Mar 28, 2024  
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Graduate Catalog ARCHIVED CATALOG: CONTENT MAY NOT BE CURRENT. USE THE DROP DOWN ABOVE TO ACCESS THE CURRENT CATALOG.

Master of Fine Arts - Art


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This program (Photography or Sculpture) is accredited by: NASAD. More information can be found at: unlv.edu/provost/vpaa/accreditation

Plan Description


Throughout the program, students read, write, conduct text-based and practice-based research, and present their work in group critique with faculty, peers, program visitors, and community members.

  • In year one, students take courses in art history or theory/criticism and ART 721 to introduce their work to Graduate Faculty in group critiques and studio visits. At the end of the year, students invite selected faculty to join their Graduate Advisory Committee.
  • In year two, students take additional courses in art history or theory/criticism and work with their Graduate Advisory Committee in independent study to prepare and present their Midway exhibition.
  • In year three, students can take additional courses in art history or theory/criticism while working with their Graduate Advisory Committee in independent study to prepare and present their Thesis exhibition/Graduate Culminating Experience Project.


Elective course offerings include art history and theory/contemporary practice seminars in the department and graduate coursework outside of the department. Elective program activities include: Open Studios, themed exhibitions, engagement with undergraduate students, field trips, professional development workshops, and pursuing a Graduate College teaching certification.


For more information about your program, including your graduate program handbook and learning outcomes please visit the Degree Directory.

Plan Admission Requirements


Applicants to the program leading to this degree must hold a Bachelor of Arts in Art (or an equivalent degree) from an accredited university.

Applications available on the UNLV Graduate College website. The application for admission, request for graduate assistantship, 3 letters of recommendation and transcripts should be sent directly to the Graduate College following the respective deadlines .

Additionally, applicants should submit the following materials to the Department of Art at art.gradcoord@unlv.edu in a single PDF:

  1. Digital Portfolio of 20 recent work samples which represent your strongest work from the past three years, with an emphasis on work from the past twelve months
  2. A written statement of intent (500-800 words) describing the philosophy, motivations and objectives of your artistic research and how the UNLV MFA Art Program will help you further your work and academic and career goals
  3. A Curriculum Vitae/Resume


Detailed submission instructions and file/formatting guidelines can be found on the Department of Art website, HERE. A link to these Department of Art supplemental application materials requirements may also be found in the Graduate College’s online application form.

All domestic and international applicants must review and follow the Graduate College Admission and Registration Requirements.

Students are accepted into a degree program as described in the Graduate Catalog. The faculty and corresponding sub-disciplines and sub-plans within the described programs are subject to change at any time.

Plan Requirements


See Subplan Requirements below.

Subplan 1: Post-Bachelor’s Track

Subplan 2: Post-M.A. Track

Subplan 1 Requirements: Post-Bachelor’s Track


Total Credits Required: 60

Course Requirements


Studio Course – Credits: 6


Complete 6 credits of the following course.

Art History or Directed Readings – Credits: 6


Students are required to take a minimum of 6 credits in advisor-approved Art History courses or Directed Readings. Art History and Special Topics in Art History course offerings may vary each semester.

Theory Courses – Credits: 3


Complete 3 credits from the following list of courses or another University Theory and Criticism course:

Graduate Culminating Experience Project – Credits: 3


Degree Requirements


  1. MFA candidates must be enrolled as full-time students. Students pursuing the Master of Fine Arts degree must satisfy all Graduate School requirements in addition to specific departmental requirements.
  2. During their second year in the MFA program, the student’s work must be presented to their graduate advisory committee for evaluation as a Midway exhibition/project. The committee assesses and determines if the student’s progress meets the standards required for advancement to candidacy. Students are required to post a public Midway Statement in the gallery or on site during the Midway project (500 words minimum).
  3. Students must create, curate and publicize a comprehensive public MFA Thesis project consisting of an exhibition of a representative culminating body of work and a statement (2,000-word minimum) regarding the intent and underlying conceptualization. The student must pass their final evaluation, an oral Thesis Defense with their Graduate Advisory Committee during their exhibition.
  4. Students are required to submit a digital Thesis Packet including the following: high-resolution, digital documentation of thesis work and installation and accompanying image list; 2,000 word minimum thesis statement; CV; 200 word minimum artist bio.
  5. During their time in the program, students are required to apply for three professional development opportunities, including, but not limited to, artist residencies, exhibitions, and grants.
  6. Students are required to present a public lecture about their work in their final year in the program.

Graduation Requirements


See Plan Graduation Requirements below.

Subplan 2 Requirements: Post-M.A. Track


Total Credits Required: 45 ​

Course Requirements


Studio Course – Credits: 6


Complete 6 credits of the following course.

Art History or Directed Readings – Credits: 6


Students are required to take a minimum of 6 credits in advisor-approved Art History courses or Directed Readings. Art History and Special Topics in Art History course offerings may vary each semester.

Theory Courses – Credits: 3


Complete 3 credits from the following list of courses or another University Theory and Criticism course:

Graduate Culminating Experience Project – Credits: 3


Degree Requirements


  1. MFA candidates must be enrolled as full-time students. Students pursuing the Master of Fine Arts degree must satisfy all Graduate School requirements in addition to specific departmental requirements.
  2. During their second year in the MFA program, the student’s work must be presented to their graduate advisory committee for evaluation as a Midway exhibition/project. The committee assesses and determines if the student’s progress meets the standards required for advancement to candidacy. Students are required to post a public Midway Statement in the gallery or on site during the Midway project (500 words minimum).
  3. Students must create, curate and publicize a comprehensive public MFA Thesis project consisting of an exhibition of a representative culminating body of work and a statement (2,000-word minimum) regarding the intent and underlying conceptualization. The student must pass their final evaluation, an oral Thesis Defense with their Graduate Advisory Committee during their exhibition.
  4. Students are required to submit a digital Thesis Packet including the following: high-resolution, digital documentation of thesis work and installation and accompanying image list; 2,000 word minimum thesis statement; CV; 200 word minimum artist bio.
  5. During their time in the program, students are required to apply for three professional development opportunities, including, but not limited to, artist residencies, exhibitions, and grants.
  6. Students are required to present a public lecture about their work in their final year in the program.

Graduation Requirements


See Plan Graduation Requirements below.

Plan Graduation Requirements


The student must submit all required forms to the Graduate College and then apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing his/her degree requirements.

The student must submit and successfully defend their Graduate Culminating Experience Project by the posted deadline. The exhibit must be advertised and open/accessible to the public.  

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