The MFA in Visual Arts Program | Academic Requirements | Student Learning Outcomes | MFA/MA Academic Requirements | Courses | Advising & Review Process | Thesis & Exhibition

MFA Thesis and Exhibition

As one of the graduation requirements, the MFA candidate mounts a final thesis exhibition, accompanied by a critical thesis paper (6 to 10 double-spaced pages) that articulates the philosophical and/or formal viewpoint of the work. MFA thesis exhibitions, which include the work of two or more graduate students at a time, are installed in the Richard and Dolly Maass Gallery, the main exhibition space in the School of Art+Design. An additional group exhibition of graduating MFA candidates’ work is held in a New York City gallery.

The thesis exhibition, carried out with the sponsorship of a faculty member, is reviewed, critiqued, and adjudicated by three to five members of the MFA faculty, including the student’s sponsor.

Notes for MFA candidates:

1. The review must be scheduled during the time of the thesis exhibition.
2. The thesis paper must be given to each of the reviewers one week in advance of the review date.
3. Finally, the thesis paper and appropriate documentation of the exhibition must be submitted to the Library and confirmed by the sponsor and second reader before graduation.

Updated March 21, 2013