MASTER OF FINE ARTS STUDIO ART
Art and Art History College of Fine Arts
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The University of Texas at Austin
Updated December 2020
Department of
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T A B L E OF C O N T E N T S
CONTACTS & DIRECTORY................................................. 3
ACADEMIC PROGRAM Philosophy.............................................................. 3Copyright............................................................... 4Admission..............................................................4
COURSE OF STUDY............................................................. 4Degree Requirements .......................................... 4Time Limit............................................................... 4Program Plan Example ......................................... 5Course Load........................................................... 5Transfer Credits..................................................... 5Undergraduate Courses ....................................... 5Religious Holy Days ..............................................5 Course Descriptions .............................................5
ADVISING & REGISTRATION.............................................. 6 Course Schedule& Online Registration ............ 7
GRADUATE CREDIT & GRADING....................................... 7 Grade Point Averages(GPA) ............................... 7 Credit/No Credit................................................... 7 IncompleteGrades ............................................... 7
REVIEWS................................................................................8 Timeline..................................................................8 Location & Installation.......................................... 8 1st Review............................................................... 8Mid-Program Review ............................................ 93rd Review............................................................. 10Final Review......................................................... 10Colloquia..............................................................11
COMMITTEES...................................................... 11Composition ......................................... 11 5th Member........................................... 11 Advising andEvaluation ..................... 11
GRADUATION.....................................................................11 Application to graduate ..................................... 11Registration.......................................................... 12 MFAPortfolio Report .......................................... 12
Description and Instructions .............. 12 Portfolio ReportCommittee ............... 12 Format Check....................................... 12 Uploading............................................. 13 If Not Accepted.................................... 13 Final Portfolio....................................... 13
FINANCIAL RESOURCES.................................................... 13 Grad School& Depart’l Fellowships ................. 13 DepartmentScholarships ................................... 13 Non-residenttuition waivers .............................. 13 Emergency Funds................................................ 13 Tuition &Emergency Loans ................................ 14 Additionalresources ........................................... 14
TRAVEL AWARDS ................................................14 Departmental Travel Award ................ 14 Grad School TravelAward .................. 14 UT < > RCA Exchange Program......... 14
SPONSORED RESIDENCIES ............................... 14Skowhegan ............................................ 14 Ox-Bow.................................................. 15 Vermont................................................. 15 Umlauf Prize.......................................... 15
DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES............................................... 15 TEACHINGASSISTANTSHIPS ............................ 15
Appointment ......................................... 15Guidelines & Resources ....................... 15Qualifications ........................................ 16Continued Eligibility ............................. 16 TuitionAssistance ................................. 16 Insurance............................................... 16 In-stateEligibility .................................. 16 InternationalStudents .......................... 16
BREAKS IN ATTENDANCE ................................. 16 Leaveof Absence ................................. 16 Withdrawal............................................ 17
WARNING, PROBATION, DISMISSAL ............... 17 GrievanceProcedures ......................... 17
FACILITIES...........................................................................18 Installing on Campus ...........................................18 Studios..................................................................18 Keys.......................................................................18 Lockers..................................................................18 Photo Equipment................................................. 18
FORM LINKS........................................................................19
SERVICES & RESOURCES................................................... 20
UNIVERSITY POLICIES........................................................ 22
REFERENCES & SOURCES................................................. 22
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C O N T A C T S & D I R E C T O R Y
Departmental Contacts Art and Art History Department Chair: Dr.Susan Rather Studio Art Graduate Advisor: Prof. Jack Stoney StudioArt Faculty: https://art.utexas.edu/people/faculty/studio-art Artand Art History Graduate Coordinator: Clare Thoman
College of Fine Arts Contacts:https://finearts.utexas.edu/about/staff-directory Dean of theCollege of Fine Arts: Douglas Dempster Senior Associate GraduateDean of Fine Arts: Holly Williams Fine Arts Career Services:https://finearts.utexas.edu/careers
University Contacts UT Graduate School Dean:https://gradschool.utexas.edu/ UT Graduate Admissions:https://gradschool.utexas.edu/admissions/contact
A C A D E M I C P R O G R A M Program Philosophy
UT’s Studio Art Graduate Program welcomes all lines of inquiry:spatial, lens-based, 2-dimensional, interactive, sound, and theperformative. We are a multidisciplinary program using as anorganizational structure the expansive territories of Painting andDrawing, Sculpture + Extended Media, Print, Photography + Media,and Transmedia. MFA students work closely with dedicated andprofessionally active faculty to fine-tune existing skill sets anddevelop new approaches, both conceptual and technical. We havebuilt a supportive yet stimulating community in which students areimmersed in an environment of discovery, challenged to consider thedepth of an individual discipline, encouraged to explore new ones,meanwhile finding overlaps in new and familiar ways.
Used to its full advantage, our curriculum is distinctive toeach student’s interests and particular to the assets and researchstrengths of the Department as well as to The University of Texasat Austin. The curriculum allows for many course options giving MFAcandidates progressively more studio time as their investigationsbecome more demanding and distinct. Students develop their artist’svoice, in both the ability to make images and to buildintellectually upon the discourse surrounding one another’spractices. Students formulate an ongoing and dynamic dialogue withfaculty, peers and visiting specialists allowing for a richlyinformed approach and experience in art making.
ResourcesArt and Art History Student website:https://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/ Comprehensive list of UTresources for onboarding, health, housing, finances,transportation: http://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/resources/
This handbook contains some general remarks concerningUniversity, Graduate School, and Department of Art and Art Historyprocedures. For complete information, consult the following:
• The Graduate School Catalog:https://catalog.utexas.edu/graduate/• University of Texas CourseSchedule: http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/schedules/•General Information Catalog:http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/catalogs/• The GraduateSchool Website: https://gradschool.utexas.edu/• The Graduate School“Key Dates” Calendar:https://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policies/key-dates
https://art.utexas.edu/people/susan-ratherhttps://art.utexas.edu/people/faculty/studio-arthttps://finearts.utexas.edu/about/staff-directoryhttps://art.utexas.edu/people/john-stoneyhttps://art.utexas.edu/people/john-stoneyhttps://art.utexas.edu/people/clare-thomanhttps://art.utexas.edu/people/megan-hildebrandthttps://art.utexas.edu/people/zach-meisnerhttps://art.utexas.edu/people/erin-cunninghamhttps://art.utexas.edu/people/katy-mccarthyhttps://finearts.utexas.edu/about/people/dempster-douglashttps://finearts.utexas.edu/about/people/williams-hollyhttps://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/https://catalog.utexas.edu/graduate/http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/schedules/http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/catalogs/http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/catalogs/https://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policies/https://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policies/
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A P P L I C A T I O N A N D A D M I S S I O N
Full directions regarding Admissions are always updated on theprogram website. No late applications will be accepted. Both anApplyTexas application and Slideroom application are required.Thoroughly read Application Steps 1 through 5 on the program pagefor questions related to the application fee, submission process,transcripts, letters of recommendation, and language testscores.
