School of Art and Design
Master of Fine Arts - 2 years: Ceramic Art
The MFA degree in Ceramic Art is the oldest established graduate program in the School since 1943. It is a highly competitive and intensive program of study ranked #1 in the nation by US News and World Report. Every year, eight candidates receive full tuition funding and a financial stipend to work as either teaching assistants or as interns within the Art and Design program.
The studies involve studio courses, seminars in art and art history, studio electives and technical courses relevant to their areas of study. The studies culminate in a written thesis in support of a MFA thesis exhibition in the School of Art and Design’s Fosdick-Nelson Gallery, Robert C.
Turner Gallery or an approved alternate site.
Program Title: Master of Fine Arts in Ceramic Art Number of Years to Complete the Program: 2
Program Submitted for: Renewal of Final Approval Current Semester’s Enrollment in Majors: 16 Name of Program Supervisor(s): Linda Sikora
Studio
Courses Art
History Studio electives
Written Thesis Report
Technical electives
Ceramic Graduate Seminar
Additional Credits
Total
Number of credits
32 6 4 4 4 2 8 60
Percentage of credits
53% 10% 7% 7% 7% 3% 13% 100%
Studio Courses
ART 552 Advanced Ceramics 1-8 cr.
ART 682 Thesis Ceramic Art 1-8 cr.
Total Studio Courses 32 cr.
Art History
ARTH 500 Topics in Art History 2-4 cr.
ARTH 501 African Art I 4 cr.
ARTH 502 African Art II 4 cr.
SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS PORTFOLIO
ARTH 504 Global Arts: Contemporary Asia 4 cr.
ARTH 505 South Asian Arts 15-20c: Mughals to Modern 4 cr.
ARTH 511 Pre-Columbian Art 4 cr.
ARTH 521 Greek and Roman Art and Architecture 4 cr.
ARTH 522 Medieval Art and Architecture 4 cr.
ARTH 524 Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts 4 cr.
ARTH 531 Italian Renaissance Art and Architecture 4 cr.
ARTH 532 Northern Renaissance Art 4 cr.
ARTH 533 Baroque Art and Architecture 4 cr.
ARTH 542 Primitivism: A Western Perspective 4 cr.
ARTH 543 Modern Art 4 cr.
ARTH 545 Understanding Culture through the Lens
of World Cinema 4 cr.
ARTH 550 Independent Study 1-4 cr.
ARTH 551 In, of, and around Contemporary Craft 4 cr.
ARTH 552 Contemporary Projects in Art 4 cr.
ARTH 554 Recent Sculptural Practices 4 cr.
ARTH 555 Picasso in Context 4 cr.
ARTH 560 Exploring Art History: Concepts, Methods
and Practices 4 cr.
ARTH 561 Viewing Sculpture: Figurative, Modernist,
Minimalist, Performative 4 cr.
ARTH 566 Histories of Photography in the Non-western World 4 cr.
ARTH 582 Women/Art/History: Feminist Art in a
Global Frame 4 cr.
ARTH 593 Art in the Age of Digital Recursion 4 cr.
ARTH 660 First Year Graduate Seminar 2 cr.
Total Art History 6 cr.
Studio Electives
ART 500 Special Topics in Art 0-4 cr.
ART 501 Studio Elective 1-6 cr.
ART 535 Interactive Media Art 2 cr.
ART 550 Independent Study 1-4 cr.
Total Studio Electives 4 cr.
Written Thesis Report
SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS PORTFOLIO
ART 672 Written Thesis Prep 2 cr.
Total Written Thesis Report 4 cr.
Technical Electives
ART 581 Introduction to Kiln Procedures and Construction 2 cr.
ART 583 Ceramic Materials II: Problem Solving for Artists 2 cr.
ART 584 Introduction to Kiln Procedures and Construction 4 cr.
ART 587 Introduction to 3D Modeling and Rapid Prototyping 2 cr.
ART 590 Methods for Digital Output 2 cr.
ART 592 Advanced Kiln Procedures and Construction 2 cr.
Total Technical Electives 4 cr.
Ceramics Graduate Seminar
ART 560 Ceramic Graduate Seminar 2 cr.
Total Ceramics Graduate Seminar 2 cr.
