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Visual Arts Master's Requirements

Complete these requirements for a master's in Visual Arts.

Master of Fine Arts

Admission Requirements

In addition to the School of Graduate Studies’ general admission requirements, the minimal admission requirements for the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Arts degree program are:

  • An undergraduate bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university.
  • At least a 2.75 overall GPA and at least a 3.00 GPA for the last two years of undergraduate work; and/or a 3.00 GPA or better on all graduate coursework (all based on a 4.00 scale).
  • Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog.

Additional Admission Requirements for the MFA in Visual Arts Program

These additional admission materials must be attached in the Optional Uploads Section of the application:

  • Image Portfolio: Applicants to the program are primarily evaluated on the strength of their portfolio. Applicants must submit an image portfolio of 20 images that best represent their work. Images should be compiled into a single PDF document no larger than 25 MB in size (this document can be created by converting a PowerPoint or Google Slides presentation into a PDF, then compressing it if necessary). Limit one image per page and label each work with title, date of completion, and dimension/duration. For time-based work, submit still images and include in the label information a web link to film or video works; and/or performance documentation when applicable.
  • Artist/Designer Statement: Separate from the Statement of Goals, applicants must provide a one-page artist/designer statement supporting the work in the image portfolio. The applicant’s intended Major Emphasis Area should be included in the statement.

Acceptance as well as financial support is considered pending availability of resources.


Program Description

The MFA Degree Program 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 Emphasis Areas:

  • Ceramics
  • Drawing
  • Graphic Design
  • Jewelry & Metalsmithing
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Sculpture

The Program is comprised of credit hours and program requirements that can be completed in 2-3 years. Financial assistance such as tuition waivers, scholarships and assistantships are available on an annual basis pending availability of resources.

The MFA in Visual Arts Degree Program is an in-person/face-to-face program that can accommodate remote learning. MFA 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 to be on-campus for all faculty critiques and program requirements.

Degree Requirements

The program consists of 60 total credits hours in conjunction with the MFA Program Requirements.

Course List
Code Title Credits
Major Emphasis Area30
Art History & Theory (including ART 510 - Art History: Issues in Contemporary Art)9
Electives (including 12 credits in art)18
Professional Exhibition (ART 599 - Professional Exhibition)3
Total Credits60

*At least 30 credits must be at 500-level or above.

*For students who have earned graduate credit in art a maximum of 15 credits may be accepted towards the MFA degree. Of those 15 credits, up to 6 credits in Art History may be accepted towards the 9-credit art history requirement.

MFA Program Requirements

  • First-Year Critiques - First-Year Critiques provide a broad range of feedback to assist first year students with their creative research. Students must complete two First-Year Critiques.
  • MFA Reviews - MFA Reviews are critiques that are conducted with the student’s MFA Thesis Committee. Students must advance through two MFA Reviews.
  • Artist/Designer Lecture - The Artist/Designer Lecture is a presentation focusing on the Candidate's work. It is a summary experience as Candidates near the end of their formal training.
  • MFA Thesis Exhibition - The MFA Thesis Exhibition serves as a culmination of each Candidate’s creative research in the program. 
  • Oral Thesis Defense - The Oral Thesis Defense amounts to a final review and is conducted during the course of the MFA Thesis Exhibition.

Art Courses Offered

ART 110. Introduction to the Visual Arts. 3 Credits.

Study and analysis of artistic methods and meaning in the visual arts. Films, original works, slides, discussions, demonstrations. Structure and meaning of visual art forms as revealed through the analysis of psychological applications of art media. F,S.

ART 112. Two & Three Dimensional Design. 3 Credits.

This is a foundation studio course which introduces design principles, aesthetic considerations, and basic techniques of working as they relate to the creation of two-dimensional and three-dimensional art. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 115. First Year Seminar. 3 Credits.

First Year Seminar course and serves as an introduction to the study of art and design in the Department of Art & Design at the University of North Dakota. This course explores a variety of foundational visual, verbal, conceptual, and written skills necessary for the creation and analysis of the Visual Arts, Crafts, and Graphic Design in preparation for the academic challenges and program requirements encountered throughout the academic study of art and design. F,S.

ART 200. Intro to Sculpture. 3 Credits.

Introduction to philosophy, aesthetics, history, and processes of sculpture. Demonstration in the use of metals, stone, clay, plaster, wood, etc. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 204. Intro to Jewelry & Metalsmithing. 3 Credits.

This studio course is an investigation into the tools, techniques, and processes fundamental to the designing and fabrication of contemporary wearable and non-wearable art executed predominantly in precious/semi-precious metal. The principles will be practiced and studied through individual projects, leading to proficiency for the making of body adornments, holloware, and simple fabricated objects. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 210. History of Art I. 3 Credits.

Introductory survey of art history from Paleolithic to Renaissance. F.

ART 211. History of Art II. 3 Credits.

Introductory survey of art history from Renaissance to present. S.

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 230. Intro to Drawing. 3 Credits.

Study and application of different drawing media, methods and techniques. 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 245. Intro to Black and White Photography. 3 Credits.

Introduction to black and white photography in a visual arts environment. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of fine art photography through the practice of visualization and print making. Coursework includes an introduction to basic black and white film and paper processing. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 250. Intro to Ceramics: Handbuilding. 3 Credits.

Introduction to ceramics techniques. A beginning course for majors. Proficiency in the basic hand forming processes and glazing techniques and an understanding of the clay and firing processes are achieved through lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and readings. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 253. Intro to Ceramics: Throwing. 3 Credits.

Throwing is the process by which a form is made on the potter's wheel. During the semester emphasis is placed on centering the clay on the wheel and mastering basic forms, shaping techniques and glaze applications as well as firing processes. This is achieved through lectures, demonstrations, discussions, and readings. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 260. Intro to Color Photography. 3 Credits.

A beginning non-darkroom oriented class in color photography emphasizing the aesthetic, design and compositional aspects of this artistic medium. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 272. Digital Foundations. 3 Credits.

Introduction to the principles, techniques and history of digital media. This course will instruct in the application of computer software. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 273. Intro to Graphic Design. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the art, language, key elements, theory and practice of graphic design. This course will focus on the integration of type, imagery and spatial relationships in design. Students will be introduced to the conceptual design process, communicating with clients, high quality crafting and production. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. F,S.

ART 400. Advanced Sculpture. 3-6 Credits.

Continued study of advanced sculpture process and concepts and emphasis on the development of individual artistic direction. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. May be repeated for credit without limitation. Prerequisite: ART 200. Repeatable. F,S.

ART 401. Advanced Jewelry and Metalsmithing. 3-6 Credits.

A continuation and expansion of Introduction to Jewelry and Metalsmithing. Specialized techniques and processes utilized in metal fabrication will produce works ranging from body adornment to small sculpture. Emphasis will be placed on the theoretical and conceptual growth of the student and the development of a self-directed personal aesthetic expression. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. May be repeated for credit without limitation. Prerequisites: ART 204. Repeatable. F,S.

ART 402. Advanced Painting. 3-6 Credits.

This studio course will build on fundamentals established in Introduction to Painting (ART 220). Through hands-on experience, demonstration, lecture, and critique students will gain a deeper understanding of painting as an artistic practice. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. This course may be repeated for credit without limitation. Prerequisite or Corequisite: ART 220. Repeatable. F,S.

ART 403. Advanced Printmaking. 3-6 Credits.

Advanced work in all traditional and experimental print media, including photo-based printing, non-toxic printing processes, computer-generated printmaking and exploration of collaborative printing and construction of non-traditional multiples. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. May be repeated for credit without limitation. Prerequisite: ART 240. Repeatable. F,S.

ART 404. Advanced Ceramics. 3-6 Credits.

This course will have specific technical ceramic applications, applicable to the exploration of advanced level hand building and/or throwing techniques. The conceptual development of the student's work is essential and may include both ceramic work and/or readings. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. May be repeated for credit without limitation. Prerequisite: ART 250 or ART 253. Repeatable. F,S.

ART 405. Advanced Photography. 3-6 Credits.

Refinement of conceptual and formal qualities in silver or non-silver process photographic projects using color, black and white, and/or digital techniques. The scope of work and media will be determined by contractual arrangements between the student and instructor. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. May be repeated for credit without limitation. Prerequisites: ART 245 or ART 260. Repeatable. F,S.

ART 410. Advanced History of Art. 3 Credits.

Study of varied topics in the history of art and architecture. May be repeated as title changes. Possible subjects may include but are not limited to: Non-Western Traditions, 20th & 21st Century Art, Late 18th through 19th Century Art, Renaissance & Baroque Art and Feminist Art. Prerequisites: ART 210 and ART 211. Repeatable to 24.00 credits. F,S.

