Master of Fine Arts in Art Studio

The study of art encompasses a variety of media to express human thoughts, interests, attitudes, emotions and ideas. UNM’s Studio Art program offers seven different areas of concentration: painting & drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, experimental art & technology, and art & ecology.

The MFA is a terminal degree in studio art. Its primary emphasis is on the creative aspects of an individual’s work. The program requires three years of intensive study and research beyond the bachelor’s degree (48 hours coursework & 12 hours dissertation). Although the formal requirements for the degree are in some respects comparable to doctoral degrees in other fields, the scope and objectives of the MFA are uniquely different. As such, the MFA degree represents strong creative attainment in studio art, an assured grasp of an area of concentration, a sound knowledge of critical and historical artistic thought, and demonstrated expertise in conceiving and executing a significant body of creative work.

A prospective student in the graduate studio program must have completed an undergraduate degree including 42 hours in art studio courses and 18 hours in art history. Deficiencies of up to 9 hours in the required preparation must be removed during the first year of course work for the degree.

Demonstrated proficiency in English:

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - minimum score 6.5; the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) - minimum score 550 paper-based, or 79-80 Internet-based; the Duolingo English Test - minimum score 105; the University of Cambridge Examinations Certificate of Proficiency in English (CAPE) or Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) - minimum score C; or the Pearson Test of English- Academic (PTE) - minimum score 53

The deadline for graduate applications to the MFA program in Art Studio is always January 15th for the following fall. We do not do a Spring admissions process.