COURSE CURRICULUM

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art at Wichita State University is a 60-credit-hour terminal degree program structured to provide advanced professional training across multiple studio disciplines, including ceramics, painting, photo media, printmaking, and sculpture, with a strong emphasis on independent studio research, critical inquiry, and exhibition-based practice. Across all emphases, students are required to complete core coursework such as ARTS 790 Graduate Teaching Seminar and ARTS 895 Professional Practices in Studio Art, along with at least 6 credit hours of art history courses and up to 6 credit hours of approved elective coursework, typically selected from advanced art history or related 500-level or higher courses, ensuring both theoretical grounding and interdisciplinary flexibility. The program requires that 45 of the total 60 credit hours be completed at the 800 level or above, reinforcing advanced academic and studio-level rigor throughout the degree. Each studio emphasis includes extensive specialized studio coursework—such as ARTS 870 and ARTS 875 in ceramics or ARTS 850 in painting—along with a required minor concentration of 12 credit hours drawn from other studio areas to encourage cross-disciplinary engagement and artistic breadth. All students must complete a structured sequence of terminal project courses specific to their discipline, culminating in a final MFA exhibition and accompanying written documentation that includes an artist statement, resume, and visual record of work, which together form the capstone requirement. The program also includes a series of formal assessment milestones, including a first-year review, mid-program review, terminal project proposal review, progress review, and final terminal project review with oral examination, ensuring consistent evaluation of artistic development, academic standing, and research direction throughout the degree. A Graduate Plan of Study must be filed after completion of 24 credit hours, and transfer credit may be considered under strict university guidelines but does not replace admission requirements. Overall, the MFA in Studio Art emphasizes professional studio practice, critical reflection, and public exhibition, preparing graduates for careers as professional artists, educators, and creative researchers.