MFA in Studio Arts

The MFA—Studio Arts degree at School of Art at Syracuse University brings together students, faculty and visiting artists, scholars, curators and collectors from across the country and the world, to take part in the creation and discussion of contemporary art through seminars, studio visits, group critiques, and public exhibition. Since Syracuse, NY is conveniently located centrally between a vast number of art and cultural centers, a short drive or train ride will have you in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Toronto, Montreal, etc. Students regularly spend the weekend gallery hopping in some of the best art cities in the world!

As an art school within a research university, the emphasis of the MFA program, is on the creation of innovative modes of artistic production. Offering both a two and three-year program, our curriculum affords the opportunity to concentrate in one or a combination of ALL of our studio areas: ceramics, experimental practice, fiber arts, jewelry & metalsmithing, sculpture, painting, drawing & printmaking. All studio areas implement emerging technologies for interdisciplinary & multi-disciplinary practices. This curricular flexibility enables MFA candidates to develop a deep course of study particular to their current research, while offering maximum encouragement to access the greater university. Graduate students are provided with a personal/semi-personal, research studio, as well as access to over 70,000 square feet of shared facilities and shops within studio intensive areas. 

Opportunities for ALL, School of Art Graduate Students at Syracuse University
Tuition scholarships: All students are eligible for generous scholarships, which are dependent on artistic merit.

Teaching opportunities: 30+ courses taught by graduate students each year.

Paid hourly employee & paid shops positions: Work alongside faculty and staff managing and overseeing School of Art studios, workshops, critique spaces, exhibition spaces, etc.

Curriculum: Innovative, open curriculum built around an incredible faculty, each specializing in unique facets of the art world. These faculty from within the School of Art, teach/co-teach the required seminar and critique courses, and many of the studio classes.

Semester residency: The Turner Semester Residency Program (TSRP). TSRP is designed as career development opportunity for MFA candidates in Studio Arts. Focused on both the development of studio/creative practices and the essential professional skills required of today’s contemporary artist, the program immerses students in internationally recognized arts centers, including Los Angeles. Acting as a bridge between academic study and a career in the arts, the Semester Residency Program allows three Studio Arts students per year, to live in Los Angeles for one full semester, defining themselves and their work in relation to the field of contemporary art, providing a means to find their motivations, aims, and direction in the myriad number of opportunities this field affords. Guided by resident faculty, studio visits with local artists, curators, and writers and numerous exhibition opportunities, the Semester Residency Program enables students to make the, often difficult, transition to a career as a professional artist. 

Creative Opportunity Grants (COG): COG grants are offered each semester to support graduate research, dependent on proposal submission & faculty support.

Professional practices: Courses in professional practices include portfolio development, writing for artists, project proposals and budgeting, copyright and advocacy, licensing, contracts and negotiation, grant writing, teaching portfolio development, etc.

School of Art, Visiting Artist Lecture Series (VALS): 30+ nationally and internationally recognized artists, illustrators, writers, curators, and art directors are brought to campus each year for weekly lectures, demonstrations, exhibitions, workshops, symposia, and individual studio visits. Students have direct access to these artists and typically have opportunity to work directly with the artists during the artists time in residence. Recent Artists to VALS include Yes Men, Mizin Shin,  Scott McCloud, Simon Levin, TJ Cuthand, Richard Pasquarelli, Miguel Aragon, & dozens more.

Random Access Gallery: A graduate student-run gallery in the Comstock Art Facility that exhibits the work of international artists, regional artists, student artists and presents curated exhibitions, events, etc. Constantly evolving beautiful gallery/critique space.

Questions about the MFA in Studio Arts? Dusty Herbig, Graduate Coordinator—Studio Arts—dtherbig [​at​] syr.edu.

Application deadline: February 1, 2025, for full funding consideration.