MFA in Art- Drawing and Painting in University Park United States | Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University | University Park United States
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Qualification
Masters Degree
Languages
English
Delivery Mode
On-Campus
Tuition (2025)
USD 43,266
Attendance
Full-time
Full-time Duration
42 months

The Drawing and Painting program embraces a diverse, cross-disciplinary approach to artistic creation, incorporating traditional mediums like painting and drawing alongside modern forms such as installation, performance, digital media, web-based art, and emerging practices. This area fosters both theoretical exploration and personal expression, using painting as a foundation for critical artistic discourse. Students engage with figurative, abstract, conceptual, text-based, and experimental approaches while developing historical awareness and contemporary perspectives. Material innovation and format experimentation are integral to the program.

Our distinguished faculty includes nationally and internationally recognized artists committed to both professional practice and education. They offer diverse perspectives and lead regular open critiques where students present their work. As a competitive studio program, Drawing and Painting has successfully prepared students for top graduate programs nationwide. The program aims to stimulate conversations about art's societal role while providing undergraduates with the skills to launch visual arts careers and realize their creative potential in our rapidly changing world.

Students undergo periodic evaluations and are urged to enter juried exhibitions as professional development. Throughout the program, their work should show progressive conceptual and technical growth, culminating in a portfolio demonstrating technical mastery, artistic vision, and substantive content.


Destination of Study

Subjects of Study

Language Requirements

English
IELTS 6.5

Qualification Requirements

Applicants apply for admission to the program via the Graduate School application for admission. Requirements listed here are in addition to Graduate Council policies listed under GCAC-300 Admissions Policies.

The Master of Fine Arts program in art, with its emphasis on professional study, is designed for the mature individual who by previous training and study has sufficiently prepared for the undertaking. It is strongly suggested that applicants have a minimum of 12 credits of art history at the undergraduate level. Any qualified student holding a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution or a postsecondary degree that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution may seek admission. The School of Visual Arts requires a minimum of 3.00 junior/senior grade-point average (on a 4.00 scale) for admission to the master of fine arts program. Exceptions to the minimum 3.00 average may be made for students with special backgrounds, abilities, and interests, at the discretion of the program.

In addition to the previous requirements, all applicants must submit:

A portfolio of his/her work to illustrate his/her preparation for graduate study. A portfolio of digital images, rather than actual work, is required. A selection of no fewer than twenty examples should be presented. The majority should be in the area of the applicant's interest.
A statement of professional aims. This statement should include the applicant's intentions for his/her proposed study. Some indications of his/her philosophy, beliefs, and goals in regard to education and art should give evidence that he/she is prepared to undertake the work outlined for the Master of Fine Arts program.
Three letters of reference attesting to the applicant's scholarship and ability to work independently.
International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the internet-based test. a bachelor's degree from a U.S. regionally accredited institution, or
a postsecondary degree that is equivalent to a U.S. baccalaureate degree earned from an officially recognized degree-granting international institution. IELTS- 6.5

Tuition USD 43,266

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