Major Studio – 24-27 Credits – Semesters 1, 2, 3, & 4

The structure of a Major Studio course varies greatly depending upon the department. In some departments, the Major Studio advisor predetermines the course structure. In others, the students and faculty determine the structure and content of the Major Studio at the beginning of the semester. The Major Studio meetings may include presentations by the instructor(s), critiques of student work in progress, presentations and critiques by visiting artists and scholars, and class trips or off-campus interactions.

Students receive six or more credits each semester for their major studio work. It is expected that students actively participate in all the Major Studio meetings. In addition, in most departments, students have the option of working with an adjunct advisor at no additional cost to complement the dialogue that occurs in the Major Studio interactions.

Graduate Seminar – 6 Credits – Semesters 1 & 2

This required two-semester course brings together students from all of the fine arts graduate departments to consider contemporary art practice from a variety of perspectives. Students interact with assorted practitioners including critics, curators and artists, and discuss the relationship between visual practice and theory. The class provides the opportunity for discussions of contemporary issues that have a discernible impact on the art world. Many of the artists and topics discussed possess an interdisciplinary relevance, affecting artists from assorted fields.

Graduate Contemporary Art – 3 Credits – Semester 1

In this first semester course, students explore issues of theory, interpretation and criticism of contemporary art, focusing on developments since 1980. Extensive out-of-class readings and subsequent in-class discussions and group presentations provide an in-depth grounding in a wide range of critical perspectives. Previous study of major developments in 20th century art is expected of students taking this course.

Benchmark – 3 Credits – Semester 3

Benchmark seeks to increase the critical awareness of one’s own studio practice, that of one’s peers and significant events that shape the contemporary art world. In doing so, it relies upon a close examination of critical writings and their relationship to contemporary practice. Some interactions include the sharing of student writings, including written reviews of each other’s work. A primary objective is to increase the capacity to think critically about one’s work and to sharpen verbal and writing skills in support of this.

Studio Electives – 12 - 15 Credits

With input from their advisors, students select at least one three-credit studio elective each semester to complement their major studio work. This elective may be a 300-400 elective from the college’s undergraduate course offerings; an Independent Study conducted with a MassArt faculty member, or a 200-level course that has been restructured to conform to graduate level standards. In their final semester, students may elect to increase their Major Studio credits to nine in place of a separate studio elective.

MFA students frequently enroll in advanced electives such as Video Sculpture, Video Projects, Image and Object (a joint Photography and Sculpture departments elective), Drawing to Print, Avid Projects, ProTools Studio, Polaroid 20x24, Electronic Projects for Artists, and Art and the Internet.

Critical Studies / Art Education Electives – 3 - 6 credits:

In the second semester of the first and second years, students must enroll in a 3 credit 300-400 or graduate level elective in Critical Studies (CSA, CSB or CSC) or Art Education. Students may choose from a slate of advanced courses offered by the Critical Studies and Art Education departments. In the third semester, students have the option of taking a critical studies, art education, or studio elective. (In the first and third semesters, MFA fine arts students are enrolled in the required critical studies courses, Contemporary Art and Benchmark.)

ProArts Consortium Electives

The Professional Arts Consortium (ProArts) consists of six Boston-area arts institutions, where students can cross-register. The other participating institutions include Berklee College of Music, Boston Architectural Center, The Boston Conservatory, Emerson College, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. In addition, students can participate in other events at these institutions. Enrollment is available in ProArts classes when spaces are available, at no additional tuition cost, although lab or other supplementary fees may be charged.

Colleges of the Fenway Consortium Electives

Additional cross-registration opportunities exist at five colleges within walking distance. These institutions include Emmanual College, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Simmons College, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Wheelock College. Enrollment in these classes is available when spaces are available and at no additional tuition cost.