After the application is processed, monitor the application viaMystatus. It is the applicant’s responsibility to confirm that allmaterials have been received. Finalists for admission will becontacted for interviews. After the program has made an admissionsdecision, please visit the After The Decision Graduate School page.Admissions decisions are final. Due to the volume of applications,individual applicant feedback cannot be given. If applicants arenot admitted, they are free to apply in future admission cycleswithout prejudice.
Please see the Frequently Asked Questions page regardingvisiting campus and the application process.
C O U R S E O F S T U D Y
Degree Requirements
Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art
4 hours 1st Year Seminar (ART 484F)
16 hours Group Critique (ART 480)
16–19 hours Committee Study (ART 481, 581, 681, 781)
4 hours Seminar (ART 482) or seminar substitution approved byGraduate Advisor
4 hours Professional Practice (ART 498P)
3 hours Master’s Portfolio Report (ART 398R)
4 hours Master’s Exhibition Seminar (ART 498S)
3-6 hours Elective courses approved by the Graduate Advisor
3 hours Art History
60 hours TOTAL
Time Limit
A Master of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art is a 2-year,full-time, 60-semester hour course of study with the degree planlisted above. The expected time frame for completion of the Masterof Fine Arts degree is 2 years.
Students retain copyright to all two dimensional, threedimensional, time-based or electronic art work Created in theDepartment of Art and Art History, and they grant a non-exclusivelicense to exhibit, display, reproduce, perform, or adapt theseworks at the discretion of the faculty.
Copyright
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Program Plan Example Fall Year 1
ART 480 Group Critique ART 481 Committee Study ART 484F 1st YearSeminar FA 38X Fine Arts Elective
Total: 15 credits
Spring Year 1
ART 480 Group Critique ART 481 Committee Study ART 482 SeminarARI 39X Architectural Interior Design Elective
Total: 15 credits Fall Year 2
ART 480 Group Critique ART 481 Committee Study ARH 38X ArtHistory Elective ART 498P Professional Practices
Total: 15 credits
Spring Year 2
ART 481 Committee Study ART 480 Group Critique ART 498S Master’sExhibition Seminar ART 398R Master’s Portfolio Report
Total: 15 credits
Course Load The credit load for an MFA student is generally 15credit hours each semester for 4 long (spring/fall) semesters.
Transfer Credits No transfer credits are accepted.
Upper-Division Undergraduate CoursesOnly graduate level coursesmay be counted toward the studio requirements as well as thespecific course requirements of the degree. No more than two upperdivision undergraduate courses (320-379) may be counted toward theseminar or elective areas, with approval of the Graduate Advisor.Lower division undergraduate courses (301-319) do not apply towardthe MFA degree.
Observance of Religious Holy Days (From the General InformationCatalogue) A student who misses classes or other requiredactivities, including examinations, for the observance of areligious holy day should inform the instructor as far in advanceof the absence as possible, so that arrangements can be made tocomplete an assignment within a reasonable time after theabsence.
C O U R S E D E S C R I P T I O N S
ART 480: Group Critique in Studio ArtGroup critiques of studentartwork organized under the leadership of the instructor inadditional to regular individual studio visits between theinstructor and each student. 3 lecture hours a week for 1 semester.Additional laboratory hours are also required. Students must takethis course each of the four semesters for a total of 16 semesterhours of credit. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduatestanding in studio art and consent of the Graduate Advisor.
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ART 182, 281,381, 481, 581, 681,781, 881: Graduate CommitteeStudy in Studio Art Studio hours to be arranged. Work to bereviewed at end of semester by graduate committee with gradesubmitted by the committee member assigned to oversee thatsemester. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduatestanding in studio art and consent of instructor and the GraduateAdvisor.
ART 482: Seminar in Studio Art Addresses topics and issues incontemporary art. Uses lectures, readings, guest presentations,discussions, and writings to articulate and discuss the productionand reception of culture. 3 lecture hours a week for 1semester. Maybe repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in studioart and consent of the Graduate Advisor.
ART 484F: Master of Fine Arts First Year Seminar Restricted tofirst-semester graduate students in studio art. Designed as anintroduction to the extensive research assets of the university. Inaddition, the class develops critical assessment skills anddevelops effective and consistent habits for working in the studio.4 lecture hours a week for 1 semester. Prerequisite: Graduatestanding in studio art and consent of the Graduate Advisor.
ART 498P: Professional Practice for Fine Artists Restricted tosecond-year studio art graduate students. Designed to help fine artstudents through lectures, guest specialists, field trips andreadings to understand and prepare effective strategies forentering various aspects of the art world. 4 lecture hours a weekfor 1 semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in studio art, andconsent of instructor and the Graduate Advisor.
ART 398R: Master’s Portfolio Report The production of a writteninterpretation of the artwork created in the graduate program,addressing concepts of and influences on the work, and including adigital portfolio of major works. The equivalent of 3 lecture hoursa week for 1 semester. Offered on a credit/no credit basis only.Prerequisite: Graduate standing in studio art, passage of therequired 45-hour review, concurrent enrollment in Studio Art 498S,and consent of the Graduate Advisor.
ART 498S: Master’s Exhibition Seminar The class is a vehicle forthe presentation of a professional exhibition in which significantwork from each of the students is displayed. The instructororganizes the exhibition with all students collaborating in itsexecution. The students’ final review takes place during theexhibition and is individually conducted by faculty committee. At alater date during the exhibition, students may publicly discuss andpresent their work open to the public. The equivalent of 4 lecturehours a week for 1 semester. Offered on a credit/no credit basisonly. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in studio art, passage of the30-hour MFA oral examination, concurrent enrollment in Studio Art398R, and consent of the Graduate Advisor.
A D V I S I N G & R E G I S T R A T I O N
Advising Each semester, the Course Schedule lists all coursesoffered and is published online, usually the week prior toadvising. All graduate students must meet with the Graduate Advisorprior to registering for courses. The advising bar (account hold)will not be cleared until the student has met with the GraduateAdviser in person. Academic advising for the Fall semester takesplace in April for continuing students and late August for incomingstudents; academic advising for the Spring semester takes place inOctober.
https://registrar.utexas.edu/schedules
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The Graduate Coordinator will set up advising appointments viaGoogle Sheets with the dates and blocks of times the GraduateAdviser is available for academic advising. Prior to advising,review the degree requirements and program progress. Students mayregister for an Art History seminar or outside elective only ifapproval is received during an academic advising meeting with theGraduate Advisor. The student is ultimately responsible fortracking and completing the requirements in their Program ofWork.
Course Schedule and Online Registration The Course Schedule andAdd/Drop procedures are published online each semester beforeadvising and registration atwww.utexas.edu/student/registrar/schedules. Students register foreach semester online using UT Direct. Students must be advised bythe Graduate Advisor and clear all financial bars beforeregistering. In order to expedite TA assignments, please registerduring your initial registration.
