The study of art encompasses a variety of media to express human thoughts, interests, attitudes, emotions and ideas. UNM’s Studio Art program offers seven different areas of concentration: painting & drawing, photography, ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, experimental art & technology, and art & ecology.

The MFA is a terminal degree in studio art. Its primary emphasis is on the creative aspects of an individual’s work. The program requires three years of intensive study and research beyond the bachelor’s degree (48 hours coursework & 12 hours dissertation). Although the formal requirements for the degree are in some respects comparable to doctoral degrees in other fields, the scope and objectives of the MFA are uniquely different. As such, the MFA degree represents strong creative attainment in studio art, an assured grasp of an area of concentration, a sound knowledge of critical and historical artistic thought, and demonstrated expertise in conceiving and executing a significant body of creative work.

The program requires a concentration on the creative aspects of the studio work culminating in a dissertation, which entails planning, installing and documenting a solo exhibition of the student’s own creative work, producing a catalog, and giving an oral public presentation.