Additional Credits
Based on student’s course of study (can be in studio courses, art history, studio electives 8 cr.
or technical electives categories)
Total Additional Credits 8 cr.
______________________________________________________________________________
a. Proficiencies
Required application materials to the Master of Fine in Ceramic Art program include: twenty digital images, a written statement of intent, résumé, transcripts and two letters of
recommendation. A TOEFL score of 80 is required of international applicants where English is a second language. Graduate faculty in the Division of Ceramic Art collectively review
submissions to gauge suitability for graduate study. Competition for admission is rigorous—the division receives up to 120 applications in any given year—the review process is thorough and time intensive. Ceramic Art faculty make every effort to choose a class of considerable
diversity, from functional potters to vessel makers, sculptors or mixed media installation artists.
Gender balance is also a consideration. Evaluation of the online portfolio is key. A successful submission will demonstrate multiple competencies, including: conceptual depth and breadth;
visual and material acuity; thematic cohesiveness; proficiency in the ceramic processes employed; and development in technical skills. Each applicant’s written statements,
recommendations, and transcripts function to affirm or dissuade faculty support of any given
SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS PORTFOLIO
portfolio. The collective expertise of the faculty is focused to evaluate potential for growth.
Eight students are accepted every year into the program.
Once in the program, graduate work is evaluated collectively by core faculty in the Division of Ceramic Art at formal critiques at midterm and at the end of each semester. Informal studio walk-throughs are conducted in the fourth week of the first semester to orient faculty to the work and initial progress of new students. The core faculty members in the Division of Ceramic Art conduct the formal critiques; additional faculty from across AU may participate by invitation.
Students are encouraged to seek faculty feedback across divisional structures by registering for elective credits in a particular area of interest and informally by appointment for studio visits.
Throughout the semester, the Ceramic Art Division faculty track progress in the studio through scheduled weekly meetings with individual grads. Final reviews take place in the studio or in contiguous exhibition spaces; the work itself and the student’s verbal and written assessments of their work are evaluated and the cumulative result is assessed and graded by core faculty.
Insufficient progress in the studio is designated by an In Progress (IP) grade and a student may be called upon to re-present their work for additional review as prescribed by faculty.
b. Research and professional tools
Graduate students are required to have experience in firing kilns, along with electric, gas, atmospheric and wood kilns, and knowledge of raw material competencies. There is a checklist for Ceramic Art grad students to use to ensure that they are taking the proper sequence of classes (see: IV-Misc: Ceramic Grad check list.pdf).
c. Policy for conducting a comprehensive review
In their final semester of study, MFA candidates in Ceramic Art are required to mount a thesis exhibition, produce a written thesis document in support of the exhibited work and present an oral thesis defense in the presence of their exhibition. The core faculty in the Division of Ceramic Art comprise the MFA candidate’s Thesis Committee. Exhibitions are open to the public and take place in either The Turner Gallery or Fosdick-Nelson Gallery on campus, or an alternative site in neighboring communities (upon approval by the Division). The culminating thesis exhibition and the body of work created for it, in conjunction with the oral defense, is considered the primary indicator of a candidate’s success in the program. The oral defense measures a candidate’s familiarity with salient ideas, issues, histories and current debates regarding the work exhibited. The thesis paper is considered a supporting document for the thesis exhibition; the exact form and length may vary but is required to effectively support a candidate’s primary thematic and conceptual direction. Two final copies of the thesis must be provided to the Scholes Library Thesis Collection.
SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS PORTFOLIO
d. Candidacy and final project requirements
Discussed immediately above (see part C: Policy for conducting a comprehensive review).
SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS PORTFOLIO
Master of Fine Arts - 2 years: Electronic Integrated Arts
The MFA degree in Electronic Integrated Arts is a competitive and intensive program of study preparing students for careers in Electronic Integrated Arts. It attracts candidates who want to extend their professional expertise by integrating electronic and digital processes to their artistic practice. Every year, five candidates receive full tuition funding and a financial stipend to work as either teaching assistants or as interns within the Art and Design program. The studies involve studio courses, seminars in art and art history, studio electives and technical courses relevant to their areas of study. The studies culminate in a written thesis in support of a MFA thesis exhibition in the School of Art and Design’s Fosdick-Nelson Gallery, Robert C. Turner Gallery or an approved alternate site.