Coursework outside of Studio Art is suggested here. If anycourse listed in the Course Schedule does not show as “open,” ithas been restricted by that department. Most departments restricttheir graduate courses and you will likely need the consent of theinstructor to register. The Graduate Coordinator in that departmentmay register you for the course if permission of the instructor hasbeen received. If you have consent and are requesting registrationfrom a Graduate Coordinator by email, always include: Full name, UTEID, the number and title of the course, the unique number for thecourse (5 digits). If you previously received consent from theinstructor by email, paste the consent information into theemail.
G R A D U A T E C R E D I T & G R A D I N G
Grade Point Average To receive a degree, the student must havean overall graduate grade point average of at least a Baverage/3.0. Only upper-division undergraduate and graduate-levelcourses at The University of Texas at Austin (except report andexhibition courses) are counted in the grade point average. Coursesreceiving letter grades of C- through F do not fulfill degreerequirements. See the Graduate School’s complete policy on graduatecredit:https://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policies/grades-and-credit.
Credit/No Credit Master’s Portfolio Report (ART 398R) andMaster’s Exhibition (ART 498S) are only offered on a Credit/NoCredit Basis. A student may take no more than two additionalcourses not specifically required for the MFA degree on a credit/nocredit basis. A student may elect this option, with the approval ofthe Graduate Advisor, within the first 8 weeks of the long semesteror the first 3 weeks of the summer session. See the GraduateCoordinator for the form. Credit/No Credit grades are not computedin the grade point average. Performance level of "C" or aboveconstitutes a grade of Credit (Cr).
Incomplete Grades Grades must be given for every course.Incompletes are not for student convenience (i.e. lack of work orunfinished work); they may be issued only in case of approved,compelling, non-academic circumstances beyond the student'scontrol. If an “incomplete” is warranted, the instructor reportsthe symbol "X" to the Registrar in place of a grade. The studentmust complete the course requirements and the instructor mustreport a final grade by the end of the grade-reporting period inthe student's next long-session semester of enrollment. If thisdeadline is not met, the "X" is converted to an “I” (Permanent
http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/scheduleshttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policies/grades-and-credit.Credit/Nohttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policies/grades-and-credit.Credit/Nohttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policies/grades-and-credit.Credit/Nohttps://www.ece.utexas.edu/content/ut-directhttps://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/art-history/art-history-advising/out-of-department-courses/https://gradschool.utexas.edu/connecthttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/connecthttps://onestop.utexas.edu/student-records/grades/
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Incomplete) and can never be converted to a grade. A studentcannot be assigned a TA position if they have an Incomplete. Astudent cannot graduate with an “X” or “I” in their Program ofWork.
Review Timeline Faculty committee formally evaluates students atthe end of every semester.
When Where To prepare Introduction Attendance
1st Review Finals week of 1st semester
Studio or alternate site in ART building
1-2 page double spaced artiststatement emailed to committee+Grad Advisor 1 week in advance
10-15 minuteintroduction
Committee
Mid-Program Review
Finals week of 2nd semester
Studio or alternate site in ART building
1-2 page double spaced artiststatement emailed to committee+Grad Advisor 1 week in advance
10-15 minuteintroduction
Committee, Studio grad students, interested GSC faculty
3rd Review
Finals week of 3rd semester
Studio or alternate site in ART building
Outline of Portfolio Report emailed to committee chair + GradAdvisor 1 week in advance
10-15 minuteintroduction
Committee
Final Review During thesis exhibition
Visual Art Center
Most recent draft of Report emailed to committee + Grad Advisor1 week in advance
10-15 minuteintroduction
Committee
Location and Installation Students are responsible for reservinga room [if not using their own studio] in which to hold theirreviews and are responsible for informing the Graduate Advisor andCoordinator of the location in advance. Work must be completelyinstalled by 8:30 a.m. on the morning of the review and remaininstalled until 5:30 p.m. that evening. All reviews are to be heldwithin the Art Building except for unusual circumstances, suchaslarge installations, that may require alternate sites. Specialsites require approval from the GraduateAdvisor.
1ST R E V I E W
WRITING 1st REVIEW: One week prior to the 1st review, thestudent emails a 1-2 page double spaced artist statement to allcommittee members and the Graduate Advisor. ATTENDEES: Thecommittee and the student. The Graduate advisor may silentlymonitor any Review when not a committee member. THE REVIEW: TheCommittee Chair manages the schedule, discussion and voting processof the Review. At the end of the Review, the Committee Chaircreates a short synopsis of the discussion including suggestionsand records them on the Committee Review Report Form. Thosecomments are shared with student and the form is returned to theGraduate Advisor.
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EVALUATION PROCESS: The vote is Pass/Fail by majority. GRADING:The committee agrees on the student’s semester grade for CommitteeStudy. The assigned course supervisor will enter the grade.FAILING: If a student fails Review 1, they are put on departmentalprobation and must pass Mid-Program Review or their program will beterminated.
1ST REVIEW SCHEDULE:
M I D – P R O G R A M R E V I E W
WRITING: One week prior to the review, the student emails a 1-2page double spaced artist statement to all committee members andthe Graduate Advisor. The Graduate Advisor, in turn, emails a copyof the statement to all faculty and grads. ATTENDEES: Students arerequired to attend all Mid-Program Reviews. Faculty are invited toattend. The Graduate advisor may monitor all Reviews when not acommittee member. THE REVIEW: The Committee Chair manages theschedule, discussion and voting process of the Review. At the endof the Review, the Committee Chair creates a short synopsis of thediscussion including suggestions and records them on the CommitteeReview Report Form. Those comments are shared with student and theform is returned to the Graduate Advisor. EVALUATION PROCESS: Thecommittee evaluates the student and work on a scale of 1-10. Theevaluations are averaged and the student MUST pass with an averagescore of at least 6. The student must pass the Mid-Program Reviewsin order to advance in the program. GRADING: The committee agreeson the student’s semester grade for Committee Study. The assignedcourse supervisor will enter the grade. FAILING: If a student failsthe Mid-Program Review, the Graduate Advisor appoints an ad-hocsubcommittee within 48 hours to determine, with the student’scommittee, whether the student remounts the Review during the firstweek of the third semester or is asked to leave the program.Students already on departmental probation from the 1st Review mustpass the Mid-Program Review or be automatically terminated.
MID-PROGRAM REVIEW SCHEDULE
STUDENT ATTENDANCE REQUIRED Interested faculty invited toattend
10m Faculty and public review of artwork
10-15m Introduction by artist
40m Q+A with faculty committee
10m Q+A with audience
10-15m Introduction by artist
30m Q+A with faculty committee
Student exits
5m Committee vote
Student returns
10m Committee discussion with student
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All except committee exit
5m Committee vote
Student returns
10m Committee discussion with student
3RD R E V I E W
See schedule for 1st Review. WRITING 3rd REVIEW: One week priorto the review, the student emails the outline of their PORTFOLIOREPORT to all committee members and the Graduate Advisor. FAILING:If a student fails Review 3, they must remount and pass the Reviewin the first week of the next semester or their program will beterminated.
