Art

The UNLV/MFA in studio art is a research-based program that uses a tutorial and seminar system as the primary basis for teaching. This means graduate students come in direct contact with faculty whose personal work is focused in a variety of media. At the same time that graduate students are encouraged to investigate new mediums and explore interdisciplinary options, they are also exposed to an experience-rich environment and guided through an exploration of the creative process The possibilities for interaction with established artists are increased by a visiting artists and artist in residence program. MFA candidates are encouraged to establish and articulate their own creative and productive values. Each student is provided with individual studio space. There are a number of graduate assistantships available to assist and support students in their pursuit of the Master of Fine Arts degree. In addition, the UNLV studio art program is placed in a unique geographical position, which creates unlimited aesthetic opportunities minutes from the surrounding desert and the Las Vegas Strip.

The MFA Program, which is a part of the UNLV Graduate College, and fully accredited by The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), is jointly administered by the Art Department’s Graduate Coordinator and the Graduate College.   

60 credit hours are required to complete the Degree in Masters of Fine Arts in Art. MFA candidates must be full-time students and are required to enroll in a minimum of 9 credits per semester. After completing 3 semesters or thirty credit hours in the program, the candidates submit their work in the form of a midway exhibition to the Graduate Committee for evaluation. A successful midway exhibition is a prerequisite for continuing in the program. The capstone of the UNLV MFA in Art is a solo graduation exhibition accompanied by a thesis, a thesis examination.

Louisa McDonald, Ph.D., Chair
Pasha Rafat, Graduate Coordinator  

Program Information 

Art Faculty 

Art Courses 

Department Website

Plan 

Master of Fine Arts - Art