Program Title: Master of Fine Arts in Electronic Integrated Arts Number of Years to Complete the Program: 2
Program Submitted for: Renewal of Final Approval Current Semester’s Enrollment in Majors: 9
Name of Program Supervisor(s): Andrew Deutsch Studio
courses
Work and Analysis
Electronic Strategies
Art History
Written thesis
Prep
Studio Electives
Total
Number of credits
32 16 4 6 4 4 66
Percentage of credits
53% 27% 7% 10% 7% 7% 111%
Studio Courses
ART 525 Advanced Electronic Arts 1-8 cr.
ART 681 Thesis Electronic Integrated Arts 1-8 cr.
Total Studio Courses 32 cr.
Work and Analysis
ART 523 Work and Analysis 4 cr.
Total Work and Analysis 16 cr.
Electronic Strategies
ART 524 Electronic Strategies (non-time based) 2 cr.
SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS PORTFOLIO
ART 526 Electronic Strategies (time based) 2 cr.
Total Electronic Strategies 4 cr.
Art History
ARTH 500 Topics in Art History 2-4 cr.
ARTH 501 African Art I 4 cr.
ARTH 502 African Art II 4 cr.
ARTH 504 Global Arts: Contemporary Asia 4 cr.
ARTH 505 South Asian Arts 15-20c: Mughals to Modern 4 cr.
ARTH 511 Pre-Columbian Art 4 cr.
ARTH 521 Greek and Roman Art and Architecture 4 cr.
ARTH 522 Medieval Art and Architecture 4 cr.
ARTH 524 Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts 4 cr.
ARTH 531 Italian Renaissance Art and Architecture 4 cr.
ARTH 532 Northern Renaissance Art 4 cr.
ARTH 533 Baroque Art and Architecture 4 cr.
ARTH 542 Primitivism: A Western Perspective 4 cr.
ARTH 543 Modern Art 4 cr.
ARTH 545 Understanding Culture through the Lens
of World Cinema 4 cr.
ARTH 550 Independent Study 1-4 cr.
ARTH 551 In, of, and around Contemporary Craft 4 cr.
ARTH 552 Contemporary Projects in Art 4 cr.
ARTH 554 Recent Sculptural Practices 4 cr.
ARTH 555 Picasso in Context 4 cr.
ARTH 560 Exploring Art History: Concepts, Methods
and Practices 4 cr.
ARTH 561 Viewing Sculpture: Figurative, Modernist,
Minimalist, Performative 4 cr.
ARTH 566 Histories of Photography in the Non-western World 4 cr.
ARTH 582 Women/Art/History: Feminist Art in a Global Frame4 cr.
ARTH 593 Art in the Age of Digital Recursion 4 cr.
ARTH 660 First Year Graduate Seminar 2 cr.
Total Art History 6 cr.
Written Thesis Prep
ART 671 Written Thesis Prep-EIA 4 cr.
SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS PORTFOLIO
Total Written Thesis Prep 4 cr.
Studio Electives
ART 500 Special Topics in Art 0-4 cr.
ART 501 Studio Elective 1-6 cr.
ART 535 Interactive Media Art 2 cr.
ART 550 Independent Study 1-4 cr.
ART 587 Introduction to 3D Modeling and Rapid Prototyping 2 cr.
ART 590 Methods for Digital Output 2 cr.
Total Studio Electives 4 cr.
______________________________________________________________________________
a. Proficiencies
The baccalaureate degree must be appropriate to the particular course of study and be considered legitimate preparation for the field of study to which the student is being admitted. Some
students may be accepted with the condition that undergraduate coursework be completed. A 3.0/4.0 GPA or better is recommended.
Applications to the Electronic Integrated Arts MFA program must submit their portfolio on SlideRoom, disc/tape, or a combination of both; however, SlideRoom does not support the submission of interactive works, animation, or videos over 60MB. Links to websites and online pieces may be posted to SlideRoom. Applicants working primarily with video are encouraged to submit the portfolio on disc for the best presentation of their work.
Depending on the individual work, the Electronic Integrated Arts MFA program applicant’s portfolio may be a combination of the following digital files:
● Prints, videos, animations, sound pieces, interactive works, installations, websites, or other appropriate work.
