M.Ed. in Special Education
Mississippi College, located in Clinton, Mississippi, offers a comprehensive Master of ...
M.F.A. in Visual Arts
Clinton, Mississippi
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The MFA in Visual Art at Mississippi College offers concentrations in either 2D studio art (including drawing, printmaking, photography, and painting) or 3D studio art (ceramics and sculpture). As a terminal degree, it signifies the highest academic credential for practicing artists and art educators. The program emphasizes intensive studio work, critical analysis, and the development of a cohesive body of artwork that culminates in a significant thesis exhibition. The three-year structure allows for extensive exploration, experimentation, and refinement of artistic vision and technical skills.
Curriculum: The 60-credit-hour curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive and in-depth artistic education. It includes a substantial amount of studio coursework within the chosen 2D or 3D concentration (18 credit hours), complemented by 18 credit hours of studio work outside the primary emphasis, fostering interdisciplinary artistic exploration. Key components include 9 credit hours of art history, notably "Art Theory and Criticism," ensuring a strong theoretical and historical grounding. The program culminates with 6 credit hours dedicated to the "Studio Thesis," which involves the creation and presentation of a significant body of original artwork. Throughout the program, students are reviewed regularly by faculty, progressing towards thesis candidacy and ultimately, their final exhibition and oral examination.
Research Focus: The MFA in Visual Art at Mississippi College places a significant emphasis on artistic research through practice, culminating in a thesis exhibition and an accompanying oral examination. This involves students conducting in-depth artistic investigations, developing a cohesive body of original artwork, and articulating their artistic philosophy and objectives. The program encourages critical inquiry into art theories, historical contexts, and contemporary art practices to inform and strengthen their creative output. The expectation is that the thesis work represents a significant contribution to their chosen artistic field, demonstrating both conceptual depth and technical mastery.
Industry Engagement: The program actively prepares graduates for professional careers in the visual arts. MFA students have valuable opportunities to engage with the art world through various avenues, including teaching assistantships, working in the university gallery, and holding other graduate assistant positions. These experiences provide practical insights into gallery operations, exhibition management, and art education. Faculty members, often practicing artists themselves, offer mentorship and connect students with professional practices, exhibition opportunities, and networking within the art community. The program's focus on building a strong professional portfolio and a coherent artistic statement through the thesis exhibition directly aligns with the requirements for entering the contemporary art market and pursuing gallery representation.
Global Perspective: While the specific curriculum for the MFA in Visual Art may not overtly highlight a global perspective through dedicated courses, Mississippi College as an institution embraces diversity, attracting a notable population of international students. This diverse student body enriches the learning environment by exposing students to various cultural backgrounds and artistic viewpoints. In the field of visual arts, an understanding of global art movements, historical influences from different cultures, and contemporary international art practices is inherently crucial. The program's rigorous art history component would naturally explore art from a broad historical and geographical scope, implicitly fostering a global awareness of artistic expression and its evolution across different societies.
Location
Clinton, Mississippi
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 13856
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
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 52 or higher.
Mississippi College is making quality education affordable for students from around the world. To support this goal, the college offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students, helping to reduce the overall cost of tuition and living expenses.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students with strong academic records are eligible for merit-based scholarships. These awards are determined by evaluating high school GPA (or equivalent), standardized test scores (such as SAT or ACT), and other academic achievements. The scholarship amount varies, with awards ranging from partial to significant tuition discounts, which are renewable based on academic performance.
Presidential and Dean’s Scholarships: Highly qualified international students may receive Presidential or Dean’s Scholarships, two of the most prestigious awards offered by Mississippi College. These scholarships are based on exceptional academic credentials and leadership potential and can cover a substantial portion of tuition costs.
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Art from Mississippi College is the terminal degree for serious artists, offering intensive studio practice, critical theory, and the development of a unique artistic voice. Graduates emerge not only as skilled practitioners but also as insightful thinkers prepared for leadership and influential roles in the art world and beyond.
Professional Fine Artist: Many MFA graduates dedicate themselves to their artistic practice, creating and exhibiting their original artwork in galleries, museums, and private collections. This involves building a strong portfolio, seeking gallery representation, participating in art fairs, and managing their own studio and business.
University Professor/Instructor (Studio Art/Art History): The MFA is typically the terminal degree required for teaching studio art (e.g., painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics) or art history at colleges and universities. Graduates develop curricula, mentor students, conduct research, and contribute to the academic discourse of art.
Art Director (Film, TV, Advertising, Gaming): Leveraging their advanced understanding of visual aesthetics, conceptualization, and creative leadership, MFA graduates can guide the visual style and imagery for various media productions, advertising campaigns, or video games. This often involves managing teams of artists and designers.
Curator/Gallery Director: With a deep knowledge of art history, theory, and artistic practice, graduates can manage art collections, plan and execute exhibitions, oversee gallery operations, and engage with artists and the public in museums, private galleries, or non-profit art spaces.
Exhibition Designer: These professionals are responsible for the visual and spatial design of art exhibitions, museum displays, and trade shows. They combine artistic sensibility with practical considerations to create immersive and engaging experiences for viewers.
Art Conservator/Restorer (with specialized training): While the MFA provides a strong foundation in art materials and techniques, becoming an art conservator often requires additional specialized training. However, the program's in-depth study of art allows graduates to pursue careers in preserving and restoring valuable artworks for museums, galleries, or private collectors.
Illustrator: Artists specializing in illustration create original images for books, magazines, websites, and various commercial products. MFA graduates bring a high level of conceptual depth and technical skill to this field, whether working freelance or for studios.
Art Consultant/Art Dealer: These roles involve advising individuals or organizations on purchasing, collecting, and managing artwork. Graduates utilize their expertise in art valuation, market trends, and art history to guide clients in building art collections or making investment decisions.
Art Therapist (with additional licensure/certification): For those interested in the therapeutic applications of art, an MFA provides a strong artistic foundation. With further specialized training and licensure, graduates can use art as a medium to help individuals explore emotions, reduce stress, improve self-esteem, and manage behavior.
Community Arts Program Manager/Educator: Graduates can work for non-profit organizations, community centers, or cultural institutions, developing and managing art programs, workshops, and outreach initiatives for diverse populations, fostering creativity and artistic engagement within communities.