F I N A L R E V I E W
WRITING: One week prior to the review, the student emails themost current draft of their REPORT to all committee members and theGraduate Advisor ATTENDEES: The committee and the student. TheGraduate Advisor may silently monitor any Review when not acommittee member. THE REVIEW: The Committee Chair manages theschedule, discussion and voting process of the Review. At the endof the Review, the Committee Chair creates a short synopsis of thediscussion including suggestions and records them on the CommitteeReview Report Form. Those comments are shared with student and theform is returned to the Graduate Advisor. EVALUATION PROCESS: Thevote is Pass/Fail by majority. If the committee vote is split50/50, the Graduate Advisor’s vote decides the outcome. The studentmust pass the Final Review to graduate. GRADING: The committeeagrees on the student’s semester grade for Committee Study. Theassigned course supervisor will enter the grade. FAILING: If astudent fails the Mid-Program Review, the Graduate Advisor appointsan ad-hoc subcommittee within 48 hours to determine, with thestudent’s committee, whether the student is terminated from theprogram.
FINAL REVIEW SCHEDULE:
10-15m Introduction by artist
30m Q+A with faculty committee
Student exits
5m Committee vote
Student returns
10m Committee discussion with student
C O M M I T T E E S
Composition of Review Committee
Each student will have a Review Committee of 4 faculty who willmentor them throughout the MFA program, at least 3 of whom will befrom the Studio Art Graduate Studies Committee. During the firstsemester, each student will select the faculty members for theirCritique Committee. Other committee members may include facultyfrom Art History, Design, or other departments on campus who areGSC members in their departments or UT-affiliated artsprofessionals. (The Graduate Advisor must approve the addition of acommittee member who is a UT-affiliated arts professional). Thestudent will select one of the Studio Art faculty committee membersto serve as committee chair. Note: Full committee participation isexpected, but if absolutely necessary, a committee can convene witha quorum of three members.
5th Committee Member
Students have the option of adding a fifth committee member bythe end of the fourth week of their second semester. The fifthcommittee member can come from within or outside the Studio ArtGraduate Studies Faculty but must be a GSC member in their homedepartment. Alternately, the additional member can be aUT-affiliated arts professional. The Graduate Advisor must approvethe addition of a committee member who is a UT-affiliated artsprofessional.
Committee Advising + Changes to the Committee
Students meet with the Graduate Advisor to discuss selectingpossible Review Committee members and Chair. Students submit aReview Committee Members Form to the Graduate Advisor by the firstweek of November. (Links to all forms are at the end of thisdocument.) A student may change one committee member until 3 weeksprior to the Mid-Program Review takes place but not after, exceptfor the replacement of faculty members retiring or on leave whowill not be returning to attend the Review. The Graduate Advisormay serve as a committee member, but not as a Committee Chair.
Criteria for Evaluation • Quality and ambition of work•Effective use of materials and processes• Presentation of work•Caliber of physical, verbal and written articulation• Ability tocontextualize work
S E M E S T E R OF G R A D U A T I O N
Application to Graduate At the beginning of the semester, applyto graduate by completing the online MA Graduation Applicationform: https://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/graduation. TheGraduate School’s Deadlines & Submission Instructions page haslinks at the top of the page for students, with a link to thisform, with deadlines, submission information, and a checklist forthe process.
Applications for graduation are generally due by mid-April(Spring) and mid-November (Fall), and these are hard deadlines.More information may be found at through the Graduate School'swebsite, which lists the report upload procedures and requiredpages (committee approval form, statement on reserach with humansubjects, any requests to delay publication. Students shouldconsult the Graduate School’s “Key Dates” calendar regarding allrelevant milestones for applying for graduation and submittingfinal written report (not thesis) materials.
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The only graduation ceremony for graduate students (Convocation)is held at the end of the Spring semester. If students are unableto complete and upload the thesis and submit the signature sheetand other required paperwork, they cannot walk at this graduationceremony.Read about graduation and the Convocation ceremony here.Academic regalia is required to walk atgraduation and may beordered from the University Co-op.
Registration for Final Semester
Students must register for both ART 398R - Master's PortfolioReport and ART 498S - MFA Exhibition during the last semester ofcoursework, normally spring semester. Candidates for a graduatedegree must be registered both courses during the semester in whichthey expect to receive their degrees.
M F A P O R T F O L I O R E P O R T
Description and Instructions for MFA Portfolio Report The MFAPortfolio Report is a self-created catalog of your work withintegrated images and text that is 2,500-5,000 words in length. Thetext must meet the Graduate School's formatting requirements. TheGraduate School required formats are here:https://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/graduation/deadlines-and-submission-instructions#ThesisorReport.Pay close attention to the requirements including, margins, how tonumber pages, acceptable fonts, etc. The Graduate School may rejecta Report if the formatting criteria are not met.
The Portfolio Report Committee The student will select twomembers of their Review Committee to serve as first and secondreaders of their Portfolio Report. The student cannot select afaculty member on leave during the student’s last semester. The 1streader of the Report must be a member of the Review Committee andmember of the Studio Art GSC, but not necessarily the ReviewCommittee Chair. An outline of the Report is due to the committeeat the 3rd Review.
At the beginning of the fourth semester, the student works withthe 1st Reader to develop a calendar of deadlines. The studentexchanges several drafts with the 1st Reader and then sends a draftto the 2nd reader for comment. At the Final Review, the studentpresents the most current draft of the Portfolio Report to theirReview Committee. Students must bring the Portfolio ReportSignature Page to their Final Review for provisional signatures.The 1st reader will keep this signature page. Both readers mustread and approve the use of their signature on the Report by thelast class day of the semester. The Signature Page is then releasedto the student for submission.
Format Check All MFA Portfolio Reports require a format check inthe Graduate School. To perform a format check, go tohttp://www.utexas.edu/ogs/pdn/, click on the “Master’s GraduationDeadlines and Guidelines” for the current semester, and scroll tothe bottom of the page to determine who to contact for your formatcheck. Your Report need not be complete to perform a format check.Format check by April 1.
Final Portfolio Students must submit 10 high-resolution imagesor MPV’s of their work to the Graduate Advisor via Box by the lastclass day. The Graduate Advisor will share the URL with students inMasters Exhibition Seminar. These images are to be submitted with aFinal Portfolio Slide List and a Consent Form. Students must alsoacquire the signatures of readers for the Draft Receipt Form byApril 15 and send in
https://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/graduation/deadlines-and-submission-instructions#ThesisorReporthttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/graduation/deadlines-and-submission-instructions#ThesisorReporthttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/graduation/deadlines-and-submission-instructions#ThesisorReporthttp://www.utexas.edu/ogs/pdn/https://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/graduationhttps://registrar.utexas.edu/calendarshttps://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/studio-art-mfa-port-report-draft-receipt-1.pdfhttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/content/virtual-commencement-ceremony
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the form. They should also submit this signed Draft Receipt Formto your Graduate Advisor by April 15. It is recommended thatstudents create a copy for themselves.
