The California Sate University, Fullerton Master of Arts program in Art provides a balance between practice and theory for those students who seek to maintain wide creative options and an expansive view of the artist in society. The Department of Art is nationally accredited at the highest level of quality and professionalism (Division I) by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
The M.A. program provides broad study within a 30-unit approved plan in the following areas of concentration:
Drawing and painting (including printmaking)
Crafts (including ceramics, glass, jewelry; metalsmithing, or woodworking/furniture)
Design (including graphic design, illustration, exhibition design or creative photography)
Art History entrance to this program is by portfolio review. Contact the graduate secretary in the Department of Art for review dates scheduled in both Fall and Spring semesters. (714) 278-3471
1. Classified standing:
a. A baccalaureate degree in art with the same concentration as the graduate degree objective from an accredited institution, or 24 upper division units in art of which 12 units must be in a concentration completed with grades of B or better. Applicants are advised that most upper-division courses require lower-division prerequisites. A faculty adviser should be consulted with regard to recommended courses.
b. GPA minimum of 2.5 in the last 60 semester units attempted.
c. Pass comprehensive review: held semi-annually, the comprehensive review is an evaluation of the candidate by a committee comprised of faculty teaching in the area of concentration. The committee reviews the student's creative work, statement of purpose, academic and other relevant qualifications; assigned research papers are required of art history applicants in lieu of a portfolio. Procedures, dates, and appointment times are available through the art department graduate office.
d. Form a graduate committee.
e. Development of an approved study plan.
f. Art history program: reading knowledge of a foreign language may be required before advancement to candidacy.
2. Conditionally classified standing:
The same requirements as a. and b. above plus:
c. 1) Studio program: Participation in comprehensive portfolio review with a recommendation by the committee of conditional acceptance. 2) Art History program: satisfactory review of research papers by art history faculty.
d. Enrollment is allowed in graduate-level courses with the exception of Art 500A,B; 511; 512; 597; and 598.
e. Passing the comprehensive review will be required for classified standing.
The degree program requires 30 units of graduate study approved by the student's graduate committee of which 15 must be 500-level courses. The 30 units are distributed as follows:
1. Core courses in art history, philosophy, analysis and criticism (9 units)
a. Studio program: Art 500A Graduate Seminar in Major Field (3) Art history program: Art 511 Seminar on the Content and Method of Art History (3) (ADMISSION WITH CLASSIFIED STANDING ONLY)
b. Studio Program: Art 500B Graduate Seminar in Major Field (3) Art history program: Art 512 Seminar on Selected Topics in Art History (3) (ADMISSION WITH CLASSIFIED STANDING ONLY)
c. Art 481 Seminar in Art History (3), or substitute of a 400-level course in art history, theory, analysis or criticism on the recommendation of the major adviser.
2. 500-and/or 400-level courses in an area of concentration (minimum of six units at 500-Level) (12 units)
3. Additional course work in the area of concentration or approved electives (3 or 6 units)
4. Art 597 Project (for studio); or Art 598 Thesis (for art history) (3 or 6 units)
The M.A. study plan must be completed with no grade below C, a B average, and B or better in all courses in the area of concentration. Every graduate student is required to demonstrate writing ability commensurate with the baccalaureate degree. Two graduate seminars are certified to fulfill this university requirement. The Department of Art requires the studio candidate for the Master of Arts in Art to exhibit the project in one of the department's graduate galleries. The art history candidate is required to submit a written thesis based on a specific topic of research.
For further information consult the graduate program adviser and read the University Graduate Regulations.
The predominant concept taught in art history classes is that art of any given time and place reflects the basic attitudes and hopes of the people for which and by whom the art was created. Therefore, the emphasis is on the artists as individuals, on their patrons and on the society as a whole in which the worked.
Crafts including: Ceramics, Wood, Glass, Jewlery/Metalsmithing
Graduate work in crafts maintains a careful balance between conceptual development, personal expression and technical skills in the realization of form. Students will focus primarily in one medium but the potential for exploration and utilization of a variety of materials is open and encouraged. Historical issues of craft and utility are investigated, as students are encouraged to seek a personal vision.
Drawing & Painting including: Printmaking
Graduate work in drawing and painting encourages individual personal expression unlimited in conceptual scope. The program involves investigation into contemporary issues challenging students to find those critical ideas that will form their creative output. Diverse styles and attitudes are encouraged as well as both traditional and experimental methods of creating a body of work.
Design including: Graphic Design, Illustration, Creative Photography & Exhibition Design
Graduate work in design emphasizes critical thinking skills and problem-solving strategies. Using both traditional methods and digital technology students are engaged in projects that require research, interpretation, organization and visualization. As the digital revolution continues students are challenged to visualize in both print and electronic media and to take on challenging problems of communication in an information society.
Graduate work in sculpture explores a wide range of contemporary issues and ideas. The creation of three-dimensional work relies on the ability to work with a variety of materials and techniques. Students are encouraged to explore personal concepts using both traditional and new technologies in a facility equipped to handle wood working, plastic forming, metal welding and casting.