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Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art

The MFA in Studio Art is a 30 credit-hour program beyond the M.A. (total of 60 hours) that sharpens your skills and perspectives in the studio. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), it provides the framework needed to teach at a university level.

M.A. applicants with 30 credit hrs. from recognized institutions are allowed to transfer directly into our BU M.F.A. program. Providing their M.A. degree reflects equivalent courses to those the BU M.A. program covers, and is a continuation of their institutes MA concentration/area of focus.

Taking Your Future Forward

So, what makes Bradley’s Studio Art MFA shine? From the freedom to collaborate with students across disciplines to exhibiting on campus and in the community, you’ll have all the tools you need to refine your expertise and start challenging tradition. And with studio options including drawing, painting, sculpture and visual communications, there are heaps of opportunities to make your mark at regional and national conferences and symposiums. Students in an MFA program typically learn advanced techniques in their chosen creative field, receive mentorship from faculty who are experienced professionals in their fields of art and design. They also learn how to give and receive constructive feedback, analyze and critique art, and develop their unique voice as an artist or visual communicator.

Graduate Admission Requirements

Learn more about graduate admission standards and application requirements on our Requirements page.

Program Admission Requirements

  • Proof of M.A. and official transcripts from program
  • Portfolio: digital images of a cohesive body of work (20 jpeg images at 72 ppi, 1020 pixels on longest side) representing: ceramics, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, or visual communication production work
  • Artist Statement
  • One additional electronic recommendation (total of three)
  • Personal interview with graduate or studio area co-coordinator (recommended)

Graduate Program Requirements

MFA Required Courses - 30 hrs.

MFA Needs:

  • Concentration - 15 hrs.
  • Electives, plus thesis and exhibition - 15 hrs.

30 credit hours of course work, which translates as:

  • Studio concentration area - 15 hrs.
  • Elective courses including an M.F.A. Art Thesis Exhibition (Art 699 at Bradley) - 15 hrs.

Minimum Combined MA + MFA Hours - 60 hrs.