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Visual Arts Master's

Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)

Immerse yourself in your studio practice and prepare for a dynamic career in the world of art.

The practice of art is a powerful expression of values. An M.F.A. in visual art from UND gives you the tools to define your practice, sharpen your skills and make your mark as an artist.

Program type:
Master's Degree
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
2-3 years
Credit hours:
60
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Why earn a master's in visual arts?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Mar. 1
Spring:
Sept. 1

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

The Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Visual Arts is a studio-oriented program that prepares its graduates for professional practice as working artists, educators and arts administrators.

The curriculum combines hands-on studio experience with comprehensive study in art history, theory and other supporting art disciplines. While inter-disciplinary exploration and growth is encouraged, students in the program work within these major areas of emphasis:

  • Ceramics
  • Drawing
  • Graphic Design
  • Jewelery and Metalsmithing
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Sculpture

Visual arts master's students are provided with individual studio spaces, facilities and equipment for their creative research at the Hughes Fine Arts Center on the UND campus. Students may work off-campus, but are expected be on-campus for all faculty critiques and program requirements.

Visual Arts Master's Programs at UND

  • Prepare and present a professional solo exhibition. You'll have the opportunity to present your work at art exhibits locally and nationally.

  • Study art first hand at the North Dakota Museum of Art on campus.

  • Work closely with professional artists with industry experience.

  • Work with the best. Learn from internationally recognized artists through our Visiting Artist Program. Or gain experience in art collections management by working at the UND Art Collections.

  • Enjoy access to our 35,000-square-foot Hughes Fine Arts Center equipped with a vast array of mediums including 3D printing.

  • No GRE exam required for admission.

What can I do with a master's degree in visual arts?

111k

Median annual salary for art directors, 2024

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

5%

Projected job outlook for art directors through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

 A master's degree in visual arts is a valuable asset in an increasingly visual world. An M.F.A. from UND prepares you to run your own studio, teach art, curate exhibits and much more.

M.F.A. graduates find professional success in a wide array of fields, including:

  • Studio art
  • Art education and directors
  • Museum/gallery administration

A master's degree in Visual Arts gives you the strategic skills you need, including:

  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Adobe Creative Cloud

Visual Arts Master's Graduates

Visual Arts alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • Apple, Inc.
  • Arkansas Tech University
  • Art Materials, LLC
  • Basis Independent Schools, LLC

Visual Arts Master's Courses

ART 510. Art History: Issues in Contemporary Art. 3 Credits.

Examines issues in contemporary art relevant to practicing artists. Addresses current intellectual debates around the work of contemporary artists and issues relevant to artists working in a regional setting. Examines the institutional context of contemporary art practice, such as exhibitions venues and funding for professional artists.

ART 550. Ceramics. 1-6 Credits.

Individual instruction and experimentation in Ceramics. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30.00 credits. F,S,SS.

ART 560. Metalsmithing: Jewelry and Small Sculpture. 1-6 Credits.

Exploration of historical, traditional, and innovative jewelry and small sculpture techniques using non- ferrous metals, gems, and other materials. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30.00 credits. F,S,SS.

ART 570. Photography. 1-6 Credits.

Individual instruction and experimentation in Photography. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30.00 credits. F,S,SS.

ART 520. Painting. 1-6 Credits.

Individual research and experimentation in painting. Repeatable to 48 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30.00 credits. F,S,SS.

ART 501. Sculpture. 1-6 Credits.

Extensive work and study in three dimensional form, media, and methods. Repeatable to 48 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30.00 credits. F,S,SS.

UND Visual Arts MFA

Best Visual Arts Master's Programs

Our Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts is amongst the top graduate fine arts programs in the region. It consistently ranks high in educational quality, affordability, and career outcomes.

U.S. NEWS RANKINGS

Leaders that Do

Students at UND take chances, seek challenges and become leaders in the community.

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Explore More Options

Connect with the faculty you'll work with at UND or discover additional education opportunities.

  • Department of Art & Design
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Department Contact
Todd Hebert
Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.2257
todd.hebert@UND.edu

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