Painting + Drawing - MFA
Program Overview
The Painting + Drawing program is based upon the belief that these media are the basis of a language that simultaneously upholds tradition and constantly seeks experimentation to expand and redefine its boundaries. We offer graduate students intensive professional training in a liberal arts setting. Graduate students are encouraged to experiment with a broad range of technical and theoretical interests in a way that upholds, expands, and redefines the boundaries of art.
The Master of Fine Arts in Painting + Drawing is an intensive three-year program. The first and second years are primarily devoted to studio, seminar, art history, and elective coursework. During the third year, there is a pure dedication to studio time in preparation for the Thesis Exhibition. As part of this three-year studio experience, the student will have individual and group meetings with faculty, interaction with peers in and outside of the Painting + Drawing Area, and will participate in graduate critiques. A normal full-time academic load is 15 credit-hours per semester and progress toward the degree is guided by the student's graduate review committee members to the successful completion of 90 credit hours over the course of six semesters (three years).
This program is committed to cutting-edge professional art training within the context of a liberal arts university. In an atmosphere that is both supportive and challenging, students are asked to question their intentions, investigate and expand their ideas of painting, drawing, and art in general while developing a coherent body of work that serves as the beginning of a dialog with the world.
Program Learning Outcomes
- Students will be able to demonstrate mastery in skills, techniques and material germane to the student's research focus, evidenced through a mature body of creative work
- Students will be able to identify key figures, works and sources, both historical and contemporary, as evidence to support a clearly stated thesis contextualizing the student's work.
- Students will be able to generate documents appropriate to professional practice in the student's field of focus, and be prepared for participation in the professional world of Art.
- Students will be able to execute public exhibitions of their creative work.
Admissions Information
Admission to the MFA program requires a Bachelor of Art (B.A.), Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) or equivalent degree. Transfer credit is typically not accepted. In addition to completing the online application to Ohio University, applicants must submit a digital portfolio of 20 images representing their original artworks through ouschoolofart.slideroom.com. Within the online application to OU, applicants should upload their CV/resume, artist statement, professional goals statement, transcripts, and a list of three professional references with contact information. These references will automatically receive requests for letters of recommendation via the online system. Contact ArtGrad@ohio.edu for questions about the application process.
International Students
This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
Our students regularly go on to receive Fulbright Awards, national artist-in-residencies, gallery representation, university teaching positions and other types of professional positions in the field as post-graduates.