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 may be undertaken in 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. Each graduate student is assigned to one of 48 private studios.
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 slide/CD portfolio 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.
Visual Arts believes the growth of a student’s knowledge of art 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 seminar experience during Fall and Winter Quarters. Seminars are conjoined with studio courses, and credit will be assessed based on the quality of the total work produced.
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 Communication Design may complete the 60-hour MFA by taking 24 to 36 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.
A graduate committee, appointed for each student, shall review the qualifications of the student and set forth the courses required for the degree. At the conclusion of graduate study, the candidate is expected to present a one-person exhibition, or similar demonstration of his/her accomplishments, which is accompanied by a written and visual record
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.
- The deadline for assistantship applications is February 1.
- The deadline for Department Assistantships is February 1.
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