Program Overview
Artists seeking to deepen their creative practice and develop a professional career in contemporary art often pursue advanced graduate study. The master’s of visual arts program at the University of Kansas provides a rigorous studio environment where emerging artists refine their artistic voice, explore interdisciplinary approaches, and engage with a community of scholars and creators. Designed for committed artists ready to pursue professional practice or teaching at the college level, this graduate program combines intensive studio work with critical theory, research, and public presentation.
A defining feature of the master’s of visual arts program is its genuinely interdisciplinary structure. Rather than working in isolation within a single medium, students engage with all faculty across all seven studio areas throughout the program. This model encourages artists to think beyond their primary discipline, to experiment with unfamiliar materials, processes, and conceptual frameworks, and to develop a practice that is informed by the full breadth of contemporary art-making. Graduate seminars bring together first- and second-year students across all studio areas, creating a cohort environment where cross-disciplinary dialogue is built into the fabric of the program — not treated as an add-on.
The MFA in Visual Art is a 60-credit-hour, three-year program with a clear and intentional structure. In years one and two, students take a recurring interdisciplinary Graduate Seminar alongside their studio practice coursework, academic electives, and independent work with faculty in their chosen area. At the end of the first year and again in the second year, students undergo a formal review before the faculty selection and review committee, presenting their work and discussing their research, intent, and progress. These reviews determine whether a student is ready to advance.
The third year is devoted entirely to thesis work. Students who have successfully completed both reviews form a thesis committee and develop a professional-level thesis exhibition — or equivalent public presentation — accompanied by a written thesis statement and an oral defense. This culminating year is when the breadth of the MFA experience comes together: the interdisciplinary foundation, studio practice, and critical research all converge in a single cohesive body of work presented at a professional level.
The curriculum supporting the master’s of visual arts program is structured around intensive studio practice, graduate seminars, critiques, and independent research. Graduate students participate in regular critique sessions where faculty and peers evaluate works in progress. These critiques are central to the visual art master’s experience, helping students refine their artistic direction, analyze conceptual frameworks, and situate their work within broader conversations in contemporary art.
As part of the master’s of visual arts program, students benefit from access to specialized studios, fabrication facilities, and exhibition spaces. These resources support work across the program’s seven studio areas — ceramics, expanded media, metalsmithing and jewelry, painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and textiles and fibers — as well as interdisciplinary work that cuts across those areas.
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Graduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Visual Art, MFAKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Master’s in Visual Art is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Master’s in Visual Art Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the master’s of visual arts program develop advanced artistic, conceptual, and professional skills that support creative practice and leadership in the arts. Upon completion of the program, students are expected to:
- Develop an independent artistic voice through rigorous, sustained creative practice.
- Produce and present a professional-level thesis exhibition and other forms of public presentation, including publications, artist lectures, performances, or screenings.
- Clearly articulate the process, materials, concepts, and methods behind their creative work — both in writing and in professional dialogue.
- Demonstrate critical knowledge of historical precedents and contemporary contexts across a range of interdisciplinary fields, connecting their practice to broader cultural and artistic discourse.
- Engage critically and constructively with the work of peers, contemporaries, and students.
- Apply technical, conceptual, and creative skills to teach at the collegiate level or in other arts education contexts, including community centers, public workshops, and arts-focused programs.
What Careers are Possible with a Master’s in Visual Art?
Graduates of the master’s of visual arts program pursue careers across the arts, creative industries, and higher education. The advanced training provided through this fine art master’s degree prepares artists to work professionally in a variety of settings. Possible career paths include:
- Professional visual artist
- College or university art instructor
- Museum or gallery professional
- Curator or exhibition designer
- Arts administrator
- Community arts educator
- Creative director or designer
- Art consultant or arts nonprofit leader
According to labor market data from Lightcast, careers related to studio art, arts education, and museum professions continue to evolve as artists expand into digital media, interdisciplinary work, and cultural programming. Graduates of the master’s of visual arts program are well prepared to pursue creative careers that combine artistic practice with teaching, research, and community engagement.
Tuition and Financial Aid
The MFA in Visual Art is fully funded in the first year. In subsequent years, graduate students typically support their studies through teaching assistantships within the Department of Visual Art, which provide tuition support and a stipend while offering valuable classroom experience.
For information about financial aid options, visit KU Financial Aid.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the master’s of visual arts requires:
- A completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution with official transcripts
- BFA is preferred, and roughly 70 hours of undergraduate studio credit is expected
- 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
- Digital portfolio or 15-20 images and descriptions
- Resume/CV
Please visit the Department of Visual Art for more information.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in the master’s of visual arts program become part of a vibrant creative community that supports experimentation, collaboration, and professional growth. Graduate students work closely with faculty mentors while engaging with peers from across disciplines in the arts and humanities.
Studio facilities, galleries, and fabrication labs provide the resources necessary to pursue ambitious creative projects throughout the master’s of visual arts curriculum. Students also benefit from visiting artist lectures, exhibitions, and workshops that connect them to broader conversations in contemporary art.
The visual art master’s experience often includes opportunities to exhibit work both on campus and in regional galleries. Students may collaborate on exhibitions, participate in critiques, and contribute to arts programming that enriches the cultural life of the university and surrounding community.
Master’s in Visual Art Sample Courses
Course offerings supporting the master’s of visual arts program may include:
- Directed Study
- Graduate Studio
- Thesis in Visual Art
These courses within the visual arts master’s curriculum support both creative development and scholarly inquiry. Students pursuing the master’s of visual arts program also complete independent studio work and thesis preparation as part of their fine art master’s degree. For a full course listing, visit the KU Catalog.
Master’s in Visual Art Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
All admissions materials must be received by February 1st (or the next business day, if Feb 1 falls on a weekend) to be considered for admission.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in three years.