Graduate Program - Art Department - University of Missouri

The Department of Art offers an Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program that focuses on the creative vision of the individual. The program is designed to provide superior preparation in the visual arts for those whose goal is professional work in the field of art or who plan to teach at the college level. In recognizing that fine art education at the graduate level should be ahead of current practice, traditional media areas are blended with current technological approaches along with contemporary art theory.

The course of study prepares students for advanced professional careers in drawing, ceramics, fibers, graphic design, digital art, painting (program website), photography, printmaking, sculpture and new media. The faculty members are conscious of current movements and technological changes within the fine art disciplines and many students combine media areas to visually articulate their creative research. Upon admission to the program, a candidate is assigned a three-person graduate committee as the student’s primary advisors. In addition, students have access to all the instructors for consultation throughout the duration of their studies.

Unique features of the Art Department are a comprehensive slide collection and exhibition gallery, state-of-the-art digital computer labs and large format printing facilities. Every studio area continually updates equipment and curriculum to coincide with technological advancements. Additionally, the department houses a fully equipped papermaking facility, anagama kiln and bronze casting facility.

Visual research of the faculty within the department include: abstract and figurative painting and drawing, traditional and sculptural ceramics, print, web and digital media, traditional and digital photography, photo-intaglio printing, surface design, papermaking and book arts, mixed media, bronze cast sculpture, installation and conceptual art.

Opportunities exist on and off campus for the exchange of ideas, exhibitions and workshops. Laboratory facilities are available in all media areas and there are a limited number of individual graduate studios available for students working on the MFA degree.

The Art Department has a gallery where exhibitions are regularly scheduled, which provides an opportunity for students to experience and relate to a variety of traditional and contemporary approaches to art. On-campus art collections include the Museum of Art and Archaeology, Museum of Anthropology and the State Historical Society of Missouri. These are described in the Museums and Collections section of the catalog. Ellis Library has extensive and excellent holdings of books, periodicals and reference materials on art and art history.

For information regarding Graduate Programs in Art Education contact Dr. Kathy Unrath, Assistant Professor of Art Education (573) 884-8935 or visit the website.

For more information on the MFA program contact James H. Calvin, Director of Graduate Studies (573-882-3555) or download the Graduate Program brochure (in pdf).