Visual Arts, MFA

Program Requirements

The Master of Fine Arts degree is the terminal degree in the visual arts. Clemson University’s program offers concentrations in the studio areas of drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged within the department. The primary goal of the program is to provide students opportunities to develop a high degree of professional competence in their chosen area of concentration.

Admission Requirements

The Master of Fine Arts degree program in Visual Arts admits a limited number of talented and creative candidates on a competitive basis upon review of the following materials:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Visual Arts. Especially wellqualified persons from other disciplines or degree backgrounds with exceptionally strong portfolios may be accepted.
2. Minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on the last 60 major credit hours of undergraduate work
3. Applicants must submit a portfolio documenting their creative work. The portfolio should include 15-20 recent works, the majority representing the chosen field of study. The portfolio should consist of 20 images supplemented by an accompanying list that identifies the size of each work and media used. The portfolio should be uploaded electronically (preferable method) through the Graduate School Admissions website or be sent on a CD or Flash Drive. The portfolio is reviewed by the Admissions Committee, composed of members of the faculty of the Department of Art. Applicants are also encouraged to arrange for a campus interview before or during the application process.
4. Three letters of recommendation from major professors, producing artists, or professional acquaintances who are familiar with the applicant’s work and development in the visual arts.
5. A one to two-page artist statement that provides insight into the development of the work completed to date. The statement should address ideas relative to form and content.
6. Statement of intent regarding applicant’s interest in pursuing the graduate degree
7. No GRE is required.

Requirements for Degree Candidacy

The prospective candidate must have a review of his/her work at the end of each semester. It will be determined at this time if the student should continue or whether additional study is required at either the undergraduate or graduate level. Upon completion of 30 hours, the candidate must pass an oral review to determine readiness for thesis work. A Graduate Thesis Committee will be assigned at this time to assist the thesis development and concluding thesis exhibition.

The candidate must complete 30 hours and a fulltime residency during the second year of study.

Requirements for Awarding of a Degree

1. A minimum of 45 credit hours with a B average or better in the student’s professional curriculum, including 36 hours of ART 6000- and 8000-level studio courses and nine hours of AAH 6000- and 8000-level Art History courses.
2. A 15-credit-hour thesis culminating in satisfactory completion of a written documentary of the “thesis exhibition” and an oral examination by the graduate faculty.