● Excerpts from longer video or sound works are strongly encouraged, along with complete works when appropriate.
Since the language of instruction at AU is English, all international applicants who have not received a baccalaureate or master’s degree from a U.S. institution must take one of the following English proficiency examinations:
● TOEFL Written Exam: A score of 550 or better for the MFA program
● Internet Based Test: A score of 80 or better for the MFA program
● IELTS
SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS PORTFOLIO
● Core of 6.0 for the MFA program or better is required.
b. Research and professional tools
The MFA in Electronic Integrated Arts is designed to benefit an emerging population of students whose work questions the relationship between traditional languages of interrelated media (painting, printmaking, photography, video and the electronic arts) within an evolving contemporary fine arts context. This program of interdisciplinary study is committed to expanding the boundaries of traditional and emerging art media. Students who complete this MFA program will be prepared to take their place in the world as practicing artists, teachers and leaders who chart new territories and make significant contributions in the field of electronic integrated arts.
Due to the fact that Digital Media is a relatively new studio in MFA program, the degree is designed to train students with the capabilities of our unique facility. Graduate students are required to take two courses their first semester: Electronic Strategies - Non Time Based (ART 524) and Electronic Strategies - Time Based (ART 526). There is a checklist for Electronic Integrated Arts grad students to use to ensure that they are taking the proper sequence of classes (see: IV-Misc: EIA Grad check list.pdf).
c. Policy for conducting a comprehensive review
All of the faculty members in the Division of Expanded Media conduct full reviews twice a semester with all graduate students present. At the end of the first year of graduate study, each student must complete a candidacy review. The theoretical and creative studies of the first graduate year are so correlated as to provide the experience needed to identify and define the objectives of the second year.
The second year focuses on the development of a body of work to be presented at the end of the year in a thesis exhibition. This exhibition must be accompanied by a written thesis report that articulates the student’s philosophical point of view and demonstrates an understanding of contemporary art issues pertaining to the field of Electronic Integrated Arts.
The course work and analysis is required each semester of study. Work and analysis function as the primary forum for group dialogue among the MFA students. Regular group critiques of student work occur during class time, allowing for the development of understanding how work is produced, and the ability to offer insight to others. Narrative, symbolic, personal, cultural and poetic implications are addressed. Regular individual critiques are scheduled between the faculty and the student.
SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS PORTFOLIO
In addition to the dialogue that concerns the student’s work, questions pertinent to contemporary art practice are discussed weekly. This discussion includes debates on contemporary artists and current philosophical approaches to image making, both critical and aesthetic. The goal is to provide the student with a strengthened sense of context from which to proceed as an artist.
d. Candidacy and final project requirements
The thesis exhibition and written thesis report are the culmination of two years of graduate study and both are presented as a public gallery exhibition at the end of the second year. Because work created as a result of study in Electronic Integrated Arts could possibly be based in electronic sites (for example, as interactive work or on the Internet), public presentation of work may take electronic form. In many cases, thesis work takes multiple forms with conceptual links between its components. If the thesis is primarily in electronic form it can exist as a multi-feature
website, but must also be submitted as an archival hardcopy. The archival hardcopy form can be created from screenshots and /or PDFs and/or ePubs printed out to document the site along with all appropriate writings determined by the student’s thesis committee.
A written thesis report accompanies the exhibition and includes information that the graduate student determines is necessary for a complete understanding of the work. Topics may include philosophical, technical or poetic elaboration on issues important to the presentation. It should also include documentation of the final work to be presented in the thesis show and a section that documents and discusses all technology used in the thesis work. The thesis report is reviewed by the student’s committee and discussed during the oral defense. Two final copies must be
provided to the Scholes Library Thesis Collection. Electronic formats should be included with the thesis document of all media projects in final thesis show. Each member of thesis committee should also receive a copy of the final thesis (see: IV-I-Misc: EIA - MFA Thesis Checklist.pdf).
The thesis must include:
1. A discussion about the work produced for the thesis show and may include other work done at AU but should avoid lengthy discussions of work made prior to entering the MFA program at Alfred.
2. A technical section that discusses all technologies used in the thesis work and documentation of all software with versions and hardware used.
