Master of Fine Arts in the Field of Social Practice

The master of fine arts (MFA) in social practice with a focus in public policy is a unique program that connects art, policy, and collective action. The program is designed for emerging artists and creative thinkers looking to develop skills in both the arts and public policy sectors during an intensive, two-year, 60-credit degree. The program brings together artists, designers, organizers, researchers, and policymakers to initiate learning opportunities and projects that address the critical questions of our time.

The program combines study in experimental, relational, and performative creative practices with academic research, collaborative work, and field-based experiential learning in Washington, DC–a global hub for policymakers, tech leaders, nongovernmental organizations, and cultural institutions. To support their creative work, students take academic coursework across the university, including the departments of the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Administration.

Students who are especially interested in working with diverse populations and who wish to create a hybrid studio practice focused on issues of social justice, collaborative methodology, and ethical innovation are candidates for this MFA in social practice. The most highly sought-after applicants are those whose statement and/or portfolio demonstrates a broad-based creative practice, which can include professional work outside the arts; an understanding of the challenges and opportunities of working with diverse communities in an art context; and familiarity with more than one language. 

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 45 credits in required courses (including thesis) and 15 credits in elective courses.

Course List

Code	Title	Credits
Required
CSA 6010	Social Practice Workshop (taken four times, once per semester, for a total of 16 credits)
CSA 6015	Social and Contextual Art Practices Seminar
CSA 6016	Research Methodologies for Artists
CSA 6080	Social Practice Field Studio (taken twice for a total of 6 credits)
CSA 6097	Topics in Public Strategies (taken four times, once per semester, for a total of 8 credits)
PPPA 6006	Policy Analysis
Thesis
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 faculty members in the department.
Electives
3 credits in studio electives in any art or design area.
12 credits of supporting academic or studio coursework, in any area of the University, selected in consultation with the director of graduate studies.