One week prior to Final Review, submit the most recent draft ofthe Portfolio Report to all members of the Critique Committee andGraduate Advisor. Create the official Signature Page for thePortfolio Report and bring it to the Final Review. At the FinalReview, the Portfolio Report reviewers should tentatively sign theReport’s official Signature Page. Students must give this signedpage to the Report Supervisor, who will keep it until the finaldraft of the report is competed and approved by both readers. Afterfinal signoff from both readers, collect the official SignaturePage from your Portfolio Report Supervisor and submit it withStatement of Research in Restricted Regions and Statement onResearch with Human Participants. These forms will likely be blank,and must be turned in to the Grad School by 3pm on the last day ofthe semester.
Uploading Portfolio Report Students must upload their materialsand deliver a title page, signature page, abstract and a Statementon Research with Human Participants by the 3pm on the last day ofclasses. Current requirements can be found here:http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/pdn/. The Graduate School must approvethe Report.
If a Report is Not Accepted If either the Report Committee orthe Graduate School does not accept a Report, the student mustregister for ART 398R during the following semester(s) until boththe Report Committee and the Graduate School have accepted theReport. The Graduate Advisor, the student, and the Report Committeemay meet in order to advise the student on revisions.
F I N A N C I A L R E S O U R C E S
Graduate School and College of Fine Arts Fellowships TheGraduate School and College offer a couple of sizable fellowshipsto continuing students. The award is made by nomination only.Studio Art nominates 1-2 students per year for awards that arecompetitive across the University and College. For moreinformation:http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/funding/fellowships/continuing/.
Department Scholarships The Department of Art and Art Historyawards scholarship funding based on holistic application review andperformance. All students are automatically considered for theseawards.
Non-Resident Tuition Waivers A limited number of non-residenttuition waivers are available for students from outside of Texas.Non-resident tuition waivers are awarded on a semester-by-semesterbasis. The students who receive these waivers pay resident tuitionas opposed to non-resident tuition. All out-of-state-students areautomatically considered for these awards.
Emergency Funds The office of Student Emergency Services existsto help students and their families during difficult or emergencysituations. The Student Emergency Fund provides limited emergencyfinancial support to currently enrolled students who are unable tomeet essential expenses due to a Awards are not
http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/pdn/http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/funding/fellowships/continuing/https://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/emergency/https://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/emergency/studentemergencyfund.php
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considered loans and do not require repayment. Some funds may beconsidered income and are therefore subject to federal taxes.
Tuition Loans and Emergency Loans Tuition loans are availableduring registration and will be applied to a student's fee bill.Full-time students who are US citizens can get a Tuition Loan fortheir entire tuition bill. International students can get a TuitionLoan for half their tuition bill. Interest is charged at a rate of4% per year. Emergency loans of up to $300 are given in cash.Contact Student Financial Services for more information,512-475-6282.
Additional Resources • Office of Graduate Studies ExternalFunding (fellowships, financial aid, employment, and other
awards): https://gradschool.utexas.edu/finances• University ofTexas Financial Aid: http://finaid.utexas.edu/ht• Texas Global(Formerly International Student Services)• Grant database at theRegional Foundation Library:http://ddce.utexas.edu/foundationlibrary/
T R A V E L A W A R D S
Department Awards The Department has limited funds to supporttravel to present work in a professional setting. The awards coverthe cost of travel not to exceed a total of $400 and are based onavailability of funds. Proposal for travel may be submitted to theGraduate Advisor. Please complete the form and cc the GraduateCoordinator:https://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/studio/travel-awards/.
Graduate School Professional Development Awards Graduate SchoolProfessional Development Awards may be used to cover the cost ofstudents formally invited to present their work or speak on apanel. Awards are between $250-$500, based on availability offunds: http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/funding/travel.html.
UT< >RCA: Royal College of Art London Reciprocal ExchangeProgram (Program currently on hiatus due to travel restrictions)Each fall, RCA sends one graduate student to study at UT Austin,and UT sends one graduate student in
their third semester to study in London, each for 1 semester.Interested students write an essay of interest during their secondsemester. A committee of 4 Graduate Studio Art faculty selects theoutgoing student based on this essay and portfolio materials.Travel funding and partial attendance and living costs are providedby the College of Fine Arts. An info session is held early Springsemester to disseminate details on the program and applicationprocess.
S P O N S O R E D R E S I D E N C I E S A N D A W A R D S
Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture The Studio ArtDivision co-sponsors a scholarship with the Skowhegan that providestuition for the 9-week summer program in Maine. The Department ofArt and Art History pays approximately half of the tuition andSkowhegan pays the other half. Interested students submitapplications directly to Skowhegan where the final decision ismade: http://www.skowheganart.org/applicantinfo.
https://gradschool.utexas.edu/financeshttp://finaid.utexas.edu/hthttp://ddce.utexas.edu/foundationlibrary/https://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/studio/travel-awards/http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/funding/travel.htmlhttp://www.skowheganart.org/applicantinfohttps://financials.utexas.edu/sar/online-financial-services
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School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Ox-Bow ProgramFellowships to attend the Ox-Bow Program in Saugatuck, Michigan arefor an 8-week residency. Fellows work 20-hours a week for Ox-Bowand receive a studio, room and board. The Graduate Advisor willsend an announcement for proposals in early Spring. A facultycommittee reviews proposals, finalists are interviewed and a singlestudent is selected.
Vermont Studio Center Fellowship to Vermont Studio Center inJohnson, Vermont for a 4-week residency where artists receive astudio, room and board. The Graduate Advisor will send anannouncement for proposals in early Spring. A faculty committeereviews proposals and a single student is selected.
D E P A R T M E N T A L P O L I C I E S
T E A C H I N G A S S I S T A N T S H I P S
Appointment of TAs
All Teaching Assistant (TA) appointments are made on asemester-by-semester basis, follow strict departmental criteria,and are subject to availability of funds. Departmental criteria forappointment of TAs have this order of priority: safety concerns,technical laboratory considerations, specific academic programneeds, faculty requests, and student requests. All teachingassistantship awards are performance-based and subject toavailability. Students can be employed for no more than 4 longsemesters as Teaching Assistants within Studio Art.
Guidelines and Resources for TAs
TAs are held to the same ethical standards as faculty. Forcomprehensive information on duties, benefits, teaching tips,academic integrity, Center for Teaching Effectiveness, GraduateStudent Instructor Program and the ASPECTS workshop series, consultboth http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/employment/ andhttp://ctl.utexas.edu/.
