Graduate Programs
The Division of Art and Design offers full-time residential graduate programs in Ceramics, Graphic Design, Intermedia, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Art education, and Art History.
The graduate programs in art lead to a Master of Arts with emphasis in art, art education, or art history (two years and a minimum of thirty credit hours; thirty-six is recommended); and to a Master of Fine Arts with emphasis in visual art (three years and a minimum of sixty credit hours; seventy-two is recommended). Both of these programs are highly selective and closely integrated parts of the professional education in art offered by the Division of Art and Design. All applicants are expected to have artistic maturity and the motivation to achieve excellence in their areas of concentration.
The Studio disciplines offer intensive studio work leading to a three-year, M.F.A., or two-year M.A., with concentration in an area of specialization. Our selective and limited enrollment ensures regular individual contact with a dedicated, diverse faculty who are committed to a concentrated and sustained professional exchange with each student. A collaboratively designed curriculum includes bi-monthly colloquia engaging all studio majors and faculty. Media experimentation is encouraged and trends in contemporary art criticism are analyzed. A broad approach to art making is encouraged. The development of a coherent and significant body of work, as well as an understanding of relevant issues, is required to graduate.
The Art Education program offers a two-year M.A. degree with approximately one-half of the course work being conducted on a tutorial basis. Requirements are designed to accommodate the student’s background, professional interests, and studio preferences. Accordingly, students are encouraged to personalize their study, through a re-examination and critical exploration of the content area. Studio involvement is closely aligned with the M.F.A. program in terms of faculty committee membership, weekly critiques, and contemporary art criticism. Completion of the program culminates in the design and production of a Master’s project, which may take a variety of forms within the context of education and the practice of teaching. An undergraduate degree in art education is not required; students may combine course work leading to a teaching certificate with their graduate program. Since the program does not include a residency requirement, teachers who hold a provisional teaching certificate and have the requisite teaching experience may, upon completion of their program, qualify for a permanent teaching certificate.
The Art History program offers a two-year M.A. degree, ensuring a solid foundation in major areas of Western Art History and theory. The program emphasizes independent exploration and interdisciplinary research. The Master of Arts in Art History degree at WVU provides a foundation in historical and theoretical study of the history of Western Art, from Medieval to Contemporary Art. The degree is administered by the Division of Art and Design, a strong studio art undergraduate and M.F.A. program. The Paul and Laura Mesaros Galleries in the Creative Arts Center and the Visiting Artists program form a crucial link in the course of studies, presenting installation and curatorial opportunities and WVU’s association with regional museums and galleries encourages internships. Interdisciplinary courses of study may be arranged in consultation with faculty. Reading proficiency in one language other than English is required for the completion of the degree and writing and speaking skills needed to communicate clearly and effectively are required. To assist the student in achieving these objectives, the course of study includes requirements in academic course work, language, and research. Completion of the program culminates in the Master’s thesis, which may take a variety of forms within the context of art history and critical practices.
Graduate Education
By using the link below, potential students can find additional information, polices and procedures pertaining to graduate education at West Virginia University.