MA/MFA Studio Art Program
The University at Albany is one of the four comprehensive research and graduate centers of the State University of New York. The Art Department faculty is comprised of nationally recognized, practicing professional artists and art historians who are dedicated to teaching. Faculty members have received many grants and awards, including Prix de Rome, Fulbright, NEA, NYFA and Tiffany fellowships. Our graduate program, comprised of thirty to forty graduate students, is highly selective, with applicants coming from all regions of the United States and abroad.
Both Master of Fine Arts (60 credits) and Master of Arts (30 credits) are offered. Graduate students take required credits in an area of specialization (MA 12 credits; MFA 24 credits); Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Photography, Printmaking or Combined Media (which may include any combination of the above, plus Video, Digital Media or Performance). Students are provided with a private studio space and spacious, well-equipped common work areas and exhibition spaces.
Albany and the Upstate New York area are home to a broad range of visual arts institutions and within easy driving distance of the major cultural resources of New York City and Boston. The Visiting Artist program brings distinguished artists and critics to campus for public lectures and individual critiques with students.
M.A. Program Requirements (30 credits total)
- 24 credits of Studio Art
- 3 credits of Art History
- 3 credits of General Electives
M.F.A. Program Requirements (60 credits total)
- 48 credits of Studio Art, including a Departmental Seminar and Exhibition Thesis Project
- 7 credits of Art History, including a Seminar in Contemporary Art
- 5 credits of general electives
Teaching Assistantships and Financial Aid
Teaching Assistantships are awarded to MFA candidates only. Awards are given based on the quality of the applicant's portfolio and departmental needs. An assistantship stipend is approximately $4500 per year, a half tuition waiver, and a health insurance program. Graduate Assistants are obligated for 10 hours a week to assist faculty or to teach a class with faculty supervision Contact the Financial Aid Office (518-442-5757 or 518-442-5480) for complete information on financial aid/student loan opportunities.
