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Columbia Campus    
2019-2020 Graduate Studies Bulletin 
    
 
  Nov 23, 2024
 
2019-2020 Graduate Studies Bulletin

Art Studio, M.F.A.


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Learning Outcomes

  • All MFA Studio Art graduate students will identify the processes, techniques, materials and technologies of art as they pertain to specific areas of studio art. 
  • All MFA Studio Art graduate students will explore the development of art, within their own and other cultures, from pre-history to the present.
  • The Studio (MFA) graduate student will pursue the mastery of their chosen concentration in the visual arts. The Studio (MFA) graduate student will develop a significant body of artwork. The (MFA) student will develop competence in the organization, interpretation, and dissemination of artistic knowledge, along with an understanding of how their individual creative endeavors relate to the larger culture.

  • All MFA Studio Art graduate students will critically analyze aspects of the design and art making proces and evaluate theories, philosophies, and research in the practice of the studio arts.
  • All MFA Studio Art graduate students will, through their artwork, demonstrate their competency of aesthetic literacy.
  • All MFA Studio Art graduate students will identify the processes, techniques, materials and technologies of art as they pertain to specific areas of studio art: 1. Awareness of current issues and developments that are influencing the principal field(s) of study, and the basic ability and clear potential to contribute to the expansion and evolution of these field(s).  2. Writing and speaking skills to communicate clearly and effectively to the art and/or design communities, the public, and in formal or informal teaching situations.  3. Advanced capabilities with technologies utilized in the creation, dissemination, documentation, and preservation of work in the field(s) or area(s) of specialization.  4. A basic knowledge of bibliographic or information resources associated with work and analysis in the major field(s) of study. 

Degree Requirements (60 Hours)

The University of South Carolina offers the MFA degree program in Art Studio. The MFA degree provides the opportunity for professional growth and mastery of skills by requiring students pursue major and minor areas of concentration from among the following subject areas: drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, ceramics, and/or sculpture (3-D studies). Completion of the degree primarily affirms a candidate’s mastery of studio production in their major and minor areas of concentration. Additionally, through competitively assigned assistantships, candidates may develop professional competency in the teaching of studio art at the college and university level. The MFA degree requires a minimum of 60 hours of graduate level course credit:

  • 33 hours art studio-to include 18 hours in the major area of concentration, 9 hours in the minor area of concentration, and 6 hours of Art Studio electives.
  • 12 hours from art history, theory, criticism, and/or art education.
  • 6 to 9 hours of the MFA Project (ARTS 896 and 897), including a written proposal and project documentation, and oral defense.
  • 6 to 9 hours of graduate electives.

All MFA candidates are also required to complete a first semester critique with the Art Studio faculty. The critique is non-evaluative, allowing for open discussion of the student’s work produced during the semester.

MFA candidates must then successfully complete and pass two progress reviews, one each at the completion of the second and third semesters. Each review intends to provide a forum for discussion and evaluation of work produced during the semester, to give students an opportunity for contact with studio faculty and to monitor the candidate’s progress. The reviews are equivalent to master’s comprehensive exams.

Failure to pass will result in a re-review at the end of the next semester by the entire faculty. Candidates who do not pass re-reviews may not continue in the program. Students will not be allowed to register for ARTS 896  (Project Proposal) prior to successfully completing the two reviews.

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