Art, M.F.A.
Join an outstanding cohort of students training to excel in creative production while working closely with award-winning artists.
About the Master of Fine Arts in Art
The Department of Art & Art History in the College of Liberal Arts offers the M.F.A. in Art. The three-year, 60-credit hour program is the terminal degree in studio art that prepares students to teach at the college level and/or work as a professional artist.
In addition to coursework, students have the opportunity to teach, work in the gallery, and hold various graduate assistant positions. Their third year is dedicated to the creation of the M.F.A. thesis exhibition.
Together, faculty and students excel in the create production, research, education, and service in the visual arts. Graduate students demonstrate creative energy and imagination in the emphasis areas of
- ceramics,
- painting,
- printmaking, or
- sculpture.
On this Page…
Program Information
Degree
M.F.A. in Art
Emphases
Ceramics ;
Painting ;
Printmaking ;
Sculpture
Required Credit Hours
60
Program Type
Master's Program
Program Location
School
Duration
3 years
Welcome from the Graduate Program Coordinator
Our program fosters creative development and provides a solid foundation in artistic practice, with an emphasis in ceramics, painting, printmaking, or sculpture. Students have the opportunity to explore diverse mediums, engage with innovative techniques, and push the boundaries of traditional art forms. Through personalized mentorship and a dynamic studio environment, we help students cultivate their unique artistic voice while honing essential skills for success in the art world. Graduates are well-prepared for a range of careers in the arts, including studio practice, gallery management, curating, and arts education. At the University of Mississippi, we strive to nurture artists who are not only technically skilled but also dedicated to the transformative power of art in society.
Durant B Thompson
Professor of Art
M.F.A. in Art Program Details
Learn about the application process, what classes you'll take, opportunities offered through graduate assistantships, and the facilities available to you.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: February 1 (Fall entry) or October 1 (Spring entry)
The Department of Art & Art History welcomes student applications with the following materials. Additional important details are found on the department website.
- Complete the Graduate School’s Online Application.
- Pay the application fee ($60).
- Submit official transcripts.
- International applicants whose first language is not English may be required to submit scores from an acceptable English language proficiency test.
- Email the following supplemental materials to the Graduate Program Coordinator, Professor Durant Thompson (durant@olemiss.edu) with your last name and "MFA Applicant" in the subject line.
- Copy of an unofficial transcript
- A pdf document with your letter of intent including a brief introduction, your proposed area or areas of study, the semester and year you plan to begin the program, and your goals as a graduate student; artist's statement; résumé; and three (3) references including name, phone, and email.
- Second pdf document that is no larger than 10MB with 20 portfolio images of your work and an image list that includes dimensions, medium, process, and year.
Students in the M.F.A. in Art complete 60 credit hours.
- 18 credit hours within the selected studio emphasis of ceramics, painting, printmaking, or sculpture
- 18 credit hours from at least two studio areas other than area of specialization
- 9 credit hours of electives
- 9 credit hours of art history including AH 503: Art Theory and Criticism
- 6 credit hours of Art 697: Thesis
Students complete 6 credit hours of Art 692: Professional Practices, which may count as studio hours outside of specialization or as electives.
Students will be reviewed by the faculty at the end of each semester during the first two years. After a successful fourth review, students will be advanced into thesis candidacy. During the third year, candidates will be reviewed three times per semester. In the last semester, students install a thesis exhibition and pass an oral examination pertaining to the thesis exhibition.
- in-state tuition
- tuition scholarship
- teaching stipend
- subsidized health insurance
The Graduate School’s financial aid webpage lists a variety of funding possibilities, including summer support and a recruiting fellowship program that promotes academic excellence and access to graduate education to groups who are historically underrepresented.
Each graduate student has their own studio space. To see the facilities and equipment for each studio area, visit the following department webpages.
The department also has Gallery 130.
What’s It Like to Study a M.F.A. in Art?
Learn more about the Department of Art & Art History from our faculty and students.
Next Steps
Explore Affordability
We have a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for you and your family.
Apply to the University of Mississippi
Are you ready to take the next step toward building your legacy?