Master of Fine Arts - Art

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. The MFA in Art thesis requires five components: (1) Written Thesis Paper (2) Thesis Exhibition or Project, (3) Public Artist Lecture, (4) Oral Defense and (5) A Digital Thesis Packet. These components are considered “non-thesis” by the Graduate School and are fulfilled entirely in the Department of Art.

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

Subplan 2: Post-M.A.

Subplan 1 Requirements: Post-Bachelor’s

Total Credits Required: 60

Subplan 2 Requirements: Post-M.A.

Total Credits Required: 45 ​

Plan Graduation 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.  

Students may apply for graduation up to two semesters prior to completing their degree requirements. All required forms must be submitted to the graduate college via the Grad Rebel Gateway.