UAlbany students participating in a painting class.

Master of Arts

Studio Art

Program of Study

programofstudy

Take advantage of this 30-credit MA studio art program with the ability to complete all requirements in only one year. During this time, you can work to develop an impressive portfolio that you can use to apply for an MFA or other competitive residency program or use the excellent training from this program to seek teaching credentials to become a K-12 educator.

This interdisciplinary program offers a variety of seminars and practical studio work assignments across a variety of styles, including Painting and Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture and Installation and Photography and Related Media. The Studio Art program provides 24-hour access to private and semi-private studios, well-equipped common work areas and state-of-the-art production facilities. At the end of the program, you will have the opportunity to share your thesis in the Boor Sculpture Studio with a reception that is open to the public.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

For more information, contact Adam Frelin at [email protected]​​​​​​​.

Studio Art

24 Credits

  • Area of specialization (12 credits): painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, photography, or combined media.
  • Art 500 MA Seminar (3 credits)
  • Art 645 Thesis Exhibition (3 credits)
  • Drawing and Related Media (6 credits: Art 505A and 505B)


Art History Electives

3 credits of any 500 level course or above


General electives

3 credits

Career Outcomes

A master's degree in studio art prepares you for a career as a creator, critic, or curator. Alumni job titles include:

  • Photographer
  • Designer
  • Exhibiting artist
  • Commercial art director
  • Gallery director
  • Critic
  • Curator
  • Museum professional
  • K-12 educator
careers

"My experience at the University at Albany has been exceptional. The quality of the facilities here are fantastic and so is the faculty. They make sure that I have the tools and guidance that I need in order to excel."

- Adrian Lee, '19

Content

admissions
Student Learning Objectives


Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

Master of Arts
  • Creating:
    • Students will have working knowledge of a variety of media, with an emphasis on drawing, that will help them succeed as elementary or secondary school teachers.
    • Students will produce a small body of work that begins to exhibit some overlapping thematic and conceptual concerns.
    • Students will demonstrate their proficiency with specific materials and techniques within a defined medium.
  • Interpreting:
    • Students will become familiar with the terms and goals of oral critique.
    • Students will have an introductory level ability to analyze their work and the work of others.
    • Students will demonstrate that they are able to utilize critical thinking skills in critique, to comprehend and apply basic visual and conceptual principles and to articulate a clear verbal presentation of aesthetic ideas.
  • Evaluating:
    • Students will possess an introductory level knowledge of contemporary art and a firm foundation of familiarity with art from the past.
    • Students will demonstrate their ability to judge relative merits and quality of artwork particularly within the context of historical art.
  • Presenting:
    • Students will demonstrate skills in preparing and installing works of art for the purposes of presenting in group critique.
    • Students will understand how to show their work to best advantage in a group exhibition.
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