Studio Art (M.F.A.)

Create. Explore. Emerge. Take your conceptual and technical artistic skills to the next level in the production of art and design work.

Why Earn a Master’s Degree in Studio Art?

We offer an interdisciplinary, nurturing environment where you can focus and excel in your craft. Pursue an MFA in Studio Art as an artist, designer, curator, or critic, as a gallery or museum professional, or as a college-level instructor.

Areas of Concentration

You can choose from the following areas of concentration: Painting, Photography, User Experience (UX) Design, Digital Media, Graphic Design, Illustration, Sculpture, Ceramics, Printmaking, Metalsmithing and Jewelry, and Interrelated Media.

Expand Your Vision

Develop a knowledge of art history, art criticism, art theory, aesthetics, and contemporary practice through creative research and writing that explores our current cultural environment and expands your vision for creative problem solving and the production of individual original artwork. Through your experience, you will further develop your research and writing skills.

Get Your Questions Answered

Connect with a Student Ambassador

Schedule a conversation with a current TU student from the Studio Art MFA program.

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Admission and Degree Requirements

View admission requirements and deadlines to apply to the program. View degree requirements and course descriptions in the Graduate Catalog.

“ The small size of the program allowed me to get to know both students and professors in a more intimate way, thus helping me to find my true self as an artist. The work and critiques were challenging and forced me out of my comfort zone without being intimidating and competitive.  ”

Leslie Shellow

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, the MFA Graduate Program can be completed in 2 ½ to 3 years with a full-time course load. 60 credits are required to graduate. If you want to complete the program in 2 ½ years, it is essential that you take 12 credits per semester or take classes during minimester or summer session. It is not advisable to take 12 credits in your last semester, as this is your thesis semester - all efforts should be directed toward your thesis. If you choose to follow a 3-year plan, you may take 12 credits for 2 semesters and 9 for the remaining semesters.

Each full-time MFA Studio Art student is assigned a studio appropriate to their media.

You will be granted 24/7 access to the Center for the Arts building.

Yes, full-time students are eligible to receive a graduate assistantship. All assistantships are awarded by the graduate program director. Visit the Graduate Assistantship Office to learn more.

Why Towson University?

  • small classes working with accomplished faculty of practicing artists who excel in teaching and mentoring
  • commitment to building awareness of diversity and social issues
  • studio visits with well-known contemporary visiting artists
  • individual studio space with access to fully equipped labs and equipment 
  • access to four galleries (includes Holtzman graduate thesis gallery and MFA student gallery)
  • graduate assistantships
  • full-time or part-time course of study
  • proximity to Baltimore, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Ready to get started? Here's how to apply.

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