As an employee of the university, if you witness or receiveinformation about sexual harassment, sexual assault, datingviolence or stalking that involves a current student or employee,you must promptly report the incident to the University’s Title IXCoordinator or a Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
Additionally, the university is a public employer and is subjectto the Texas Public Information Act. As such, records created byand about you may be subject to an open records request anddisclosure. Your name, work location and other employment relatedinformation, including salary, may be visible on publiclyaccessible websites or in other publicly available records.
http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/employment/http://ctl.utexas.edu/
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TA Qualifications
• Admitted to the Graduate School without conditions • Gradepoint average of 3.0 or better • Registered full-time • May nothave any Incompletes (Xs)
Continued eligibility for a TA position will be significantlyaffected by:
• Availability of funds • Performance of Teaching Assistantduties • Overall professionalism • Progress in both quantity andquality of studio work • Review of faculty and student evaluations(See evaluation forms in the Appendix.) • Graduate StudiesCommittee evaluations of overall performance
Tuition Assistance
The University provides Tuition Assistance to all TAs hired forhalf and full appointments in the Fall and Spring and those hiredfor full appointments in the Summer. If you hold a TA appointment,you should receive a Tuition Reduction Benefit.
Insurance
Teaching Assistants appointed as full-time TAs (20 hours/week)for 4.5 months or more (one long semester) are eligible for healthinsurance as offered by the University to its employees:https://hr.utexas.edu/student/student-employee-insurance-benefits.Please see this page for questions related to benefits and summerinsurance coverage.
In-State Tuition Eligibility Non-resident and internationalstudents who hold full TA appointments will pay tuition and fees atthe rate charged to in-state residents. If there are questionsregarding residency status, please see UT’s Residency Entitlementsite. TAs should always receive in-state tuition, but are requiredto request this benefit each semester:https://utdirect.utexas.edu/acct/fb/waivers/rte_request.WBX.
International Students as TAs International Students mustdemonstrate English language proficiency before being assigned as aTA: https://world.utexas.edu/esl/ita. This requires registering foran Oral English Proficiency Assessment. Please see the Texas Globalwebsite for Frequently Asked Questions, including exemptions andscoring.
B R E A K S I N A T T E N D A N C E Leave of Absence andreadmission
Graduate students, prior to the last semester may apply to theGraduate Advisor for a leave of absence of no more than twosemesters. Per the policy, a student must have a very strong reasonfor requesting a leave of absence (i.e. personal or family illness,etc.). The Graduate School does not accept “insufficient funds" asan acceptable reason for granting a leave of absence. A leave ofabsence does not affect the time limit for completion of thedegree. While on a leave of absence, a student may not receiveadvice or assistance from faculty members and may not use servicesor facilities of the University. The student on an approved leaveof absence must apply for readmission in order to return to theUniversity; but
https://hr.utexas.edu/student/student-employee-insurance-benefitshttps://utdirect.utexas.edu/acct/fb/waivers/rte_request.WBXhttps://world.utexas.edu/esl/itahttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/finances/student-employment/academic-employment/tuition-reduction-benefithttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/finances/student-employment/resident-tuition-entitlementhttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policies/leaves-of-absence
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readmission during the approved period is automatic and theapplication fee is waived if a copy of the approved Leave ofAbsence application is submitted. Students applying for readmissionmust do so by December 1 for the spring semester, July 1 for thefall semester.
Withdrawal
A student may withdraw (i.e. drop all of their courses) from theUniversity through the last day of classes. In order to withdrawfor a semester or summer session, a student must file a WithdrawalPetition and Refund Request form with the Dean of Graduate Studies.This fillable form is available here. Students may also reach outto the Graduate Coordinator for a copy. Please be in communicationwith your program if you intend to withdraw.
W A R N I N G, P R O B A T I O N, D I S M I S S A L Warning
If a student's cumulative graduate grade point average fallsbelow a B average/3.0, the Dean of Graduate Studies will warn thestudent that their good standing is in jeopardy. During the nextsemester or summer session in which the student is registered, theymust maintain a B average or be subject to dismissal. This warningcan affect whether or not a student is eligible for TA-ships in thesubsequent semester. Note: A student in a warning status may dropor withdraw only with special permission of the Graduate Advisorand the Dean of Graduate Studies. A petition must be presented tothe Dean of Graduate Studies from the Graduate Advisor. Withdrawalsfor medical reasons are handled through the Student Health Center.Please be in touch with the department if you intend towithdraw.
Departmental Probation
Failing Review 1 or 3 places a student on departmental probationand, depending on the specific circumstances, could affect TAeligibility and other levels of graduate support.
Dismissal
See evaluation criteria for Reviews for information on programtermination. Students may also be dismissed by the Graduate Schoolfor failing to make Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Grievance Procedures
Every effort should be made to resolve academic, nonacademic,and employment grievances informally between the student and thefaculty member most directly involved or, such efforts failing, bythe Graduate Advisor, and/or the Chair of the Department. Studentsmay seek assistance from the Ombudsperson who will serve as aneutral third party: www.utexas.edu/student/ombuds. When seriousissues cannot be resolved informally, the graduate student may haverecourse to the formal grievance procedure that can be found in theGeneral Information Catalogue (academic, non-academic, employment,and other disputes). It should be noted that the precise procedureto be followed in adjudicating given grievance will depend upon theparticular circumstances surrounding the case. Refer to theHandbook of Operating Procedures, policy 1.C.2 atwww.utexas.edu/policies/hoppm/.
http://www.utexas.edu/student/ombudshttp://www.utexas.edu/policies/hoppm/https://wikis.utexas.edu/display/GCN/Forms%2C+Templates+and+Instructionshttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policies/warning-status-academic-dismissalhttps://www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/medicalwithdrawals.htmlhttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policies/warning-status-academic-dismissalhttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policies/grievanceshttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policies/grievances
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F A C I L I T I E S
Installing Projects on Campus Art projects may be installed indesignated exhibition areas within the ART Building but requireprior approval of the supervising professor. Artworks to beinstalled in non-traditional spaces within the ART or DOTYbuildings, or on the grounds of the Fine Arts area require approvalby faculty and the Chair’s office. Faculty, in consultation withthe Student Exhibition Committee, coordinates group class displays.Works improperly displayed may be removed. Find the installationform here.
Studios Students are able to work in studios in the Art buildingthroughout the academic year. They must move out of studios byGraduation day. Students must return their studio as a clean whitespace. Paint and spackle will be provided. The faculty member incharge of each set of grad studios will provide additionalexpectations for facilities move-out. Students must have thatfaculty member sign a checkout form and submit the form to theGraduate Coordinator along with all building keys. If studios areleft damaged or dirty, the department can assess a fine that willresult in a transcript bar until the fines are paid.
Keys Keys issued to graduate students for their studios or forareas to which they are appointed for work as Teaching Assistants,are for the use of that student only. Keys may not be lent to anyother student for any reason. Keys must be returned to the GraduateCoordinator at the end of the semester a student graduates alongwith the checkout form signed by the Area Head. If the keys are notreturned, a bar may be placed on the student's records and thediploma may be withheld until the keys have been returned.
