Art – Master of Arts

Admission Requirements

1. General admission to graduate study (for criteria, refer to "Admission to Graduate Study").
2. Completion of an undergraduate major in art or an equivalent experience with the requirement of supplemental courses.
3. Undergraduate GPA in art of 3.0 or higher.
4. Submission and approval of art portfolio that supports plans and objectives for the graduate program.

Portfolio Application Requirements

A complete application consists of:

1. Cover letter.
2. Professional quality resume.
3. Statement of Intent (1-2 pages), which thoughtfully and thoroughly addresses the following content:
   1. Current body of work, including information about applicant's subject matter, media, technique/process, theme/concept, and influences.
   2. Goals for graduate study and how it will benefit applicant's current work or direction.
   3. Preparedness for graduate-level study.
   4. Reasons for choosing MSU's Art & Design program, and applicant's expectations for graduate study.
   5. Long-term career goals.
4. Digital Portfolio that adheres to the following guidelines:
   1. Include 20 samples of applicant's work (high quality professional representations), at least 10 of which relate to your current direction, description of your work, and proposed area of study.
   2. Choose appropriate samples that support applicant's proposed concentration:
      1. Studio Art - a cohesive body of work supporting a clear direction in subject, media, technique, and theme.
      2. Graphic Design - diverse samples of print and/or web design, which demonstrates understanding of design theory and practice.
      3. Art Education - either a diverse body of work, which demonstrates broad skills as an artist and teacher, or a cohesive body of work.
   3. Use one of the following options for submitting work sample:
      1. Digital presentation in the format of PowerPoint (ppt.) or Adobe Acrobat (pdf.), saved to USB jump drive.
      2. A website link.
   4. With each digital image, include the following information: title, medium(s), size, and year.
   5. Do not include foundation or beginning level pieces.
   6. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Program Competencies

Students completing the program will be able to:

1. Understand and skillfully apply selected media, techniques, and technology in the production and presentation of artwork.
2. Use knowledge of characteristics of visual art to effectively convey their ideas.
3. Effectively choose and evaluate selected subject matter, symbols and ideas as content for works of art, and develop unified bodies of work.
4. Reflect upon and assess the characteristics and merits of their work in relationship to the visual arts, history, culture and other disciplines.
5. Communicate in a professional setting, in written and oral form, about a unified body of work selected for exhibition.

Assessment

1. Mid-Program Review before a graduate committee consisting of at least three graduate faculty. At the conclusion of the Mid-Program Review, the candidate will be informed of any deficiencies and how to address them in their subsequent studies.
2. Cohort group critiques.
3. Critical appraisal of the required graduate exhibition and artist's statement by the candidate's graduate committee.
4. Oral exit examination in conjunction with the candidate's final exhibition before the Graduate Committee.

Program Requirements

Core Requirements

Art History - Choose three hours from the following:

Drawing - Choose three hours from the following:

Studio and/or Art History - Choose six hours from the following:

One course/three-credit maximum. See listings under Art History.

Art Education Concentration

The Master of Arts in Art Education offers students a customized program designed to further develop the studio, intellectual and professional background of art educators, enabling students to grow as teachers and leaders, achieving advanced goals. A series of graduate courses address historical and contemporary issues in art theory, studio, and art education, bridging the connection between individual artistic process and creative development through enhanced teaching practices. Drawing on a wide range of studio areas, over half the program is reserved for work in one or more areas. The program culminates in a graduate art education exhibition and thesis statement that reflects the integration of students' teaching practice and artistic development.

Choose nine hours from the following:

Graphic Design Concentration

The Master of Arts in Graphic Design Concentration provides students an opportunity to develop a coherent, investigative and experimental body of work with a focus on methodology, the application of that method to design work, the development of a thoughtfully argued statement, and the organization of students' work in a graduate design exhibition. Advanced coursework in typography, web design, illustration and computer art allows students to customize the program to their specific focus. Students' training and completed portfolios will enable them to begin or continue with their professional design career, or continue on to an M.F.A. design program. The program culminates in a graduate graphic design exhibition and thesis statement that presents students' design work and development as designers.

Choose six hours from the following:

Studio Art Concentration

The Master of Arts in Studio Art Concentration offers students professional training for independent, self-directed practice as visual artists. This concentration offers students progressive coursework in their chosen media and critical studio theory. Students can focus on a particular area or combine several art areas, including ceramics, computer art, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. This concentration is intended for students who desire graduate-level coursework that prepares them for various art-related careers and/or further advanced studies in art, such as an MFA program. The program culminates in a graduate studio exhibition and thesis statement that relates to the student's artwork and development as an artist.

Choose 15 hours from the following: