Visual Arts Master's Requirements

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

Master of Fine Arts

Admission Requirements

Applicants who are seeking admission to the School of Graduate Studies must meet all of the minimum general School of Graduate Studies admission requirements identified in the graduate catalog. In addition, the prospective students must fulfill the requirements for admission to the graduate program in Visual Arts.

Admission to Approved Status requires a BA or BFA degree with at least 63 semester hours in studio courses plus a minimum of 12 semester hours in art history from a regionally accredited college or equivalent.
A cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 2.75 for all undergraduate work or a GPA of at least 3.0 for the junior and senior years of undergraduate work (based on A= 4.00).
Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog.
Image portfolio of twenty (20) clearly identified images representative of the student’s recent work and/or documentation on a USB drive. Images should be submitted at 72 dpi with the longest side not to exceed 1280 pixels in length.The work samples should be submitted to the Department of Art and Design’s Graduate Committee and accompanied by a list containing the viewing sequence, titles, date of completion, dimension (duration), and media.
Artist Statement supporting the image portfolio or other documentative application information on a USB drive.
For students who have earned graduate credit in art or hold an MA degree, 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.

The graduate program in visual arts operates on a rolling admissions basis. Applicants are advised to apply by March 1 for fall admission or October 1 for spring admission. Acceptance as well as financial support is considered pending availability of resources.

Degree Requirements

Students seeking the Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of North Dakota must satisfy all general degree requirements set forth by the School of Graduate Studies as well as particular requirements set forth by the Department of Art and Design.

The program consists of 60 credits in the following areas:

Course List
Code	Title	Credits
Major Emphasis Area (Ceramics, Painting, Drawing, Metalsmithing, Printmaking, Photography, Graphic Design, or Sculpture)		30
Art History and Theory (See #6 under Admission Requirements)		9
Electives (including at least 12 credits in art)		18
Professional Exhibition		3
Total Credits		60

At least one-half of the credits must be at or above the 500-level.
A maximum of one-fourth of the credit hours required for the degree may be transferred from another institution.
A critique of each MFA candidate’s work will be conducted by the entire faculty at the end of their first and second semesters in the program. MFA candidates in subsequent years of the program are expected to attend and participate.
After the formation of the candidate’s graduate thesis committee two formal reviews of the MFA candidate’s work will be conducted. See candidacy for degree requirements.
Prerequisites to graduation include:
1. Preparation and presentation of a Professional Exhibition, which will be a formal presentation of creative work.
2. Supplementary exhibitions materials including artist’s statement, exhibition announcement, and publicity materials.
3. An image portfolio and/or documentation in cd/dvd format of the Professional Exhibition must be submitted to the Department of Art and Design for its permanent files. Images should be submitted at 72 dpi with the longest side not to exceed 1280 pixels in length.
4. Successful completion of ART 510 Art History: Issues in Contemporary Art.

Professional Exhibition and Artist Lecture

All MFA candidates are required to register for ART 599 Professional Exhibition (three credits). The intention is to give candidates a summary experience as they near the end of their formal training, which will serve as a benchmark in their career development. The artist’s statement may include such things as a critical statement on the candidate’s work, its development, its cultural, philosophical and historical context, and/or reference to the artist’s procedures and techniques. The candidate will present an Artist Lecture that will be open to the public. The candidate’s graduate thesis committee will then examine and evaluate the student’s performance in the Professional Exhibition and Artist Lecture, and report the results to the School of Graduate Studies on the form titled “Final Report on Candidate” by the deadline specified in the academic calendar.The Thesis Committee Chairperson will certify receipt of an image portfolio of the Exhibition.

M.F.A. Candidate Recommended Timetable for Completion of Program

While the program is normally completed in three years, it is possible to achieve the degree in two years.

M.F.A. Recommended Timetable
Year	Semester	Project
First Year	Fall Semester	Full Faculty Critique
	Spring Semester	Full Faculty Critique
		Turn in Program of Study to School of Graduate Studies for Approval
		Form Thesis Committee
Second Year	Fall Semester	First Thesis Committee Review
	Spring Semester	Second Thesis Committee Review or Continued Program Enrollment
Third Year	Fall Semester	Second Thesis Committee Review or Continued Program Enrollment
	Spring Semester	ART 599: Professional Exhibition and Artist Lecture

Candidacy for the Degree

Admission of a student to the School of Graduate Studies as a degree student in Approved Status implies only that the student has met the minimum entrance requirements and will be permitted to take graduate courses that normally may be expected to lead to a degree. The student has not been admitted as a candidate for a degree. Advancement to candidacy is granted only after the completion of specific requirements and upon the recommendation of the faculty advisory committee. Candidates for the MFA degree will not be permitted to graduate in the same semester or summer session in which they are advanced to candidacy.

Students in Approved Status may be advanced to candidacy for a MFA degree when they have satisfied the following requirements in approximately the following sequence:

Completion of the first comprehensive review by the candidate’s graduate thesis committee. During the course of study, all MFA students will be evaluated twice and recommendations will be made regarding continuation in the degree program. The first review, held near the end of the second semester or the beginning of the third, is conducted by a graduate thesis committee of three members from the Graduate Faculty of the Department of Art and Design. After formal review of the student’s work, the committee prepares a written summary of the results of the evaluation and a recommendation regarding the continuance of the student. A copy of the evaluation is sent to the School of Graduate Studies.
Program of Study should normally be approved no later than the beginning of the third semester of enrollment.
Completion of a substantial portion of the course work for the degree with an overall GPA of no less than 3.00.
Completion of the second committee review prior to the end of the semester preceding the semester in which the student expects to graduate (normally the third or the beginning of the fourth semester). The evaluation will be conducted by the student’s graduate thesis committee and will consist of a review of the student’s progress toward completion of degree requirements, and a review of plans for the professional exhibition and Artist Lecture. The results of the evaluation will be filed with the School of Graduate Studies and will include a recommendation regarding advancement to candidacy for the MFA degree.
Recommendation to the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies for advancement to candidacy by the graduate thesis committee.

Final Evaluation

The graduate thesis committee will examine and evaluate the student’s performance in the Professional Exhibition and Artist Lecture, and report the results to the School of Graduate Studies on the form titled “Final Report on Candidate” by the deadline specified in the Academic Calendar. The Thesis Committee Chair will certify receipt of an image portfolio and/or documentation on USB drive of the 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 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 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 credits. F,S.

ART 430. Advanced Painting & Drawing. 3-6 Credits.

A continuation of both Introduction to Painting and Introduction to Drawing. Further development of painting and drawing concepts, comprehension and research of various media and styles. The course stresses the focus on one's attitudes towards developing a more personal visual statement in areas of personal interest. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. May be repeated for credit without limitation. Prerequisite: ART 220 or ART 230. Repeatable. F,S.

ART 460. Methods, Materials and Philosophy: Art in the Elementary Classroom. 3 Credits.

The study of art materials, methods, philosophy and projects applicable for special education, kindergarten through sixth grade students. Emphasis is on inter-curricular creativity using both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional projects, featuring multi-cultural and disciplined-based education. Appropriate art safety instruction will be included. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing in T&L or Art. 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 credits.

ART 550. Ceramics. 1-6 Credits.

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

ART 570. Photography. 1-6 Credits.

Individual instruction and experimentation in Photography. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. Repeatable to 30 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 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 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.