College of Arts and Sciences
Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
College of Arts and Sciences
Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
Earn your M.F.A. in Studio Art at NMSU
Unlock your creative potential in a dynamic, cross‑disciplinary environment designed for emerging artists ready to elevate their practice. NMSU’s Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art is a terminal, professionally focused degree structured in accordance with College Art Association (CAA) guidelines and rooted in the rigor of academic research, studio production, and contemporary discourse. Students are encouraged to push boundaries across media, including ceramics, graphic design, jewelry and metalsmithing, painting and drawing, photography, printmaking, and sculpture — all while cultivating a personal vision grounded in the broader context of 21st‑century art and art history.
Admission Deadlines
There are no fixed deadlines.
- Total credits: 60
Delivery Format
In-person
Career Pathways
There are several career paths an artist with an M.F.A. in Studio Art from NMSU can pursue. These roles align with the M.F.A.'s emphasis on advanced studio practice, professional preparation, and qualification for university‑level teaching.
- University or college art instructor / professor
- Professional studio artist
- Gallery or museum curator / exhibitions coordinator
- Arts administrator / program director
- Art director
- Museum education specialist / teaching artist
Degree questions, answered
Have questions about the Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art? Fill out our inquiry form.
What the M.F.A. Journey Feels Like at NMSU
Step into an immersive, artist‑driven experience designed to challenge, inspire, and transform your creative practice. As an M.F.A. Studio Art student at NMSU, you’ll be part of a vibrant community where experimentation is encouraged; your ideas evolve through rigorous critique, and your studio becomes a space for genuine artistic discovery.
- A Studio‑Centered Creative Environment: M.F.A. students receive intensive, hands‑on studio mentorship through graduate studio seminars and focused electives.
- Cross‑Disciplinary Exploration: You won’t be confined to a single medium. The program encourages working across traditional and contemporary forms, helping you cultivate a personal vision informed by 21st‑century art and art history.
- Professional Growth and Academic Rigor: As a terminal degree, the M.F.A. prepares you for university‑level teaching and research. You’ll engage with methodologies, art theory, critical writing, and professional practices while maintaining the highest standards of academic and creative performance.
- A Culminating Creative Milestone: Your final year leads to a significant capstone experience: an original body of work presented in a public M.F.A. exhibition, supported by a written thesis and an oral defense.
- A Supportive, Inspiring Art Community: You’ll join a network of dedicated graduate students and faculty who challenge ideas, share resources, and foster creative risk‑taking.
No GRE Required
We’re removing barriers to graduate education, which is why we don’t require the GRE.
Art requirements for an M.F.A. degree with an emphasis in studio art include a minimum of 60 credits of academic work, usually completed in three years.
Take classes like:
- ARTS 596 - Graduate Studio Seminar
- ARTH 579 - Methodologies and Historiography of Art History and Art Theory
- ARTS 570 - Photography Seminar
- ARTS 550 - Drawing and Painting Workshop
Ready to take the next step?
Request Information
Scholarships and Financial Aid
At NMSU, we strive to offer competitively priced tuition to keep your tuition costs affordable. If you need financial aid, we’re ready to work with you to determine the best ways to finance your education.
Financial assistance includes loans, grants, and scholarship opportunities. To apply, use NMSU’s convenient Scholar Dollar$ one-stop scholarship application, which serves all students in the NMSU system.
NMSU students are also eligible for loans and grants. The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Learn more about financial aid opportunities at NMSU.
Contact Financial Aid
Phone: 1-888-729-6678
Email: financialaid@nmsu.edu
Accreditation
New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Specialized accreditation from other accrediting agencies is also granted for some programs. NMSU’s accreditation ensures that your education meets high-quality standards and that your credits are transferable.