The University of the Arts offers a MFA in Studio Art, allowing candidates to explore in a multitude of artistic disciplines. Formerly known as the MFA in Ceramics, Painting and Sculpture, the program has recently expanded its range of disciplines to include Photography, Multi-media and Interdisciplinary Arts. Students can still choose to “major” in one of the three primary disciplines but will have access to a wider range of facilities and instruction. This allows students the opportunity to maintain a primary discipline while experiencing other facets of making that may have been previously unavailable to them, or that they wish to investigate on an independent basis fast-paper-editing.com.
Low Residency
The low-residency MFA in Studio Art program is a unique program which offers you a studio-based education providing the conceptual, critical, historical and practical knowledge needed to sustain a successful studio. The program is designed to meet the needs of artists working and living in the Philadelphia area, as well as artists who are seeking a distance learning master of fine arts degree.
This program provides both a fully immersed campus experience and an independent study experience that offers the candidate the opportunity to complete the MFA in a year-round study both on and off-campus. Students enter the program in mid-June for an 8-week semester in residence at the center city Philadelphia campus until mid-August when they return to their home studios to take on the fall semester. During the fall and spring semesters, students work off-campus by seeing a faculty mentor every three weeks. Students living around the country follow the same curriculum by seeing artist mentors located in their region every three weeks.
A low residency program is uniquely crafted to include an integral studio program coupled with a professional practice writing component to best prepare our graduates for the real-world experience in a creative discipline. In a traditional program a student would be challenged in a closed environment, while in a low-residency program, the environment is opened to include all aspects of the student’s life. Where life is often “on hold” during graduate study, we prefer our students to experience a graduate program from multiple viewpoints: as a student and as a professional. The summer semester of the program takes advantage of the mentoring, instruction and critical development that the university setting has to offer. The spring and fall semesters are independently designed by the student while they maintain constant contact with their faculty, either though personal meetings or distance learning.
The definitions of Studio Art are continually changing. Our program understands the multi-disciplinary nature of visual arts in a contemporary world, and the importance of creating a path of study that reflects this dynamism. Moreover, we strongly feel that it is important for our graduate students to interact as a group and create lasting connections within the Program and the larger world.
The MFA low-residence program began accepting students in 1995. The NASAD accredited 60 credit MFA Program is structured as a year-round format and can be completed within 2 1/2 years. Students can only enter the program in June of each year. The schedule of study is listed below.
Year One Credits: 21
Summer Year One, Credits: 12
- FINA 613 – Graduate Drawing: 3 Credits
- FINA 610 – Major Studio I: 6 Credits
- GRAD 655 – Graduate Seminar: Visual Culture Studies: 3 Credits
Fall Year One, Credits: 4.5
- FINA 611 – Independent Studio I: 3 Credits
- FINA 621 – Independent Writing Project I: 1.5 Credits
Spring Year One, Credits: 4.5
- FINA 612 – Independent Studio II: 3 Credits
- FINA 622 – Independent Writing Project II: 1.5 Credits
Year Two Credits: 21
Summer Year Two, Credits: 12
- FINA 615 – Major Studio II: 6 Credits
- FINA 614 – Studio Topics: Contemporary Practices: 3 Credits
- GRAD 656 – Graduate Seminar: Contemporary Topics in Art and Design: 3 Credits
Fall Year Two, Credits: 4.5
- FINA 781 – Thesis Writing Project I; 1.5 Credits
- FINA 783 – Thesis Preparation I; 3 Credits
Spring Year Two, Credits: 4.5
- FINA 782 – Thesis Writing Project II: 1.5 Credits
- FINA 784 – Thesis Preparation II: 3 Credits
Year Three Credits: 18
Summer Year Three, Credits: 12
- FINA 740 – Professional Practices: 3 Credits
- FINA 710 – Major Studio III: 6 Credits
- GRAD 750 – Graduate Seminar: Criticism: 3 Credits
Fall Year Three, Credits: 6
- FINA 785 – MFA Thesis Exhibition: 6 Credits
MFA students in the Studio Arts program have access to nearly all the University facilities during their summer semester. Each Student receives their own studio for the time they are working on campus. First year students will share a larger studio room broken into spaces while upper level students will have a shared or solo studio, depending on their needs.
Beyond the personal spaces, students have full access to:
- The university ceramics studio, including electric kilns, three major gas kilns with 90-, 40- and 30- cubic foot capacity, throwing wheels, storage space and workspaces
- A dedicated painting studio space, individual or shared, along with printmaking facilities which can be used under the guidance of a printmaking MFA student or monitor
- A full metal shop and wood shop specific to the needs of sculpture students
- A foundry capable of large bronze pours (one to two are done each summer)
- A full photo studio and darkroom
- Several digital media labs with film and video editing and laser cutting capabilities
- Gallery spaces and small installation spaces available for critiques, impromptu works and exhibitions
Students may chose to spend their summer semester in the university housing or in independently arranged housing. If you decide to arrange your own housing you may contact the graduate office for recommendations or help navigating the city. There are many apartment complexes within walking distance to the school, as well as many sublet opportunities posted during the summer. The easiest housing method, however, is through the university housing system described below.
