COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program is a comprehensive 60-unit graduate degree designed to develop advanced artistic practice, critical thinking, and professional skills in a chosen area of concentration. The program begins with 12 units of graduate seminars and critiques, which focus on interdisciplinary engagement and the development of creative work. Students are required to complete ART 281A, an interdisciplinary critique and presentation seminar, along with two additional repeatable courses such as digital media seminars, tutorials, or interdisciplinary critique seminars. These courses emphasize feedback, experimentation, and the refinement of artistic concepts.In addition, students complete 6 units of seminars focused on contemporary art theory and criticism, including ART 282A and ART 282B, with the latter fulfilling the GWAR requirement. Students also take a 3-unit additional course, choosing between museum and gallery operations or artists teaching art, which helps prepare them for professional roles in the art world. A further 6 units in upper-division art history ensure that students develop a strong contextual and historical understanding of art. The program also includes a 3-unit professional writing course, ART 200W, which strengthens written communication skills for artistic and academic purposes.Students complete 24 units of electives, allowing flexibility to explore specialized interests and expand their artistic practice. A 3-unit special study course, ART 298A, focuses on planning the final MFA project. The program concludes with a 3-unit culminating experience, ART 298B, where students complete their MFA project, demonstrating the integration of their creative, theoretical, and professional training. Overall, the 60-unit structure ensures a balance between studio practice, critical theory, professional development, and independent artistic research, preparing graduates for careers as professional artists, educators, and contributors to the contemporary art field.