Master of Fine Arts

The student is expected to pass four formal academic reviews conducted by the faculty. If any review is unsatisfactory, the student is placed on probation and an additional review is scheduled. Failure to pass the probationary review will result in dismissal from the program. 

These reviews are mandatory and occur at the end of first quarter, end of third quarter, during fifth quarter, and end of sixth quarter at the thesis exhibition.

The purpose of the faculty review is to evaluate each student's artistic development and overall progress in the MFA program. Reviews assess the evolution of the student's research, conceptual development, writing, studio production, material exploration, and ability to follow through on previously identified goals and lines of inquiry. 

They also consider the student's engagement with critique, responsiveness to feedback, and sustained commitment to an evolving artistic practice. Students are expected to maintain an active studio practice, engage fully in the intellectual and creative life of the program, and demonstrate professionalism in all teaching responsibilities, including teaching assistantships and independent course instruction.

Six quarters (minimum of 36 units), which includes one seminar in the spring (ARTSTUDI342C) and two in the autumn and in the winter (ARTSTUDI342A and ARTSTUDI342B). In addition students are required to enroll in quarterly individual tutorials with a selected member of the faculty (ARTSTUDI342). 

All seminars must be taken for a letter grade. See the MFA Handbook for further details.

Teaching is core to the academic and professional training of students in the MFA program. All students are required to complete a total of 6 quarters of teaching experience during their time in the program. The particulars of the teaching experience and assignment are at the department’s discretion.

Graduate students in good standing may propose solo teaching an undergraduate art class in their second year, subject to faculty and department approval.

The MFA thesis consists of two components: an exhibition presented at the end of the sixth quarter and a written thesis documenting and analyzing the development of the student's work over the two years in the program. The written thesis is completed during the fifth quarter, while participation in the MFA exhibition at the end of the sixth quarter is required.

The final written thesis is due at the end of the winter quarter of the second year of study (fifth quarter) and must be approved by the faculty thesis committee. Printed archival copies of the approved thesis must be submitted to the Art Library by this deadline. Students who wish to produce an alternative thesis format, such as an artist book, may do so only after completing and submitting the required written thesis.