Lockers Contact: Michelle Fandrich, Course Scheduler
Step 1: Pick an empty locker Step 2: Put a lock on it Step 3:Visit https://art.utexas.edu/resources/current-students and clickon “Locker Agreement Form” under Forms & Policies to completethe locker agreement form (or scan the QR code below).
All lockers are used at the discretion of the Department of Artand Art History. Every occupied locker must have a completed LockerAgreement Form on file with the Department. Locks and contents maybe removed from lockers without forms on file at the discretion ofthe Department. No firearms, explosives or any other illegal itemor substance may be stored in locker at any time. Lockers may bekept from Fall to Spring semesters in the same academic year butall contents and locks must be removed by the posted deadline atthe end of the Spring semester.
Photo Lab Use (MFA students outside of photography) Contact:Amber Shields Johson, Lab Manager
I. First Stage -Short-term Use (several sessions, during a weekor two) with photo graduate student(unpaid), photo technician, orphoto faculty assistance only. Studio Art MFA students (outside ofPhotography) may use the lab during normal hours of operation, aslong as they:
https://art.utexas.edu/resources/current-studentshttp://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/aah-installation-approval.pdfhttps://art.utexas.edu/people/michelle-fandrichhttps://art.utexas.edu/people/amber-johnson
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(1) Pay for materials in advance.(2) Do not interfere withorganized classes or other graduate work. MFA students inphotography
have priority for using the facilities. (3) Do not co-opt ormonopolize the time of a grad TA on duty, whose assignment ishelping
undergrads and/or participating in an undergrad class. (4) Donot displace other students (graduate or undergraduate) usingequipment(5) Sign up in advance to work in the facility.(6) Theymay not use the lab when closed, unless a graduate student inPhotography with
afterhours access permission is willing to help, though agraduate student must not feel obligated to provide thisassistance. Security access, alarm code or name on door will not begranted.
(7) Clean-up any areas of the lab facility used.(8) Checking-outphoto equipment is okay for use in the Art Building ONLY -equipmentmust not
leave the Art Building. (9) Access privileges will be revoked iflab policies are abused.(10) Request to and approval from the areahead in writing (e-mail).
II. Second Stage -Multiple-time Use (numerous sessions during asemester or break) with gradassistance (unpaid):
A Studio Art MFA student, after being granted access forshort-term use, who demonstrates independence with the use ofequipment and an understanding of the restrictions, may request inwriting from the area head further extended use of the facility,after outlining the parameters and timeline for completing theirproject. The rules for Short-term Use above still apply.
III. After Hours access is limited to:(a) Authorized graduatestudents (first priority)(b) photo faculty and their officialresearch proxy assistants (second priority).
GRADUATE STUDENTSOUTSIDE OF THE STUDIO ART MFA PROGRAM ARE NOTALLOWED ACCESS TO PHOTO LAB.
F O R M S
Program Forms
Course of Study Form
Review Committee Form
Optional 5th Member Form
Review Forms
First Review Form
Mid-Program Review Form
Third Review Form
http://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/studio-art-mfa-third-review.pdfhttp://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/studio-art-mfa-mid-review-from-faculty.pdfhttp://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/studio-art-mfa-first-review.pdfhttps://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/studio-art-mfa-optional-fifth.pdfhttps://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/studio-art-mfa-review-committee-1.pdfhttp://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/studio-art-mfa-course-of-study.pdf
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MFA Final Review to Advisor
MFA Final Review from Faculty to Student
Portfolio Forms
Portfolio Report Draft Receipt Form
TA Performance Forms
TA Job Performance Form- Student
TA Job Performance Form- Supervising Faculty
Miscellaneous Forms
Travel Grant Application
Installation Approval Form
S E R V I C E S A N D R E S O U R C E S
Below is a list of useful links and resources for prospectiveand current students. Please note that this is not an exhaustivelist. See also: the complete list of University offices A-Z
Accounting and Cashier Services (Bursar)
Blanton Museum of Art
Career Services in Fine Arts
Center for Community Engagement
Counseling & Mental Health Center
Services for Students with Disabilities Any student with adocumented disability who requires academic accommodations shouldcontact Services for Students with Disabilities at 471-6259 (voice)or 1-866-329-3986 (Video Phone) as soon as possible to request anofficial letter outlining authorized accommodations. Additionalinformation here:http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/index.php.
Financial Aid
General Libraries Information (also see: UT Fine ArtsLibrary)
Graduate Catalog and Policy Library
Graduate and International Admissions Center
http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/index.phphttp://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/aah-installation-approval.pdfhttps://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/MFA-Studio-Art-Travel-Grant-Application-1.pdfhttp://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/studio-art-mfa-ta-performance-faculty.pdfhttps://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/studio-art-mfa-ta-performance-student.pdfhttps://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/studio-art-mfa-port-report-draft-receipt.pdfhttp://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/studio-art-mfa-final-review-from-faculty.pdfhttp://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/03/studio-art-mfa-final-review-to-advisor.pdfhttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/admissionshttps://registrar.utexas.edu/catalogs/graduatehttps://www.lib.utexas.edu/about/locations/fine-artshttps://www.lib.utexas.edu/https://finaid.utexas.edu/https://diversity.utexas.edu/disability/https://cmhc.utexas.edu/https://diversity.utexas.edu/communityengagement/https://finearts.utexas.edu/careershttps://blantonmuseum.org/https://financials.utexas.edu/bursar-cashier-serviceshttps://www.utexas.edu/offices
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Graduate Student Services and Resources (General: Career,Events, Housing, Graduate Students Families, Climate Surveys,Campus Services, Student Employment)
Graduate Housing
Graduate Professional Development & Events
The Graduate School
Graduate Student Writing Support Services
Legal Services for Students
Office for Inclusion & Equity
Office of the Registrar: semester schedules (includingdeadlines), calendars, and catalogs:https://registrar.utexas.edu/calendars
Ombuds
Parking & Transportation
Police Department (UTPD)
Recreational Sports Information
Resource Guide to Mental Health Services for Graduate Studentsand Programs
Services for Students with Disabilities Any student with adocumented disability who requires academic accommodations shouldcontact Services for Students with Disabilities at 471-6259 (voice)or 1-866-329-3986 (Video Phone) as soon as possible to request anofficial letter outlining authorized accommodations. Additionalinformation here:http://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/index.php.
