two students in front of whiteboard

Visual ArtsM.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

Why study visual arts at UND?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 1
Spring:
Dec. 1
Summer:
May 1

The Master of Fine Arts degree program in Visual Arts is a strongly studio-oriented program that prepares you for professional practice as a working artist, educator or arts administrator.

The curriculum combines hands-on studio experience with comprehensive study in art history, theory and supporting disciplines. Academic seminars promote the exploration of visual expression.

M.F.A. students at UND focus on media including:

  • Ceramics
  • Drawing
  • Metalsmithing
  • Painting
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Mixed media art

Through the M.F.A. program at UND, you'll gain:

  • Technical skills in your medium of choice
  • Communication skills needed to talk about your work
  • A strong understanding of cultural, theoretical and rhetorical issues in the history of art
  • The ability to contextualize your work
  • The professional skills required to promote your work

Visual Arts M.F.A. at UND

  • Prepare and present a professional solo exhibition

  • Present your work at art exhibits locally and nationally

  • Work closely with professional artists with industry experience

  • Learn from internationally recognized artists through our Visiting Artist Program

  • Enjoy access to our 35,000-square-foot Hughes Fine Arts Center

Visual Arts Careers 

94K

Median annual salary for art directors

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Art Directors 

11%

Anticipated job growth for postsecondary art, drama and music teachers

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Postsecondary Teachers

 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
  • Museum/gallery administration

When You Earn a Master's Degree in Visual Arts

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

  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Graphic Design
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Adobe Creative Suite

UND Visual Arts Alumni

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 M.F.A. Courses You Could Take

ART 220. Intro to Painting. 3 Credits.

Experimentation with oil painting and associated media with emphasis upon creative compositions, using figure models, still-life subjects and imaginative contemporary expressions. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 240. Intro to Printmaking. 3 Credits.

Introduction to basic traditional printmaking processes including relief, etching, lithography, and silkscreen printing. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

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. Repeatable to 30 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30 credits.

ART 570. Photography. 1-6 Credits.

Individual instruction and experimentation in Photography. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30 credits. F,S.

ART 599. Professional Exhibition. 3 Credits.

Artist statement, preparation, design, installation, and catalog of solo show. Prerequisite: Permission of student's graduate committee.

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

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