3. Appropriate work samples. It is important to include full high-resolution versions of work samples for archiving at Scholes Library. Jump drives are acceptable as well as other digital forms.
SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS PORTFOLIO
The thesis is produced under advisement of the faculty thesis committee with whom the student is enrolled. The thesis committee chair has final say in its acceptance. The Written Thesis Preparation for Electronic Integrated Arts (ART 671) class is designed to direct and enhance the thesis process with projects, demonstrations, lectures and reviews of the
candidate’s progress. The course also assists in adherence to deadlines and seminar discussions of present and past thesis work.
SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS PORTFOLIO
Master of Fine Arts - 2 years: Sculpture/Dimensional Studies
The MFA degree in Sculpture/Dimensional Studies is a competitive and intensive program of study preparing students for careers in Sculpture/Dimensional Studies (with concentration in glass art or sculpture). The program in glass is ranked #3 in the nation by US News and World Report. Every year, five candidates receive full tuition funding and a financial stipend to work as either teaching assistants or as interns within the Art and Design program. The studies involve studio courses, seminars in art and art history, studio electives and technical courses relevant to their areas of study. The studies culminate in a written thesis in support of a MFA thesis exhibition in the School of Art and Design’s Fosdick-Nelson Gallery, Robert C. Turner Gallery or an approved alternate site.
Program Title: Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture/Dimensional Studies Number of Years to Complete the Program: 2
Program Submitted for: Renewal of Final Approval Current Semester’s Enrollment in Majors: 9
Name of Program Supervisor(s): Angus Powers
Studio
Courses
Art History Studio Practice
Studio Electives
Written Thesis Report
Total
Number of credits
32 10 6 8 4 60
Percentage of credits
53% 17% 10% 14% 6% 100%
Studio Courses
ART 522 Advanced Sculpture/Dimensional Studies 1-8 cr.
ART 682 Thesis Sculpture/Dimensional Studies 1-8 cr.
Total Studio Courses 32 cr.
Art History
ARTH 500 Topics in Art History 2-4 cr.
ARTH 501 African Art I 4 cr.
ARTH 502 African Art II 4 cr.
ARTH 504 Global Arts: Contemporary Asia 4 cr.
ARTH 505 South Asian Arts 15-20c: Mughals to Modern 4 cr.
SECTION II. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS PORTFOLIO
ARTH 511 Pre-Columbian Art 4 cr.
ARTH 521 Greek and Roman Art and Architecture 4 cr.
ARTH 522 Medieval Art and Architecture 4 cr.
ARTH 524 Medieval Illuminated Manuscripts 4 cr.
ARTH 531 Italian Renaissance Art and Architecture 4 cr.
ARTH 532 Northern Renaissance Art 4 cr.
ARTH 533 Baroque Art and Architecture 4 cr.
ARTH 542 Primitivism: A Western Perspective 4 cr.
ARTH 543 Modern Art 4 cr.
ARTH 545 Understanding Culture through the Lens
of World Cinema 4 cr.
ARTH 550 Independent Study 1-4 cr.
ARTH 551 In, of, and around Contemporary Craft 4 cr.
ARTH 552 Contemporary Projects in Art 4 cr.
ARTH 554 Recent Sculptural Practices 4 cr.
ARTH 555 Picasso in Context 4 cr.
ARTH 560 Exploring Art History: Concepts, Methods
and Practices 4 cr.
ARTH 561 Viewing Sculpture: Figurative, Modernist,
Minimalist, Performative 4 cr.
ARTH 566 Histories of Photography in the Non-western World 4 cr.
ARTH 582 Women/Art/History: Feminist Art in a Global Frame4 cr.
ARTH 593 Art in the Age of Digital Recursion 4 cr.
ARTH 660 First Year Graduate Seminar 2 cr.
Total Art History 10 cr.
Studio Practice
ART 529 Studio Practice 2 cr.
Total Studio Practice 6 cr.
Studio Electives
ART 500 Special Topics in Art 0-4 cr.
ART 501 Studio Elective 1-6 cr.
ART 535 Interactive Media Art 2 cr.
ART 550 Independent Study 1-4 cr.
ART 587 Introduction to 3D Modeling and Rapid Prototyping 2 cr.
ART 590 Methods for Digital Output 2 cr.