ART 417. History of Art: Museum Studies Practicum. 3-6 Credits.

Experience working in an art exhibition setting involving practical experience, research, a written paper and presentation. Prerequisites: ART 210 and ART 211. Repeatable to 36.00 credits. F,S.

ART 430. Advanced Drawing. 3-6 Credits.

This studio course will build on fundamentals established in Introduction to Drawing (ART 230). Through hands-on experience, demonstration, lecture, and critique students will gain a deeper understanding of drawing as an artistic practice. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. This course may be repeated for credit without limitation. Prerequisite or Corequisite: ART 230. Repeatable. F,S.

ART 461. Methods and Materials of Teaching Middle and Secondary School Art. 3 Credits.

Various teaching methods, strategies and materials used in teaching middle and secondary school art. Prerequisite: T&L 345. Corequisite: T&L 486. On demand.

ART 480. Advanced Graphic Design. 3-6 Credits.

Study and application of abstract representation in graphic design. Design methods and genres are examined during the production of promotional material including identity and business systems and campaigns. Ability to work metaphorically with image and design will be stressed. Focus will be on layout and composition. Continuing students will focus on application of graphic design principles to environmental and three-dimensional material including packaging, showroom graphics, display and electronic media applications. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. Repeatable. Prerequisite: ART 273. Repeatable. F,S.

ART 481. Art & Design Internship. 1-3 Credits.

Supervised work experience in studio art, art history & design. Plan submitted by student and approved in advance by faculty and on-site supervisor. Final report, portfolio of work produced during internship, and employee evaluation required. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. F,S.

ART 490. Special Projects/ Independent Research. 1-6 Credits.

Advanced independent study within a specific art discipline outside of subject areas normally covered within regularly scheduled courses in studio art, graphic design, art history and art education. Formal contract must be signed with professor of record. Repeatable, no more than 6 credits in each discipline area. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. F,S.

ART 491. Special Topics. 1-6 Credits.

Experience in specialized techniques and processes as they apply to various media both new and traditional. Offered on request. May be conducted either on laboratory or tutorial basis as subject matter permits. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. F,S.

ART 498. Seminar in Art and Design Capstone. 3 Credits.

Discussions, reports, and presentations that analyze, synthesize and evaluate various topics derived from what students have learned in the Art & Design program in relation to their entire university experience. Emphasis on critical thinking will be demonstrated through written and oral communication. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. S.

ART 501. Sculpture. 1-6 Credits.

Extensive work and study in three dimensional form, media, and methods. Repeatable to 30 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30.00 credits.

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 520. Painting. 1-6 Credits.

Individual research and experimentation in painting. Repeatable to 30 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30.00 credits.

ART 530. Drawing. 1-6 Credits.

Experimentation and elaboration to drawing skills and techniques, both innovative and traditional. Emphasis on individual exploration. Repeatable to 30 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30.00 credits.

ART 537. Graduate Cooperative Education. 1-4 Credits.

An elective opportunity in the VA graduate program toward the MFA to participate in an apprentice experience in one's selected field of concentration. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and approval of departmental advisor/coordinator.

ART 540. Printmaking. 1-6 Credits.

Individual research and experimentation in printmaking. Repeatable to 30 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30.00 credits.

ART 550. Ceramics. 1-6 Credits.

Individual instruction and experimentation in Ceramics. Repeatable to 30 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30.00 credits.

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 30.00 credits.

ART 570. Photography. 1-6 Credits.

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

ART 573. Graphic Design. 1-6 Credits.

Individual research and experimentation in graphic design and/or interdisciplinary art. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30.00 credits. F,S.

ART 590. Individual Research. 1-9 Credits.

Research and creative experiences within a specific area of interest in the Visual Arts and emphasis on refinements of aesthetic applications of techniques and media. Repeatable to twenty-two credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 22.00 credits.

ART 599. Professional Exhibition. 3 Credits.

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

ART 996. Continuing Enrollment. 1-12 Credits.

Repeatable. S/U grading.

The requirements on this page are pulled from UND’s academic catalog and may not reflect future terms. Updates are published annually in April.

Request Information

Department Contact
Todd Hebert
Graduate Program Director
P 701.777.2257
todd.hebert@UND.edu
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