The Master of Fine Arts is a rigorous studio program for students with advanced proficiency and focus who are committed to becoming professional artists. The CSUF 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 (NASAD).
The M.F.A. program provides in-depth study within a 60-unit approved plan in the following areas of concentration:
Design (Including graphic design, illustration, environmental design, and exhibition design)
Ceramics (including glass)
Crafts (including jewelry/metalsmithing, and woodworking/furniture)
Drawing, painting, and printmaking
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. (657) 278-3471
1. Classified standing:
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,18 of which must be in the concentration completed with grades of B or better. Applicants are advised that most upper-division courses require lower division prerequisites.
b. Minimum grade-point average of 2.5 in the last 60 units attempted and have been in good standing at the last college attended.
c. Pass the comprehensive portfolio review: held semi-annually, the comprehensive portfolio 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. Procedures, dates, and appointment times are available through the art department graduate office.
If the student's portfolio is not adequate, the applicant could still be recommended for conditionally classified standing by the faculty comprehensive review committee. However, the comprehensive portfolio review must be repeated.
d. Form a graduate committee.
e. Develop an approved study plan.
2. Conditionally classified standing:
Conditionally classified students may enroll in graduate courses except for Art 500A, B; 511, 512, 597; and 598. The comprehensive portfolio review must be repeated and passed to be recommended for classification.
The M.F.A. degree program requires 60 units of graduate study. The study plan must be completed with grades of C or better, an overall B average or better and grades of B or better in the concentration. Every graduate student is required to demonstrate writing ability commensurate with the baccalaureate. Two graduate seminars are certified to fulfill this university requirement. The 60-unit study plan is distributed as follows:
The M.F.A. project exhibition constitutes a professional one-person art exhibit. It is installed in one of the department's graduate galleries and announced for public view by the student as the final phase of the M.F.A. program requirements.
Graduate work in this area encourages individual personal expression unlimited in conceptual scope. The program encourages passionately committed students to develop a serious approach to the development of meaningful art form. Students will engage in dialogue that will help to inform their intent as a creative artist. The sharing of ideas results in a highly energized and intense program in which students receive constant encouragement and challenges to excel.
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.
Graduate work in ceramics and glass encourages students to take a leadership role in ceramic education and critical thinking. Students investigate theory, and processes needed to address aesthetic issues. The emphasis is on experimentation with the medium to encourage individual style and expression in order to prepare a personal body of work.
Design including: Graphic Design, Illustration, Creative Photography & Exhibition Design
Graduate work in this degree program encourages students to prepare to take a leadership role in design education and critical thinking. It focuses on design theory, design philosophy, design methodology and design processes to engender insightful practical and experimental visual communication.
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.
Graduate work in photography, encourages self-expression by exploring the potential of the photographic image as it relates to history, culture, social and aesthetic concerns within the visual arts. Students are challenged to confront issues brought about by a medium undergoing accelerated change and transition. The program encourages exploration of traditional black and white and color processes, computer experimentation and computer and video sequential image making. In the end the student must seek a personal vision culminating in a body of work that is intellectually and artistically challenging.