Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art degree at Houston Christian University (HCU) is a Christian-based, two-year studio art graduate program with specialization in areas of 2D and 3D studies. We offer students in the program a studio space, teaching assistant experience, and scholarships. The five available studio art tracks include:
- Ceramics
- Drawing
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
Collaborate with established artists in our spacious studios and galleries, gaining mentorship and attending professional seminars. Creative inspiration fuels your artistic growth, while practical skills prepare you for the professional world. From art creation to curation, commerce to exhibition, graduate ready to thrive across the diverse art industry.
Reflect the glory of God in artistic creation in a collaborative atmosphere where you refine your artistic skills and explore the deeper dimensions of your creative calling with HCU’s MFA in Studio Art program.
Program Highlights
- 60 Credits
- Complete in Two Years
- Private Studio Space Available
- Faculty Mentorship
- Portfolio and Artist Statement Required
- Bachelor’s Degree Required
MFA in Studio Art Requirements
In the 60-credit MFA program, there are 24 credit hours of in-studio time for creating art and exploring themes, motifs, symbols, subject matter, and references through your chosen medium. Additionally, there are courses in art history foundations and related areas of expertise like museum studies. Requirements across the program include:
- Art history courses
- Graduate seminars
- Required studio art hours
- Graduate thesis and portfolio development
The program is designed to develop critical writing, communication, and ethical skills based on Christian teachings that bind your artistic process with a higher source of creation. An optional study abroad offers rich opportunities to create art in a novel environment or create work innately tied to place.
Courses and Degree Plan
Refine your artistic practice and forge new visual languages supported by seminar courses and inspiration from historical and contemporary artists. Apart from courses in your chosen track (Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Printmaking, Drawing), you may take courses including:
- Gallery & Museum Practices I-IV
- Postmodern to Present
- Turning Points of the 19th Century
- Writing in the Arts
Review the MFA in Studio Art degree plan.
Program Benefits and Opportunities
Fine Arts Careers
Our master’s program in fine arts prepares you for a variety of career paths in art and design. You can create and showcase art professionally or work behind the scenes in museums or galleries with two years of practical experience gained in the program. You can also pursue advanced careers in creative marketing, advertising, media, and entertainment, leveraging visual communication for brands and businesses. Career paths our graduates excel in include:
- Arts program management
- Digital or 2D illustration
- Fashion or interior design
- Graphic and web design
- Photography
- Teaching and art education
- Videography and filmmaking
Aspiring professional artists, curators, and teachers all benefit from an MFA curriculum emphasizing technical proficiency and rooted in creative exploration. Our courses cover a wide range of media and techniques, comprehensive training in museum operations, and research related to art, artists, and art movements.
Deepen Your Artistic Calling
In our intimate, small-class environment, develop graduate-level technical proficiency in your chosen studio disciplines while creating art that reflects profound social and spiritual enlightenment. Our campus features working studios where faculty members actively create, allowing you to fully engage with your instructors, renowned artists like Michael Collins, MFA; Carlos Canul, MFA; Joel Stanulonis, MFA; Rachel Gardner, MFA, and Tiffany Bergeron, MFA.
Meet the Department of Visual Arts faculty.
Resources for Artists
As a candidate in the studio art master’s program, you will have access to studio facilities in the 44,000-square-foot University Academic Center complex and fully equipped labs to hone your craft. The 1,100-square-foot Contemporary Art Gallery offers space to showcase your work and engage with the broader art community. Additionally, we regularly invite outside artists to conduct specialized Studio Art (MFA) Workshops, exposing you to diverse perspectives and cutting-edge techniques in various artistic disciplines.
Explore our gallery facilities and the Fine Art Museum.
Admissions Requirements
Admissions requirements to the intimate Studio Art master’s program at Houston Christian University include:
- Completed bachelor’s degree (requires submission of official transcripts from the school that awarded your degree)
- Current résumé/CV
- 300-500 word personal artist statement covering your desire to attend the Graduate School and how our MFA in
- Studio Art degree will assist you academically, personally, and professionally
Review graduate admissions information and email any additional required materials to verification@HC.edu.
Digital Application Portfolio
- The preferred format for the MFA admission portfolio is through a flash drive, CD, or DVD, mailed to the Graduate School (The Graduate School, Houston Christian University, 7502 Fondren Road, Houston, TX 77074-3298).
- 20-30 samples should be included in the portfolio.
- Ensure samples are high-resolution JPEGs.
Program Costs and Aid
The Graduate School at HCU offers scholarship opportunities to incoming Studio Art graduate students and tailored assistance navigating other financial aid sources, such as loans and graduate teaching assistantships. As a teaching assistant, you have the opportunity to receive a paycheck while gaining valuable teaching experience at the college level in studio art.
Review MFA program tuition information and find scholarship and financial aid details.