A group of students working on a metal project in UAlbany's Boor Sculpture Studio.

Master of Fine Arts in
Studio Art

Program of Study

programofstudy

The MFA program in Studio Art at the University at Albany is now fully funded and tuition-free. All incoming Master of Fine Arts students—in-state, out-of-state and international—may attend our two-year program without paying tuition. Additionally, you'll receive an annual $21,000 assistantship.

Ten MFA students (five first-year and five second-year) are provided with private studios, access to excellent facilities and individualized guidance from professional faculty and visiting artists across all disciplines.

Our nationally ranked, interdisciplinary program culminates in a professionally produced group exhibition at the University Art Museum. Individual tutorials and group critiques, along with graduate seminars each semester, are designed to expand the breadth and depth of your understanding of contemporary art and your own studio practice.

This intensive program of study enables you to develop greater criticality and self-awareness while preparing you for a career in the arts.

Studio Art

  • Area of specialization (28 credits): painting, sculpture, drawing, digital imaging, printmaking or combined media which combines two areas.
  • Departmental Seminar (4 credits)
  • Exhibition Thesis Project (4 credits): Participation in a one-person exhibition in the University Art Museum is required.
  • Studio art (4 credits) in any area other than the area of specialization
  • Studio electives (8 credits)

Art History

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

General Electives

5 credits

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
appliedlearning
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. 

Popular careers 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

 

 

A student having conversation with a professor during a painting class.
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 '19

Awareness as Art
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
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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