The Masters of Fine Arts program at the University of Maryland is a 3-year, 60 credit inter-disciplinary program of study. The focus of this program is placed squarely on studio practice. Students admitted into the program are provided a spacious private studio and access to state-of-the-art facilities in sculpture, digital-media, and printmaking. Throughout the 3-year course of study, MFA students spend the majority of their time working individually with our full-time faculty. MFA candidates work on an individual basis with faculty members of their choosing, developing a conversation with them in which studio practice is discussed and works in progress are critiqued.
In addition, the MFA program at the University of Maryland emphasizes the need for strong conceptual and theoretical understanding of contemporary art practices. Bolstered by an active visiting artist lecture series and a graduate colloquium which brings in regional and national scholars and critics on an annual basis, to work with MFA candidates, students in the program are expected to not only to maintain a strong studio practice, but to develop and strengthen the critical and conceptual discourse around which they create their work.
Situated within five miles of Washington, DC and less than 30 miles from Baltimore, MD, The University of Maryland offers MFA candidates unparalleled access to some of the countries best art museums, galleries, performing arts centers, and contemporary art institutions. In addition, the University of Maryland offers those resources only available at major research institutions. The Department of Art maintains close ties to diverse areas of study within the University including the Performing Arts, Engineering, Architecture, Art History and Archeology, among others. This allows candidates in our program the opportunity to work with scholars from diverse media and have access to a diverse range of tools and technologies only available at large research institutions such as the University of Maryland.
The majority of candidates in the MFA program are also given the opportunity to gain teaching experience through departmental graduate assistantships These GA positions, which include tuition remission and a stipend, are awarded on a competitive basis based on the strength of the applicant's portfolio and the needs of the department. In addition, there are numerous fellowships and awards that are offered by the department to incoming and continuing MFA candidates. For information, download the MFA brochure.
The MFA program at Maryland allows artists the opportunity to dedicate 3 years to intensive studio practice and to the development of a strong conceptual and art historical foundation to that practice. Our faculty of practicing artists provide guidance and expertise in a variety of media.
For information on the MFA program at the University of Maryland, contact:
Brandon Morse
Director Of Graduate Studies
University of Maryland Department of Art
301-405-1462
Graduate Program Information:
Download the MFA brochure(PDF format)
Previous MFA candidates:
- Christian Benefiel
- Jeffry Cudlin
- Drew Goerlitz
- Jack Henry
- Joseph Hoffman
- Tim Horjus
- Sarah Laing
- Meg Mitchell
- Jon Monaghan
- Terry Nauheim
- Jefferson Pinder
- Ellington Robinson
- Juan Rojo
- Claire Sherwood
- Wilfredo Valladares
- John Watson
- Stewart Watson
- Matthew Wead
Apply for Graduate Study (external link to the University Graduate School application page)
Fellowships, Assistantships & Financial Aid
General Academic Policies of the Graduate School at UMD
If you are considering applying, or have questions regarding your application status, click here.
To arrange a visit, or inquire about the application process, email Prof Morse: bmorse1@umd.edu