Program Description
The Department of Art conforms to program guidelines as stipulated by the College Art Association and NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design) and agrees with the principle that the MFA degree is the terminal degree in the Visual Arts and is equivalent to the terminal degrees in other disciplines. Major areas of study include Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking and Sculpture.
For more information, please visit https://www.clemson.edu/caac/academics/art/programs/mfa-art.html.
Summary of Degree Requirements
The MFA degree program requires a minimum of 60 credit hours of graduate course work. The degree has been established as a two-year program. However, depending on the individual, it may be extended into extra semesters allowing for two to two and a half years of study based on the recommendations of a student’s advisor and the graduate faculty.
Core Coursework
The following curriculum is proposed only as a working model for full-time MFA students wishing to complete their degree in two to two and a half years. Students progress at their own rate. It is critical for both the student and major advisor to be in consultative agreement regarding appropriate credit load.
First Year Schedule
First Semester
Option 1
Total credits: 12
Option 2
Total credits: 12
Option 3
Total credits: 15
1Must be taken in the first semester
2Studio credits taken in student’s studio focus area
3Studio credits outside of student’s studio focus area
Second Semester
Option 1
Total credits: 15
Option 2
Total credits: 12
Students may also use the specific designated numbers for the studio area-ART 6050 Drawing, ART 6070 Painting, ART 6090 Sculpture, ART 6110 Printmaking, ART 6130 Photography, ART 6170 Ceramics.
Second Year Schedule
In the second year, the primary focus is on the creation of the thesis work and manuscript. Upon completion of 30 credit hours the student, if ready, is encouraged to present work for the 30-hour review. This is a presentation of proposed thesis work, its concept, its basis, and medium in which it will be accomplished (see 30-hour review guidelines). Upon successful completion of this review, the student is allowed to sign up for ART 8910 thesis hours. An initial three hours is taken to start work on the written manuscript, which is usually followed, in the last semester, with 12 hours of ART 8910 for a total of 15 thesis hours. Three additional credits of Art History are also required during this second year. This is usually taken as a Directed Studies (AAH 6110) within the student’s specific discipline.
Third Semester
Total credits: 12-15
Fourth Semester
Total credits: 15
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