Graduate Program in Studio Art

Mission Statement

The Master of Arts in Studio Art degree program at the Center for Art and Design challenges students to develop strong creative voices and informed independent aesthetic judgment. Students are expected to understand their studio work in relation to historical precedent, current trends, and contemporary theory. This degree program provides preparation for careers in the students' chosen fields.

Goals

- to develop a strong, theoretical, historical and critical understanding of contemporary art;
- to build an expertise in the making of art; and
- to foster an informed creative voice as a committed artist.

Objectives

- to develop and refine the individualized visual language informed by critical concepts
- to analyze the work through critiques
- to be familiar with contemporary ideas
- to write a thesis
- to create and exhibit a distinctive body of work at the end of the program

Prerequisites

1. Completed an undergraduate degree in the field of fine arts or courses/experiences equivalent to an art major.
2. A fine art portfolio that shows developed personal imagery in a selected area and also demonstrates drawing skills. Graphic Design or Interior Design portfolios are not accepted into these programs.

Program Description

A Master of Arts in Studio Art offers the opportunity of pursuing a two year intense studio practice. This program emphasizes not only the technical knowledge but the conceptual understanding you need to produce thoughtful work in a medium. The studio areas include: painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. The students work closely with faculty-artists and a few visiting artists to shape their direction of thought and practice in the art field.

The degree meets the needs of a broad range of students from artists to educators engaged in art activities. Some of those needs are art teachers who have initial certification and need a Masters Degree; Bachelor of Art or Bachelor of Science studio majors who want to build up their portfolio for a Master of Fine Arts Program; and Bachelor of Fine Arts students who want a Masters Degree but not a terminal degree (MFA).

The major goals of this program are to provide a higher degree of competence in the making of art; to study the History of Art since 1960; to critically analyze and interpret works of art and to write a thesis proposal followed by a research thesis. These goals are guided by the Art Department's Mission Statement. They have been established through philosophical discussions with the intention of having our students become leaders in their fields and communities.

The candidates must have completed an undergraduate degree in the field of art or courses equivalent to a studio art major. The Art Portfolio is required and incoming students are expected to have a firm grounding in the fine arts, a clear sense of self-direction, and an interest in developing their artistic vision and cultivating their visual intelligence. An essay is required that includes the applicant's interest and commitment to making art. An interview with the Graduate Coordinator of the Art Department is also required. Students will benefit from the studio environment and exchange of ideas woth program peers.

The faculty who teach Studio courses all have at least ten years of teaching experience at the college level and are exhibiting artists. The facilities are described by the NASAD evaluators in their Visitors' Report (2007): "The institution boasts outstanding, spacious facilities that allow for a range of scale in the work as well as individual spaces for the students. Housekeeping and attention to health and safety was evident throughout."

There are two major assessment reviews: one after six credits of studio courses and a final review the semester before the Graduate Exhibition (AED 597).

This program closely follows the curriculum of the MS in Education (Art Education) 0831 NYS Hegis Code without the Education courses and with the addition of a Master Thesis (AED 599).