The University of the Arts has made a commitment to meet the residential needs of its students by housing them in a safe environment convenient to the University. Male and female student will reside in Furness Hall. Laundry facilities are available on the first floor. These modern 3 bedroom apartments contain a bathroom, full kitchen and a separate living room. Internet access is provided. Each apartment is furnished with a twin-size bed, dresser, desk and chair. There will be one student per apartment.
Costs
Students are housed in a private one bedroom apartment for $221.00 per week. Please indicate your choice on the return portion of the form. A non-refundable $100 Housing Reservation Deposit is required before the housing application can be processed. This deposit will be applied against your housing bill. There is an additional $100 Housing Damage Deposit, which is refunded at the end of the summer after any charges for room damage are deducted.
Housing Reservation and Application
To reserve on-campus housing, complete the Housing Reservation Form available from the university website and return with the $100 non-refundable Housing Reservation Deposit. There are a limited number of on-campus spaces for graduate students. Those who submit an application and non-refundable Housing Deposit by May 1 will be considered on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please note that your Housing Reservation Deposit will not be processed unless a Tuition Deposit has been received.
For additional Housing information contact:
The University of the Arts
The Office of Student Life
215-717-6970
reslife@uarts.edu
What does low-residence mean?
This low-residence MFA program provides both a fully immersed campus experience and an independent study experience that offers the artist-student the opportunity to complete the MFA in a year-round study both on and off-campus. Students enter the program in mid-June for an 8-week semester in residence at the center city Philadelphia campus until mid-August when they return to their home studios to take on the fall semester. During the fall and spring semesters, students work off-campus by seeing a faculty mentor every three weeks. Students living around the country follow the same curriculum by seeing artist mentors located in their region every three weeks.
Why low-residence vs. traditional MFA program?
A low residency program is uniquely crafted to include an integral studio program coupled with a professional practice writing component to best prepare our graduates for the real-world experience in a creative discipline. In a traditional program a student would be challenged in a closed environment, while in a low-residency program, the environment is opened to include all aspects of the student’s life. Where life is often “on hold” during graduate study, we prefer our students to experience a graduate program from multiple viewpoints: as a student and as a professional. The summer semester of the program takes advantage of the mentoring, instruction and critical development that the university setting has to offer. The spring and fall semesters are independently designed by the student while they maintain constant contact with their faculty, either though personal meetings or distance learning.
What happens during the summer session?
Each graduate student arrives at the beginning of the summer semester, which is typically the third week of June. When they arrive they are assigned a studio space based on the needs of their artwork. First year students generally work in communal studios with individual work areas for each student. Second year students work in a shared space with one to two other students, while Third year students have individual studio spaces. Studio spaces all have air conditioning and some have amenities such as sinks, bathrooms, ovens, etc. There are a variety of shared workspaces for students to use as well, such as a metal shop/foundry, ceramic kiln rooms, sculpture areas, gallery spaces and critique areas.How do the off-campus semesters work? What do I have to do?
At the end of each summer and following the final critique, students download the 2 independent study proposal forms for the semester (one for studio and one for writing/research). Students write proposals indicating what they plan to do for the semester, and email their proposals to their studio mentor and writing mentor. Then, students get to work. Students are required to meet with their studio mentors at least four times over the duration of the semester for critiques, and regularly complete written projects for their writing mentor.At the end of the fall semester, in early December, students bring their work to campus for final evaluation and grading at the Winter Critique. Spring semester work is evaluated when students return to campus for the next summer session.
Who would my artist mentor be?
The Director, and Faculty work one-on-one with students to determine the best mentor for each individual student. This decision is often based on the nature of the student’s work, location, and the student’s agenda for study. Students may choose to work with one of the faculty with whom they work in the summer, or an artist outside of the academy. If a student lives a distance from the Philadelphia campus, we identify a mentor artist living in your region to work with you each semester.
I have BA, but I don’t have a BFA. Can I still apply?
Yes, as long as the work you submit in your portfolio indicates your involvement producing a sustained body of work and that you have had 3-4 art history courses. While most of our students do come with a BFA, many do not; some may have a BA in Studio Art, Architectural Studies or Philosophy. However, all of these students have sufficient studio experience that is evident in the nature and quality of their work.
What are the application requirements and program requirements?
Application requirements are determined by the University of the Arts and cannot be amended. Below you will find a checklist of application procedures. All items, including the portfolio, should be sent to the admissions office at the University of the Arts.Application Checklist:
Complete the online application and pay the $60 application fee
You will create a user name and password to complete the online application.
If you do not have computer access an application can be printed from the website and send in by mail to the admissions office. See the admissions office website for details.Submit your Statement of Professional Objectives, which is part of the online application. When writing your Professional Objectives for applying to the MFA Program, focus on what you have been doing in your work and the directions you think you would like to further explore in graduate study. Why is graduate study a necessary and important part of your future as an artist? What will set you apart from other applicants?