Texas Union Information Desk
Undocumented Students
University Health Services
UT Global (Formerly International Student Services)
Veteran Student Resources
Visual Arts Center (Art Building)
https://registrar.utexas.edu/calendarshttp://www.utexas.edu/diversity/ddce/ssd/index.phphttps://art.utexas.edu/visual-arts-centerhttps://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/veterans/https://global.utexas.edu/https://healthyhorns.utexas.edu/https://careerengagement.utexas.edu/students-alumni/diversity-resources/https://universityunions.utexas.edu/texas-unionhttps://diversity.utexas.edu/disability/https://sites.utexas.edu/artgrads/files/2020/01/Resource-Guide-to-Mental-Health-Services-1.pdfhttps://www.utrecsports.org/https://police.utexas.edu/https://parking.utexas.edu/https://ombuds.utexas.edu/studenthttps://registrar.utexas.edu/https://equity.utexas.edu/https://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/lss/http://uwc.utexas.edu/grad/https://gradschool.utexas.edu/https://gradschool.utexas.edu/services-and-resources/career-resourceshttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/services-and-resources/housinghttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/services-and-resources
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U N I V E R S I T Y P O L I C I E S Students are responsible forfamiliarizing themselves with all University of Texas policiesgoverning academic and non-academic conduct. The complete policylibrary may be found:https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/policy-library. In order to addressfrequently asked questions, a few select policies are outlined andlinked below. Academic Policies Full-time student status Grades& Credit Leaves of Absence
Transfer Credit Key Dates Grievances Registration PoliciesAdding & Dropping Courses Registration Procedures LateRegistration Withdrawals International Independent Study &Research International Travel Policies Title IX Policies: SexualHarassment, Misconduct, Discrimination, and ConsensualRelationships Academic Integrity
H A N D B O O K R E F E R E N C E S O U R C E S This handbookcontains some general remarks concerning University, GraduateSchool, and Department of Art and Art History procedures. Forcomplete information, consult the following publications:
• The Graduate School Catalog:http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/catalogs/ • University ofTexas Course Schedule:http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/schedules/ • GeneralInformation Catalog:http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/catalogs/ • TA Information:http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/Employment.html • Application forGraduation Forms: http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/pdn/
https://www.utsystem.edu/sites/policy-library.Inhttps://www.utsystem.edu/sites/policy-library.Inhttps://www.utsystem.edu/sites/policy-library.Inhttp://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/catalogs/http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/schedules/http://www.utexas.edu/student/registrar/catalogs/http://www.utexas.edu/ogs/Employment.htmlhttp://www.utexas.edu/ogs/pdn/https://deanofstudents.utexas.edu/conduct/academicintegrity.phphttps://titleix.utexas.edu/policieshttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policieshttps://gradschool.utexas.edu/academics/policies
Policies
FAQs
Is a Master of Fine Arts degree worth it? ›
An MFA degree carries weight and recognition within the artistic community and can enhance your credibility as a working artist. An MFA signals to potential employers, galleries, and patrons that you have dedicated time to honing your craft.
What is the difference between fine art and studio art degree? ›The distinction between a Studio Art major and a Fine Art major can vary among colleges, but generally speaking, Studio Art focuses on the practical aspects and techniques of creating art, while Fine Art looks at the theory, history, and interpretation of art, in addition to hands-on practice.
What is the difference between a Master of arts and a Master of Fine Arts? ›MA programs focus on academic research and theory, perfect for future researchers or teachers. On the other hand, MFA programs emphasize hands-on art creation, ideal for aspiring artists. So, if you love discussing and analyzing ideas, consider an MA. If making art is your passion, an MFA might be better.
Is Master of Fine Arts hard? ›Is a Master's in Fine Arts hard? Yes, an MFA can be challenging as it involves advanced artistic skills, critical thinking, and often a significant commitment to personal creative development.
What is the highest degree in Fine Arts? ›An MFA is considered a terminal degree, meaning it's the highest level of education you can achieve in fine arts and performing arts. On the other hand, a master's degree isn't terminal and can serve as preparation for doctoral studies. Therefore, an MFA is usually held in higher regard.
Is a Masters worth it financially? ›Often, these advanced skills come with the perk of a higher salary. Plus, the degree can open doors to new opportunities, like getting promotions or bonuses, which means even more money. Earning your master's degree is a smart move because it helps provide long-term financial stability.
How useful is a Studio Art degree? ›There are a lot of careers for people with a degree in art or art history. Some careers for studio artists are animator, art director, artist, graphic designer, industrial designer, interior designer, and photographer, which usually require a bachelor's degree or equivalent amount of experience.
What is the difference between BA and BFA Studio Art? ›According to the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the professional degree (BFA) focuses on intensive work in the visual arts supported by a program of general studies, whereas the liberal arts degree (BA) focuses on art and design in the context of a broad program of general studies.
Is fine art a good degree? ›Skills for your CV
As well as developing practical and creative techniques in a range of media, a fine art degree gives you skills in using different types of equipment and processes from hand tools and welding gear to digitisation.
A Master of Fine Arts (MFA or M.F.A.) is a terminal degree in fine arts, including visual arts, creative writing, graphic design, photography, filmmaking, dance, theatre, other performing arts and in some cases, theatre management or arts administration.
Is MFA equivalent to PhD? ›
An MFA is considered a terminal degree, similar to professional degrees granted in other fields, such as the Doctor of Philosophy or the Doctor of Education, according to guidelines established by the College Art Association of America (CAA).
Can I get an MFA after an MA? ›But keep in mind that there are also dual-degree programs: programs that allow you to complete your MA and MFA in 2-3 years. Additionally, there are schools that allow MA students to jump straight into their MFA after completing their MA. Both options are clever ways to avoid the full MFA application process.
Is it worth doing a MA in fine art? ›From an art practice perspective, it can be highly worthwhile if you don't mind the extensive learning and training involved. While it's possible to get a PhD in art without a master's degree, having a second degree can enhance your application.
What is the most difficult art to Master? ›Have you heard that watercolor, among all the painting mediums, is often considered one of the hardest to master? The reason behind this challenge lies in the unpredictable component it brings to the canvas - water.
What is the hardest master's? ›- Engineering. Engineering is one of the hardest master's degree programs to study. ...
- Physical Sciences. ...
- Business. ...
- Architecture. ...
- Economics. ...
- Cellular and Molecular Biology. ...
- Nursing. ...
- Medicine.
As well as developing practical and creative techniques in a range of media, a fine art degree gives you skills in using different types of equipment and processes from hand tools and welding gear to digitisation.
How useful is an MFA? ›The benefit for most people is it is a terminal degree and allows you to teach at the university level. For other senior arts positions such as curatorial or administrative ones, an MFA can serve as a qualifying degree in many cases, also.
Is an MFA prestigious? ›Certain MFAs, such as those from Yale's School of Art and CalArts, can ensure a certain level of respect among a certain type of dealer, collector, or curator. But, all things considered, the quality of work will always trump an artist's educational CV. Just look at Basquiat, who didn't even graduate from high school.
Is master of arts useful? ›Skill Development: Students typically develop transferable skills in research, analysis, writing, communication, and problem-solving. Career Versatility: Graduates are equipped to advance in diverse careers in many fields, including education, business, government, non-profits, and the arts.