Master of Fine Arts Degree [M.F.A.] in Studio Art
and Illustration

The purpose of this degree is for the students to demonstrate mastery of artistic concepts and techniques through written form and creation of God-honoring works of art.

Objectives: Graduates of this program will be able to

1. create a body of work that will culminate in a graduate art show that exhibits a major theme that is God-honoring;
2. create artistic works that are effective and clear in their communication;
3. demonstrate a proficiency in their chosen medium(s) in a traditional representational style;
4. have the ability to explain and defend a biblical philosophy of the visual arts;
5. demonstrate critical analysis of artistic forms and styles for appropriate applications;
6. create and publish a thesis that focuses on their understanding of a biblical world view of art; the major influences in their work; and a visual essay of their graduate show as a permanent record of their effort.

As the terminal degree at one of the most distinguished programs among Christian colleges, at this high level of expertise and scholarship students develop their individual artistic style with professional quality contributions from extensive studio work in drawing and painting, three-dimensional work, digital painting and illustrating, and plain-air painting.

Residence Requirements

Fall, Spring, Post-Term, Summer, Fall, Spring, Summer, Fall, and Spring: A minimum of 33 months of residence work beginning with fall semester is required. A public show must be given and a thesis prepared before graduate work is completed.

See upcoming summer courses.

Progress Evaluation

Students in the art program must realize that continuation in the art program is dependent upon an ongoing evaluation of the student’s art abilities. A student may be removed at any time from the art program if in the opinion of the faculty/administration the student fails to perform satisfactorily or improve sufficiently in the appropriate art skills, regardless of the student’s academic average in the program. Students receiving a “C” or lower in any studio course may be required to repeat that course. A student cannot repeat a studio course more than one time.

Upon failure of a second studio course, the Graduate Committee reviews the student’s status to determine if he can continue in the art program.