UAlbany students working in the sculpture studio.

Master of Fine Arts

Studio Art

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Master your craft

Build your portfolio, improve your artistic ability and gain invaluable insight from experts in the field with an MFA in Studio Art from the University at Albany.

This program uses a blend of fascinating courses and practical studio work to improve your ability to create complex, multi-dimensional work. An MFA is widely recognized as a necessary credential for a faculty position in higher education. In addition, this prestigious degree solicits esteem from artistic peers and superiors.

Program of Study

programofstudy

Improve your understanding and interpretation of contemporary art through challenging, stimulating coursework. Studio courses allow you to improve your skills in a variety of mediums. Our well-equipped art studios are open 24 hours a day, offering multiple settings to produce your best work, from private and semi-private studios to spacious common work areas.

The Studio Art faculty will work closely with you to develop and improve your graduate portfolio. Showcase your thesis work in a public setting at the University Art Museum, with a reception and printed brochure, as the culminating component of the program sequence.

You have the opportunity to complete this highly competitive 60-credit MFA program in two years. Upon acceptance, you will be offered Teaching or Graduate Assistantship funding and a 50 percent tuition waiver.


Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details.

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

Studio Art

  • Area of specialization (28 credits): painting, sculpture, drawing, digital imaging, printmaking or combined media which combines two areas.
  • Art 700 Departmental Seminar (4 credits)
  • Art 745 Exhibition Thesis Project (4 credits)
  • Studio art (4 credits) in any area other than the area of specialization
  • Studio electives (8 credits)


Art History

  • Arh 600 Seminar in Contemporary Art (4 credits)
  • Three (3) credits of any Art History course of 500 or above


General Electives

5 credits

Satisfactory participation in a one-person exhibition in the University Museum is required as a part of the Exhibition Thesis Project.

Applied Learning

Exhibit your work in a variety of renowned regional venues, including the Arts Center of the Capital Region, the Albany Center Gallery, Collarworks Gallery and the Albany International Airport Gallery.

We make frequent departmental visits to several famous New York City galleries and museums. Take part in guided trips to attend regional presenters at locations all around the Northeast.

 

Gain practical experience through funded assistantships, serving as Instructor of Record of an undergraduate foundation course under the supervision of a full-time faculty member. Positions held by previous UAlbany MFA students include:

  • Curatorial Assistant in the University Art Museum
  • Digital Lab Technical Supervisor
  • Wood Shop Manager
  • Metal Shop Manager
  • Visiting Artist Liaison
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Career Outcomes

Our talented alumni have exhibited their works in some of the most prestigious museums and galleries in the world. Among our alumni are recipients of numerous grants and awards, including Guggenheim and New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowships. Some popular careers that MFA graduates have pursued include:

  • Artist
  • Professional photographer
  • Designer
  • Commercial art director
  • Gallery director
  • Critic
  • Curator
  • Museum professional
  • College and university faculty
  • K-12 educator

 

 

careers

"I applied for the MFA program at UAlbany hoping that at the very least it would help me become a better artist. My experience after only three semesters has exceeded my expectations. With challenging and insightful input from both the faculty and fellow students, my art has evolved dramatically."

- Björn Bauer, Class of 2019

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 Fine Arts
  • Creating:
    • Students will produce artwork that expresses a personal artistic vision.
    • Students will produce work that demonstrates technical expertise.
    • Students will produce work that reflects an understanding of contemporary issues and culture.
  • Interpreting:
    • Students will demonstrate their abilities to critically interpret works of art within a variety of contexts.
  • Evaluating:
    • Students will demonstrate a knowledge of contemporary art, ideas, and approaches in both a written and oral form.
  • Presenting:
    • Students will develop skills necessary for successful practice as an artist.
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