Doctor of Audiology
USD's Au.D. program is a comprehensive four-year post-baccalaureate curriculum that...
M.F.A. in Art
Vermillion, South Dakota
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.F.A. in Art at USD is an intensive, three-year, 60-credit program that fosters significant creative and intellectual attainment. Students immerse themselves in a dynamic interdisciplinary environment, gaining hands-on experience and building a strong foundation for a life as a creative leader and professional artist. The program offers specializations in Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture, allowing for focused and in-depth study within a chosen medium. USD's College of Fine Arts provides exceptional access to new technologies, studio spaces, and facilities, with 24/7 access for graduate students, fostering continuous creative work. Small class sizes ensure close, personal attention and mentorship from distinguished and professionally active faculty.
Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to enhance both technical skills and conceptual understanding within the chosen area of specialization. Approximately 65% of the total degree credits are dedicated to the major area of concentration, in line with NASAD accreditation standards. Beyond studio courses, graduate-level courses are offered in areas such as art history, art theory, arts administration, art education, book arts, ceramics, design, drawing, gallery management, and papermaking. Students engage in rigorous studio projects, critical discussions, and contextualize their work through readings and field trips. The program culminates in a comprehensive thesis exhibition, supported by a written thesis (depending on the specialization), a preliminary oral examination, and a final oral examination, as well as a written Art Theory and History Exit Exam.
Research Focus: The M.F.A. in Art at USD emphasizes both studio-based research and creative scholarship. Students are encouraged to conduct in-depth investigations of their chosen artistic ideas, themes, and media, developing and refining techniques that best communicate their artistic pursuits. Faculty are experts in their fields, contributing research and scholarship in art education, art history, photography, sculpture, and more, providing valuable guidance. Students have unique opportunities to pursue creative scholarship, participate in various exhibitions both on and off campus, and present their work at events like USD's annual IdeaFest. The program also facilitates interactions with visiting artists, critics, and scholars through a world-class visiting artist program, exposing students to diverse artistic practices and theoretical frameworks.
Industry Engagement: The USD M.F.A. in Art program is highly geared towards professional development and practical experience. Students have opportunities for assistantships, dedicated studio spaces, and leadership roles within the art community. The program boasts a unique, all-expenses-paid trip to New York City studios, providing unparalleled access to and conversations with contemporary visual artists, allowing students to learn about individual practices, see various studio spaces, and view works in progress. This experience, along with opportunities to exhibit work in university art galleries (John A. Day Gallery, Oscar Howe Gallery, Gallery 110) and engage with initiatives like the Oscar Howe Curatorial Fellowship and the Northern Plains Indian Art Residency, provides real-world experience and networking opportunities. The College of Fine Arts maintains partnerships that enable students to gain practical connections within the arts community in South Dakota and beyond.
Global Perspective: The M.F.A. in Art at USD inherently fosters a global perspective through its exploration of art history, diverse artistic styles, and contemporary art practices from around the world. Students are encouraged to appreciate art as a continuity of human expression across various cultures, styles, and eras. The program's engagement with visiting artists, some of whom may have international backgrounds, further enriches students' exposure to global artistic dialogues. By preparing artists who can contextualize their work within broader cultural narratives and historical trends, the program encourages a global understanding of art's role in society and equips graduates to contribute to the international art community.
Location
Vermillion, South Dakota
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 12800
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $38
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of South Dakota (USD) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed to support international students in achieving their academic goals. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and make quality education at USD more accessible to talented students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: USD awards merit-based scholarships to international students based on their academic achievements, leadership potential, and extracurricular involvement. These scholarships recognize outstanding high school or previous college performance and are renewable for multiple years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
International Student Academic Scholarships: These scholarships are specifically tailored for international undergraduate students and can cover a significant portion of tuition fees. Eligibility is typically based on a combination of academic excellence and the completion of the admission process by specified deadlines. Many of these scholarships are automatically considered upon application, so no separate application is required.
Graduate Assistantships and Fellowships: For international graduate students, USD provides graduate assistantships and fellowships that offer financial support alongside valuable professional experience. These opportunities often include tuition waivers and a stipend in exchange for research, teaching, or administrative work within the university.
Departmental Scholarships: Certain USD academic departments and colleges offer specialized scholarships for international students pursuing specific fields of study, such as business, health sciences, or fine arts. These scholarships often reward exceptional talent and dedication within those disciplines.
A Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Art from the University of South Dakota (USD) is a terminal degree that signifies the highest level of mastery in a studio art discipline. This intensive program prepares graduates not only to refine their artistic practice but also to pursue significant careers in academia, professional art, and creative industries. While the path of a fine artist can be highly entrepreneurial, the M.F.A. provides a robust foundation for diverse roles, including teaching, gallery management, and visual design.
University/College Professor (Art or Design): This is a primary career goal for many M.F.A. graduates. They teach studio art courses (e.g., painting, sculpture, photography, graphic design, printmaking) at the undergraduate and graduate levels, conduct research, and contribute to the academic community.
Professional Studio Artist: Graduates can establish and sustain careers as independent artists, creating and exhibiting their work in galleries, museums, and public spaces. This path often involves selling artwork, seeking commissions, and building a strong professional network.
Art Director: In advertising, marketing, publishing, film, or television, art directors are responsible for the overall visual style and images. They lead design teams, oversee visual production, and ensure brand consistency across various media.
Curator / Gallery Manager: These roles involve managing art collections, planning and executing exhibitions, overseeing gallery operations, and engaging with artists and the public in museums, private galleries, or non-profit art spaces.
Graphic Designer / Visual Designer (Advanced Roles): With a specialization in graphic design, M.F.A. graduates can take on senior or leadership roles in design firms, marketing agencies, or in-house corporate design departments, creating complex visual concepts for digital and print media, often involving branding, UI/UX design, and illustration.
Photographer (Commercial/Fine Art): M.F.A. photographers can pursue careers in fine art photography, exhibiting their work, or in commercial photography for advertising, editorial, fashion, or product industries, often running their own studios.
Printmaker / Master Printer: Specialized in printmaking, graduates can work as independent print artists, collaborate with other artists as master printers in printmaking studios, or work in print houses focusing on artistic or fine art reproductions.
Sculptor / Fabricator: M.F.A. sculptors can create and exhibit their own three-dimensional works, work as fabricators for other artists or architectural projects, or contribute to public art installations.
Art Consultant / Art Dealer: These professionals advise clients (individuals or corporations) on purchasing, collecting, and investing in art. Art dealers buy and sell art, representing artists and connecting them with collectors.
Exhibition Designer / Preparator: Working for museums, galleries, or cultural institutions, these individuals are responsible for the physical layout and installation of art exhibitions, including lighting, display design, and handling of artworks.
