Master of Fine Arts in the Field of Fine Arts

The master of fine arts (MFA) program at GW comprises a two-year commitment for emerging artists who wish to expand the material and intellectual dimensions of their work. The interdisciplinary nature of the program creates an environment where cross-pollination among fields flourishes. At the same time, graduate students enter into vibrant communities of peers, faculty, and visiting artists, where intensive studio visits and critiques facilitate the re-imagination of the boundaries of art practice.  

The MFA program in the Studio Arts Program is a 60 credit, full-time program. Students register for 15 credits per semester, per the standard recommended for a terminal degree by the College Art Association.

Visit the program website for additional information.

Visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences website for application requirements.

Supporting documents not submitted online should be mailed to:

Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Office of Graduate Studies
The George Washington University
801 22nd Street NW, Phillips Hall 107
Washington DC 20052

For additional information about the admissions process visit the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences Frequently Asked Questions page.

Contact for questions:

askccas@gwu.edu
202-994-6210 (phone)
Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

The following requirements must be fulfilled:

The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.

60 credits, including 36 credits in required courses, 18 credits in elective courses, and 6 credits in thesis, including a thesis exhibition. 

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
CSA 6015	Social and Contextual Art Practices Seminar
CSA 6091	Contemporary Art and Theory for Artists
CSA 6093	Professional Practices
CSA 6094	Writing in Practice
CSA 6095	Master of Fine Arts Studio and Creative Research (taken for a total of 12 credits)
CSA 6096	Studio Visits (taken for a total of 12 credits)
Thesis exhibition
CSA 6999	Thesis Research (taken twice for a total of 6 credits)
A thesis exhibition consisting of the execution of creative work along with a critical statement about this work must be completed under the supervision of a committee consisting of at least two full-time members of the departmental faculty.
Electives
9 credits in CSA studio electives. Courses should be relevant to student's practice and goals and selected in consultation with the director of graduate studies.
9 credits in open electives. Courses should be relevant to the student's practice and can be taken in any studio or academic program. Specific courses are selected in consultation with the director of graduate studies and faculty in the unit offering the course.