– Submit Official Transcripts
Transcripts should be sent directly from all undergraduate schools or other institutions where the applicant has taken classes.– Submit a Resume C/V
A C/V highlights all the professional accomplishments of the applicant, such as employment, honors, exhibitions, and publications.– Submit 3 Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation can come from teachers, employers or other mentors who know you and your professional studio work. They can be sent directly to the admissions office in signed and sealed envelopes, or can be emailed directly to the graduate program.– Digital Portfolio
A portfolio exhibiting a level of mastery is the primary prerequisite for the MFA. Applicants should submit images that represent the recent direction of the work as well as the full range of experience in one or more of the disciplines to which application is being made. Applicants should submit 18-20 digital images or time-based media for review online via Slideroom. Semester.– Personal Interview
After the application has been processed, each applicant is contacted for a personal interview conducted by the program director. The interview can be in person for traveling or regional applicants at the university. For long distance applicants or overseas applicants, the interview can be conducted via telephone or Skype. The interview is an ideal opportunity to get a tour of the program facilities, meet faculty, and see student work.
How many credits do I take per semester?
The MFA low-residence program began accepting students in 1995. The NASAD accredited 60 credit MFA Program is structured as a year-round format and can be completed within 2 1/2 years. Students can only enter the program in June of each year. The schedule of study is listed below.Schedule of Study Summer Fall Spring
Year 1 – Summer – 12 credits – Fall – 4.5 credits – Spring – 4.5 credits
Year 2 – Summer – 12 credits – Fall – 4.5 credits – Spring – 4.5 credits
Year 3 – Summer – 12 credits – Fall – 6 credit thesis
What is the thesis requirement?
Students install a thesis exhibition (a 4 credit requirement) and submit a written thesis paper (a 2 credit requirement) for a total of 6 credits.
What kind of financial aid is available?
Graduate Merit Scholarships
Based on merit and portfolio review, 1/4 to 1/2 of your tuition may be supported by a Graduate Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded at the time of the portfolio review for admission, so the applicant will be aware of the award amount when the acceptance letter is received. Scholarships are awarded to offset the full year of study and scholarships are automatically renewed each summer as long as the student maintains a 3.0 GPA. Under special circumstances, some scholarships can be adjusted to meet student needs. Scholarships are awarded toward summer, fall, and spring tuition.Government Aid
Reciprocal State Grant Information — Residents of Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, or West Virginia may be eligible for grants from their state of residence. Students who are residents of these states and are currently receiving a state grant MUST file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A separate state grant application form may also need to be submitted to the higher education assistance agency in the student’s home state. Students are responsible for ascertaining and adhering to any additional deadlines and/or applications required by their state of residence.Federal Student loans are available at low interest rates, and with extended repayment terms to assist students in meeting both tuition and living expenses. All loan applications are based on the FAFSA application; thus this application must be completed before the loan application. The FAFSA priority deadline for the summer semester is March 1 of the incoming year. FAFSA applications filed after this deadline will still be processed but receipt of the funds may be delayed. For more information on financial aid visit the UARTS financial aid website at http://admission.uarts.edu/finAid
What is the tuition for the program?
Current tuition and fee rates can be found on The Univeristy of the Arts website. Graduate students pay per credit-hour per semester. Credit hours per semester can be above.
Are there teaching opportunities while studying?
Yes. Students can apply to work alongside faculty as Teaching Assistants in the Undergraduate Program at the University of the Arts. Students can also take advantage the low residency aspect of the program and find additional teaching opportunities and institutions in their home regions.
Who are the faculty? Are there visiting faculty and artists?
The faculty are all practicing artists, critics, writers, and curators. Please visit the UARTS website for a list of faculty and brief bios.The low residency MFA has a Visiting Artist Program that is vital to the curriculum of the summer semester. The Visiting Artist Program brings internationally recognized, working artists and art professionals to campus each week of the summer semester. During their visit, each guest gives a lecture that is open to the public and a requirement for all MFA students to attend. The guest also holds individual studio critiques with all interested students over the course of 2 days.
Is there housing available in the summer?
Yes, dormitory rooms are available for the two-month residency on campus. Each graduate student is given his or her own three-person dorm room. Campus is located in the heart of Center City, on Broad and Pine streets, within walking distance of Philadelphia’s major museums, galleries and other cultural venues.
What are the MFA alumni doing?
Our MFA alumni maintain an active exhibition schedule, showing nationally and internationally. Recent alumni are also participating in prestigious art residencies, teaching studio art at the university level, and have founded art collaboratives. We maintain a close relationship with alumni and are eager to assist and promote their professional endeavors.
Does UArts provide health insurance?
Currently, The University of the Arts does not offer health insurance for Low-Res MFA students. Students should aquire health insurance before attending school, but it is not a requirement. There is an on-staff nurse during the day to assist with minor ailments. Low cost insurance can be available through group programs, guilds, or clubs related to art disciplines. For individual insurance check out the HealthCompare website.Where can I get more information?
For a list of alumni and student exhibitions or for other program information not covered here, please contact Program Director, Cynthia Nourse Thompson, 215-717-6106, cythompson@uarts.edu, the Graduate Area Administrator at 215-717-6491, or follow us on Facebook.Additional information can be found on the University website.
