word statement describing the reasons and goals behind the applicant’s interest in graduate study and the direction of intended research;
contact information (name, phone number, and email) of three professional references who can speak of the applicant’s academic achievements and potential;
a completed Graduate Assistantship Application if prospective student would like to be considered for this award (submitted directly to the Art and Design department).

Applicants will be notified by mail once their application is complete. Students who do not meet requirement 1 listed above, but show high promise, may be admitted conditionally. Conditions for such admission may require additional coursework.

Degree Requirements Minimum Credit Hours: 60

A minimum of 60 hours of coursework is required, ordinarily distributed over six semesters and three years.

In Addition to the Above, Select 3-6 Hours From the Following Art History Courses:

Students Are Encouraged

To incorporate coursework from other departments in the university as appropriate to their research. Courses that could be considered as substitutes for ART 699 and an art history elective, pending advisor approval, are listed below. Note that prerequisites may apply. Other courses could be considered on an individual basis, pending Graduate Coordinator approval.

Additional Degree Requirements

A student’s Program of Study is subject to the approval of the Graduate Coordinator in consultation with the major professor or faculty from the area of directed research. Additional coursework may be required to accommodate undergraduate deficiencies.

A probationary review will be conducted at the end of the third semester (during ART 703 ) evaluating a student’s progress toward his or her thesis development and a unified body of work. A less than satisfactory review could result in dismissal or additional coursework with a follow up review to assess progress.

The thesis requirement consists of the following:

the graduate exhibition/presentation of a substantial and accomplished body of original works of art of design during the final semester of the student’s program;
a written document pertaining to the work exhibited/presented, the character of which is determined by the area of study;
a final oral examination will be taken when the student has completed the program of study and the graduate exhibition/presentation, and a copy of the written document has been distributed to each member of the supervisory committee;
approved documentation of the graduate exhibition/presentation is to be submitted for the record to be kept by the Art and Design department.

For the awarding of the MFA degree, the following is required:

satisfactory completion of all coursework (no grades lower than a “C-” in any graduate course);
thesis requirements, as above;
positive recommendation by the thesis committee.