Art, MFA

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The MFA is the terminal degree in studio art. The normal period of study is three years in residence. Areas of specialization include ceramics, glass, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture & expanded practices. Although most MFA applicants apply to one of the above media specializations for admission, students may take electives in more than one medium and are encouraged to investigate new genres.

Applicants for the MFA must present evidence of a BFA or a BA with a strong studio art and art history background. The Department of Art and Art History acknowledges that some MFA applicants may not fit traditional criteria and will thus consider exceptional bachelor’s degree recipients that exhibit relevant backgrounds, strong commitment, and distinct potential in the visual arts. An applicant with a transcript of 25% or more nontraditionally graded undergraduate or graduate credit hours must submit GRE scores and course performance report forms.

Supporting material of 20 samples of original work should be submitted online (still images in jpeg format, no more than 1.5 mb each and video samples in .mov format) that illustrates abilities in an area of specialization, as well as potential for development within the scope of the department’s facilities and personnel. This visual material and three letters of recommendation should be sent to the Department of Art and Art History. The application form for graduate admission should be sent under separate cover to Graduate Division.

Deficient or incompatible undergraduate preparation may result in admission on a conditional basis and will require, at the discretion of the graduate faculty, additional course work.

After acceptance into the graduate program, admission to candidacy for the MFA degree will be based upon results of the graduate evaluation and a positive review of course work. Those failing must successfully pass on their second attempt or they will be dismissed from the program.

Failure to meet the requirements for continued registration or to show progress in course work will lead to probation and/ or dismissal from the graduate program.

Requirements

Students must complete 60 credit hours, including:

ART 611 - Graduate Studio Seminar in Art Credits: 6 (4 semesters)
ART 620 - Methods in Contemporary Art Credits: 3
ART 621 - Materials in Contemporary Art Credits: 3
9 credits of electives
6 credits of two art history courses (numbered 300 or above)
ART 690 - Seminar in Contemporary Critical Theory Credits: 3
ART 700 - Thesis Research Credits: V — 12 credits, including an exhibition and written documentation

Notes:

Conditional or unclassified graduate students may enroll only in ART 611 for a maximum of 6 credits. Consent of instructor is required.

Art courses numbered 300 and above and not required at the undergraduate level in the area of specialization are acceptable for graduate credit. Elective courses also may be selected from any other UH Mānoa department, provided such study is deemed useful and pertinent to the student’s degree plan. MFA students wishing to take ART 699 must petition through Graduate Division to apply it toward the degree. All elective courses require appropriate preparation and the consent of the instructor and graduate student’s advisor. For more information on the MFA program, contact gradart@hawaii.edu.