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Lisa Bryson, Inaudible Scream

Fine Arts: Drawing
MFA

Drawing is a way of thinking.

The MFA in Fine Arts—Drawing is a 60-credit, 2- to 3-year program of study for students who wish to further their interest and investigation of drawing as a contemporary art medium. The MFA degree is the credential that signifies the artist's capacity to work independently in a discriminating, distinctive, and professional manner.

The program provides an educational context where drawing is considered a core activity related to other disciplines, and also an end in itself.

MFA candidates can pursue their own goals, investigate contemporary concepts, hone technical skills, and advance personal vision through intense, focused individual studio activity. The faculty consists of experienced studio artists who work with the graduate students on a regular basis to further the development of their work.

In addition to the studio experience, the students are required to take courses in art history, critical theory, philosophy, and a broad complement of university offerings in order to cultivate  their intellectual and aesthetic maturation.

Admissions requirements

To apply please create an account in our Applicant Portal. You will need to submit:

  • Application form
  • $60 application fee (non-refundable)
  • Statement of Purpose (minimum 300 words)
  • Resume
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary institutions attended (regardless of whether a credential is earned or not)
  • English Proficiency test scores:TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE Academic (if applicable)
  • Letter(s) of Recommendation (see program requirements for more information)
  • GRE/GMAT (not required for most programs, see program requirements for more information)

Unofficial transcripts and test scores are accepted for application review but official documents are required for enrollment, please have documents (ie. test scores) sent prior to the expiration. 

Application dates

Top 29%

of MFA programs in the U.S. - U.S. News & World Report
#54

Best Fine Arts Programs - U.S. News & World Report

Pursue your MFA at UMassD

  • Assistantships: provide stipends, tuition waivers, fee reductions
  • Exhibition opportunities: local, regional, and on campus
  • Faculty: involved in scholarly, creative, and professional projects
  • Individualized attention extended to every student
  • Interdisciplinary projects and committees are encouraged
  • Location: an hour from Providence, Boston, and Cape Cod
  • New Bedford: an active downtown arts community
  • University education: access to faculty in other fields
  • Visiting artists: enrich your artistic and professional development
  • Visual Resources Center: more than 150,000 archived images

A limited number of assistantships are available on a competitive basis. This award is subject to the work needs of the position and department, your satisfactory performance of duties, your academic record, and availability of funds, and may be subject to change.

Learn more about assistantships at UMass Dartmouth