Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Graduate Catalog This is not the most recent catalog version; be sure you are viewing the appropriate catalog year.

Studio Art [M.A.]


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The Master of Arts in Studio Art program at Eastern Michigan University aims to provide a stimulating environment for the post-undergraduate study of art and design.

The M.A. curriculum consists of studio courses and seminars designed to encourage experimentation and critical thinking. Students are instrumental in defining their creative work’s focus and direction; the faculty provides opportunities for growth and development within a particular area while also encouraging cross-disciplinary and interdisciplinary work and experiences. Through art history and seminar courses, M.A. students explore the diverse cultural influences on art, the role of the artist in society, and the relationship between studio practices and art and design history. The M.A. degree in studio art culminates in a solo or small group exhibition.

Program Admission


Graduate School Application

After reviewing the admission requirements below, please select the appropriate application. The University is transitioning application platforms; pay close attention when selecting the application below.

The program you are applying to may not accept applicants every semester.

For additional information regarding the application process, please see Graduate Admissions or International Admissions.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Graduate School Requirements

A four-year baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution or an equivalent degree from a non-U.S. institution. In addition, a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale, or 3.0 in the last half of the undergraduate program, is required for full admission. Applicants who do not meet minimum admission requirements may be considered for conditional admission. See International Admissions for international applicant requirements.

Applicants must also meet the following program criteria:

  • Have an undergraduate degree with a major in art, with a minimum grade point average of 2.8 in art classes
  • ​Three letters of recommendation.
  • Letter of Intent that concisely expresses the applicant’s goals and objectives as an artist/designer and the reason(s) for pursuing graduate study. The statement should also reference the artwork submitted and clarify how its content pertains to the applicant’s objectives/goals.
  • A portfolio of 12-15 images, videos, and/or audio files of the applicant’s studio work, with a corresponding list stating the title, medium, size, and completion date for each artwork submitted. 

Winter 2022 Applications - The items above will be submitted using SlideRoom (slideroom.com). Applicants will also submit a graduate school application

Beginning with Summer 2022 Applications - The items above will be submitted using GradCAS.  

Deadlines

Portfolios and materials must be submitted to the School of Art & Design by April 1st for Summer and Fall admission and by December 1st for Winter admission.

School Information


Art & Design | Sandra Murchison, MFA, Director | 114 Ford Hall, 734.487.1268, smurchis@emich.edu

Advisor Information


Brian Spolans, MFA, Graduate Coordinator, 114 Ford Hall, 734.487.1268, bspolans@emich.edu

Program Requirements


The graduate advisor will meet with each student to construct a program of study. Students should follow closely the Graduate School requirements for “Application for Diploma.” Students whose degree program includes a final exhibition of work must apply for gallery space one semester prior to the proposed exhibition.

At the end of 10 hours taken in the studio program, the M.A. committee will review the work of each M.A. student and either allow the student to continue or formally ask the student to withdraw from the program. Individual passing grades assigned by a student’s instructor(s) during the first 10 hours in the M.A. degree program studio program shall not be construed as a guarantee that any student will be granted continuation in the M.A. program beyond the initial 10 hours of study in the program, since the 10-hour review by the M.A. committee is based upon a de-novo review of the student’s entire first 10 hours of work in his or her M.A. studio program, electives taken and performance in the 10-hour review. Further, no student may rely on statements by faculty or other agents of the University that would suggest, even remotely, that the student is ensured continued enrollment in the M.A. program prior to a review and recommendation by the M.A. committee.

Degree Requirements: 30 hours


The M.A. in studio art requires the completion of 30 hours of coursework to be distributed among program courses, elective courses, and cognate courses as follows:

  • Required Courses: 6 hours

  • 3 hrs
  • 3 hrs
  •  

    The Critique and Professional Preparation Seminar may be repeated for credit up to six hours; if repeated, the extra hours would be used as elective credits.

  •  

    Studio Concentration: 12 hours

    A series of courses chosen in consultation with an advisor in one of the following areas: 2D Media (AD2D), 3D Media (AD3D), Graphic Design (ADGD), or Photography & New Media (ADPM)

     

    Art Elective Courses: 6 hours

    Six credit hours selected from any area of concentration. 2D Media (AD2D), 3D Media (AD3D), Graphic Design (ADGD), or Photography & New Media (ADPM)

     

    Cognate Courses: 6 hours

    Six hours selected from art and design and/or other areas in consultation with an advisor.

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