Graduate Studies

Master of Fine Arts

The MFA in Studio Art is a comprehensive 3-year program designed to guide students toward expertise in studio art practices, aesthetics and scholarly inquiry while expanding proficiency in art history, criticism and theory. In addition, students have the opportunity to acquire experience in classroom instruction and pedagogy and gallery practices.

This 60 credit-hour program culminates with the successful production of a graduating thesis project including a solo exhibition, accompanying written thesis and oral defense.

The MFA is a distinguished terminal degree that prepares students to excel as professional practicing artists in a global context and careers in higher education. 

Admission Requirements

Full admissions requirements are found at the College of Graduate Studies webpage:https://www.tamucc.edu/grad-college/new-students/application-process.php

  • Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate course work taken at any accredited college or University attended (Foreign College credits/transcripts require an official foreign evaluation. Please click here).  TAMU-CC transcript is not required.
  • An earned Bachelor of Fine Arts degree or graduate degree in art from an institution accredited by one of the six regional accrediting associations.
  • Portfolio of Works: Provide up to (20) .jpg image files (at least 150 dpi) of applicants works on a flash drive, uploaded and shared via Dropbox, personal website, or shared via any other suitable online platform. Label each image: title_medium_size_date
  • Statement of Intent: (300-500 words) written by the applicant, explaining specific interest and objectives for graduate studies at TAMU-CC.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Provide (3) letters from faculty or persons familiar with the applicant's interest and ability in fine art.
Applying for U.S. Applicants International Applicants
Fall Semester February 1 February 1

Degree Plan

Full Degree Plan details are found at the College of Graduate Studies webpage: Studio Art, MFA Graduate Degree Plan

MFA in Studio Art concentration options:

MFA in Studio Art with concentration in Ceramics, Painting and Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture

  • 12 courses in Studio Art (36 semester hours)
    • 6 courses in Area of Concentration (18 semester hours)
    • 3 courses in Studio Electives or in Area of Concentration (9 semester hours)
    • 3 courses in Studio Electives (9 semester hours)
  • 4 courses of Art History/Theory & Methods/Research Topics (12 semester hours)
  • 3 one-credit in MFA Seminar: Professional Practices (3 semester hours)
  • 3 one-credit in MFA Seminar: Graduate Critique seminar (3 semester hours)
  • MFA Project and Oral defense (3 semester hours)
  • MFA Thesis (3 semester hours)

MFA in Studio Art with a concentration in Interdisciplinary Art

  • 12 courses in Studio Art (36 semester hours)
  • 4 courses of Art History/Theory & Methods/Research Topics (12 semester hours)
  • 3 one-credit in MFA Seminar: Professional Practices (3 semester hours)
  • 3 one-credit in MFA Seminar: Graduate Critique seminar (3 semester hours)
  • MFA Project and Oral defense (3 semester hours)
  • MFA Thesis (3 semester hours)

First-Year Review and Second-Year Review
The Department of Art & Design faculty will review each candidate’s work following completion of 20 semester hours or first year of graduate study and following completion of 40 semester hours or second year of graduate study before permitting advancement toward
completion of an MFA Project and MFA Thesis.

Course Requirements:
Students must complete 60 hours in art with a 3.0 average.  No more than 2 grades of "C" earned at this university will be accepted as credit for this degree.  

Downloadable Documents:

Graduate Admission Guidelines
Graduate Student Handbook
MFA Exhibition Proposal
Graduate Studio Contract 

For additional information Visit the College of Graduate Studies' Website

Already a student in the program and can’t find what you need? You can call us at 361.825.2317.

Please contact the College of Graduate Studies for advising: 361-825-2174