MFA > PROGRAM SUMMARY
USF’s MFA is a 60 credit-hour, three year program requiring a full-time engagement. Although there are structured course requirements, Students are also expected to attend lectures, visiting artists’ presentations, exhibitions and other non-course related activities. Students are encouraged to enroll in courses beyond the School and throughout the University.
First Three Semesters:
- Independent study with Faculty of your choice – any medium or discipline
- “Graduate Seminar ” course – critiques and discussion/debate of critical theory and contemporary issues
- First Year Students’ All-Faculty Critique (Fall and Spring)
- Required “Contemporary Thought” course
- Art History and outside electives of your choice
- Second Year Students Faculty Review (third semester)
- MFA courses, Professional Practices and Critical Writing required in second and third years
MFA Project Proposal – Fourth Semester:
- Each April, Fourth Semester MFA Students present selected recent artworks and a written proposal for an MFA Project, indicating focus and direction. Upon Faculty acceptance of the Proposal, the Student selects a three-person Supervisory Committee, with whom the Student will work until graduation.
- Students may also continue to work independently with other Faculty as well as enroll in electives outside of studio and the School.
MFA Exhibition, Supporting Document and Oral Examination:
- The MFA concludes with an MFA Graduation Exhibitiion of artworks resulting from the above Project, a related intensive written supporting document and an “orals” examination at the exhibition site during which the Student is questioned about the artworks by the Supervisory Committee and at least three other Faculty selected by the Student.
