Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Visual Arts
The Master of Fine Arts Degree is recognized as a terminal degree in studio art and as a requirement for studio art teaching positions at institutions of higher education. Through research and application in either a two-dimensional or three-dimensional concentration, the MFA degree offers a program of study that fosters intensive creative activity for professional artists and art educators. Students will have the opportunity to study art at an advanced level in a Christian environment where the emphasis is on the study of art from a spiritual perspective. Courses will normally be offered to allow completion of course work in two years plus one semester of full time study. Those attending in summers may complete course work in five consecutive summers with the exception of the thesis.
Application for Full Admission
Students interested in the Master of Fine Arts degree should complete the following and return to the Graduate Office:
- Obtain an Application for Graduate Admission from:
Graduate Office, Box 4029, Clinton, MS 39058
Phone: 601.925.3225 or 601.925.3261
Fax: 601.925.3889
E-mail: graduate@mc.edu
- Fill out the Application for Graduate Admission form completely and accurately.
- Enclose a $25.00 application fee.
- Have one official copy of all transcripts sent directly to the Graduate Office.
- Make arrangements to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and have the scores directed to the Graduate Office. Students will be allowed to register for graduate classes for one semester or summer session without having the test scores on file.
- Students pursuing a graduate degree for the purpose of obtaining a standard AA educator license are required to submit a copy of the appropriate VALID Mississippi standard A educator license along with the
application.
- Enclose a slide portfolio of a maximum of 20 slides inserted into a plastic protector sheet. A CD of 20 artworks may be substituted for the slides. The CD must be labeled with the applicant’s name and address.
- Submit a resume.
- Submit a formal statement of intent of 200-500 words setting forth a personal philosophy and professional objectives. The statement must be typed, doublespaced, on a separate sheet which includes the candidate’s
name.
Application Deadlines
The deadlines for submitting an application for admission to the MFA program are as follows:
- For Fall Semester: June 1
- For Spring Semester: October 1
- For Summer Session: March 1
Admission to the MFA Program
In addition to the requirements set forth by the Graduate Office, the applicant
must comply with the following:
- Must have completed an undergraduate degree with a major in Art or have the equivalent undergraduate preparation in Art.
- GRE A combined score of 850 on the verbal and quantitative parts of the GRE or a score of at least 450 on either part and a score of 2.5 on the Writing Assessment Test of the GRE General Examination is required for most graduate programs. Departments may exercise discretion for students who score between 800 and 840 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE and have at least a 3.5 undergraduate GPA.
- Must present a slide portfolio that reflects proficiency and preparation for graduate study. The portfolio of 20 slides submitted to the Graduate Office
will be reviewed by the graduate art faculty.
- Must complete an interview conducted by the Graduate Coordinator.
Contact the Department of Art to schedule an appointment for interview:
Mississippi College Department of Art, Box 4020, Clinton MS 39058
Phone: 601.925.3231 Fax: 601.925.3926
Email: art@mc.edu
Scholarships for Graduate Candidates:
- The Department of Art offers a limited number of scholarships for MFA candidates. The MFA admission packet includes the MFA scholarship application form. Deadlines for scholarship applications are as follows:
March 1 for Summer Session
June 1 for Fall or Spring Semester
- Additional scholarships and loans are available. For more information, please contact the Graduate Office or the Financial Aid Office.
MFA Requirements of the Program
A minimum of 60 hours of graduate work in art is required :
- Successful completion of 27 hours of core courses is required. Candidates must complete a studio/thesis requirement, which will consist of 6 hours in ART 6563 and ART 6564 Studio/Thesis. To complete the studio/thesis requirement, the candidate must submit a thesis. The candidate must also produce an exhibition, and in the presence of that work, must satisfactorily defend that exhibition in an oral examination.
- Successful completion of at least 24 hours in the studio component of either a two-dimensional or three-dimensional concentration is required.
- Nine hours of approved electives must be completed.
Transfer Credit
A student may transfer a maximum of 12 hours of graduate credit from another regionally accredited college or university. Only courses in which the student received the grade of B or higher may be transferred. All transfer credits will be subject to approval by the art faculty.
Mississippi College graduate students currently enrolled in either the Master of Arts or Master of Education (with emphasis in Art) degree programs may transfer a maximum of 30 resident art graduate hours in the MFA degree program. Mississippi College alumni with either a Master of Arts degree or a Master of Education in Art Education degree may transfer a maximum of 30 resident hours of art into the MFA program with approval of the art faculty. All other conditions and requirements outlined by the Graduate School concerning transfer credit must be observed. Refer to the General Requirements for Graduation in the catalog.
Studio Thesis Committee
The Thesis Research Director, who is responsible for teaching ART 6563 Studio Thesis I and ART 6564 Studio Thesis II, will serve as the chair of the student’s committee along with 2-three Studio Research faculty.
