Academic Programs

MFA in Art

The School of Art & Art History offers fine arts graduate study in the areas of Media, Studio, and Visual Communications. The MFA program focuses study on a particular emphasis within the various categories. Studio concentrations are in sculpture, ceramics, painting or printmaking. Media includes concentrations in film, video or photography. Visual Communication focuses largely on graphic design but also includes work in digital multimedia. The MFA program is intended to prepare students for careers as professional artists and designers and as the terminal degree, provides qualifications required to teach in higher education.

The MFA program is primarily a studio residency program occasionally requiring structured classroom instruction. Students in the MFA program must be self-motivated and self-disciplined, working under the direction of faculty advisors. Students participate in regularly scheduled critiques and performance evaluations by a faculty committee. Graduate students are encouraged to develop their own creative direction within the context of contemporary culture, theory and history. They are expected to develop new skills and encouraged to build on existing ones. Successful students will demonstrate proficiency, self-confidence and professionalism within their discipline.

The MFA is a 60 credit hour degree requiring a minimum of two years residency although most students take three years to complete the program. The degree culminates with an MFA exhibition, a written document based on the thesis proposal that accompanies the exhibition and a public oral defense presented to the entire faculty. The degree consists of 3 credit hours of Graduate Seminar, 9 hours of graduate level Art History courses, 25 hours of graduate area specialization, 18 hours of graduate electives, and 5 hours comprising the thesis and exhibition in the final semester. Transfer students are eligible to apply up to 15 hours towards the degree upon approval of the faculty and graduate liaison.

Students accepted into the program are eligible for competitive Graduate Assistantships and scholarships. Assistantships include generous 9 month stipends that currently start at $9585 and provide partial tuition waivers for both resident & non-resident students. GA appointments are generally awarded for the duration of the candidate’s study for up to three years, but appointments are based on regular performance evaluations. MFA candidates are also provided studio space for up to three years. Rarely are students allowed to extend their study beyond 3 years and the program generally does not provide financial support or studio space for student extensions.

Applications are due January 15th each year for fall admission only. MFA students are not accepted to begin in the spring semester. Applications must be made to both the university and the School of Art & Art History. International students must complete TOEFL requirements if applicable.

Additional information regarding graduate studies, admissions, scholarships and financial aid can be found at the University of Oklahoma Graduate College.

Professor, Jonathan Hils serves at the MFA director and Graduate Liaison. Prospective students may contact him at hils@ou.edu or call 405.325.3217 with questions or to schedule a meeting on campus. Additionally, it is suggested that students consult area faculty about program expectations, discuss creative emphasis and review portfolios.

For Additional Information:
MFA Graduate Handbook 2009-2010
OU Graduate Bulletin
MFA Application