CIP Code = 500702
The Master of Fine Arts degree is designed for those interested in the creative aspects of the arts. The Master of Fine Arts degree is the recognized terminal degree for the visual artist. Work toward the Master of Fine Arts degree must be undertaken in one of three concentrations:
· Studio
· Graphic Design
· Photography
Though distinct in character and professional goals, these programs complement and enrich one another. The programs are competitive, and interested students are encouraged to visit the campus to discuss their educational/career plans with the faculty.
Facilities
Visual Arts occupies facilities in a 40,000 sq. ft. main structure housing a 3,000 sq. ft. gallery, and a 100-seat auditorium. Other facilities include a 10,000 sq. ft. sculpture, wood shop, printmaking, and ceramic lab. Additionally, MFA students have access to communal studio space in University Hall.
Accreditation
The Master of Fine Arts degree is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.
Admission Requirements
Although the University accepts applications until three weeks prior to registration, this deadline, for a number of reasons, is not adequate for application to the MFA Program. The deadlines for entry into the MFA program are as follows:
· Fall Quarter Admission: February 1
· Winter Quarter Admission: September 1
· Spring Quarter Admission: December 1
· In addition to meeting the general admission requirements for the Graduate School, an applicant must submit a portfolio, twenty samples of visual work applicable to the desired concentration, that demonstrates a sufficient undergraduate art background. However, students who do not possess these backgrounds are not discouraged from applying, but in general must expect some undergraduate background work or additional graduate level work in order to pursue their graduate program effectively.
Requests to begin the MFA Program in the Summer Quarter are not allowed because adequate evaluation and administration of new graduate students are not possible during this time.
The School of Design believes the growth of a student’s knowledge is immeasurably enhanced through his/her association with other graduate students by sharing discussion and research on the variety of concerns in each discipline. All MFA candidates are therefore required to participate in a graduate seminar course each term, and a graduate portfolio course annually.
Degree Requirements
The candidate for the MFA must complete a minimum of 60 graduate credit hours. Additional course work beyond the 60-hour minimum may be required.
Those students holding only an undergraduate degree may transfer in a maximum of one-third of the required graduate hours from another institution, contingent upon graduate committee review and approval.
Those students who already have an MA degree in 2d Studio, Sculpture, Ceramics, Photography, or Graphic Design may complete the 60-hour MFA by taking 30 or more hours (depending on the MA completed) at Louisiana Tech University. Additional hours could be required, depending on the faculty committee’s review of the student’s portfolio.
Each MFA student must maintain a graduate committee, typically consisting of three professors appropriate to the student’s graduate research, with the Chair of the committee working in the same concentration as the MFA candidate. The committee shall review the qualifications of the student and suggest to the MFA graduate coordinator the coursework the candidate should complete to successfully attain the MFA degree, and make suggestions regarding the student’s progress in the program. At the conclusion of graduate study, the candidate is expected to present a public lecture and an exhibition, or similar demonstration of his/her accomplishments, which is accompanied by a written and visual record.
Initially, a committee of faculty members will be established by the MFA graduate coordinator for each incoming MFA student. It will be the MFA student’s responsibility to meet the committee’s expectations and maintain a committee of three appropriate faculty to remain in the MFA program. Committee members may change during a student’s time in the program if the candidate’s research changes direction. A faculty member may resign from serving on a committee if the student’s research is insufficient or no longer applicable to that faculty member. The MFA student would be responsible to recruit appropriate replacement faculty onto the committee to continue moving forward in the degree program.
Any student who changes concentrations after entering graduate school may need to extend their enrollment to complete additional coursework, and may even be required to reapply to graduate school to determine if the student is qualified to pursue a different concentration.
Financial Support
A limited number of graduate assistantships are available. Graduate Assistants receive a stipend for the academic year (three quarters) and a waiver of out-of-state tuition, where applicable. Graduate assistants work up to twenty hours a week during school assisting professors and managing School of Design facilities. Additionally, graduate assistants may also receive partial or full scholarships depending on the assistantship.
· The deadline for assistantship applications is February 1.
· The deadline for Department Assistantships is February 1.
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