Art
The Department of Art graduate program provides professional training for independent, self-directed visual artists that leads to an M.A. in studio art, an M.A. in Art History, an M.F.A. in studio art. The M.F.A. is a terminal degree, usually required for university teaching. Intellectual growth through critical thinking and communication are regarded as integral to the professional development of students as creative artists. The Department of Art is committed to helping students acquire the knowledge and skills to pursue their artistic intent. The graduate studio program also emphasizes: (1) creative research; (2) knowledge of art criticism; and (3) an understanding of the content and methodology of art history, especially as it pertains to thesis projects.
The University of Montana is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The Department of Art is one of four departments -- Art, Drama/Dance, Music and Media Arts -- within the School of Fine Arts. The Department of Art has an average enrollment of 420 undergraduate majors, 15-20 graduate students, and offers four studio degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts in Fine Arts with specializations in Art and Art History, and Master of Fine Arts with specializations in Ceramics, Sculpture, Painting, Drawing, Photography, and Printmaking.
The teaching staff consists of 14 full-time faculty, five graduate teaching assistants, and adjunct faculty. All are active artists exhibiting regionally, nationally, and internationally. The art historians and critics are active scholars who lecture and write frequently on their areas of specialty. The Department of Art maintains an on-campus exhibition space, The Gallery of Visual Arts. In addition, several other university and community galleries provide venues for exhibiting art. A vital, privately-endowed visiting-artist program funds several guest artists every academic year. Past visiting artists to the Department of Art include: Jo Harvey Allen, Terry Allen, Richard Mock, Antonia Contro, Tanake, Lawrence Anderson, Melissa Miller, Jaune Quick-To-See-Smith, Mike Looney, Mark Saurie, Michael Paha, Adrian Arleo, Chuck Forsman, Josh DeWeese, Rosalie Wynkoop, Ovidio Giberga, Marilyn Levine, David Middlebrook, Karen Breschi, Robert Turner, Kurt Weiser, Peter Voulkos, Robert Brady, Ken Ferguson, Don Reitz, Roland Reiss, Akio Takomori, Peter Plagens, Italo Scanga, Richard Shaw, Bernard Chaet, Manuel Neri, Mel Chin, Miriam Schapiro, Sue Coe, Masami Taraoka, Bob Seng, Kay Walkingstick, Clay Jensen, Jerome Kirk, Paul Soldner, Kathy Butterly, Judy Fox, Richard Notkin, Steve Lee, Suzi Gablik, Linda Weintraub, Anne Hirondelle, and others.
|
Areas of Specialization: |
Ceramics |
A terminal degree requiring 60 graduate-level semester credits beyond the baccalaureate level, or its equivalent, including 40 credits in Studio (30 credits in studio concentration, 2-3 credits in studio electives, and 7 credits in graduate critique seminar); 15 credits in Academic Studies-Visual Media (6 credits of Art History, 3 credits of Art Criticism, and 6 credits of thesis and terminal project); and 6 credits in Open Electives.
|
Areas of Specialization: |
Art Studio |
Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on this web site.
1. Undergraduate Degree Prerequisites for Graduate Study
Admission requirement includes an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Art or an art-related field or an M.A. or M.S. degree in Art or an art-related field. For example, applicants with degrees in an art- related field such as Design, Media Arts, Architecture, Art Education, Photojournalism, Scene Design, or Film, will be considered. Any previously earned degree must include 18 studio semester credits including drawing fundamentals, 2D and 3D design as well as 6 semester credits of art history survey, 3 additional semester credits of specialized art history courses, and 3 semester credits of art criticism (12 art history and art criticism credits total).
For applicants without an Art or art-related degree, there is a prerequisite of 30 semester credits in studio and art history coursework. Additional courses may be mandated by the Selection Committee and/or the Chair of the Department of Art.
2. Undergraduate Grade Point Average
On a 4.0 scale, a 3.0 cumulative GPA is required or a B average in undergraduate major courses.
3. Writing Sample - Statement of Intent for Graduate Study
A 400-word, typed, double-spaced statement of intent clearly stating the area of specialization (Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Photography, Printmaking or Sculpture) to which you are applying and the academic goals to be accomplished through graduate study at The University of Montana.
International Students will submit the TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB exam. (The requirement is to meet the minimal University of Montana score). See the International Student Admission section on this web site.
In addition to the application materials required by the Graduate School, the Department of Art also requires:
Incomplete packets or packets not postmarked/ hand-delivered to the Department of Art by the deadline will not be reviewed. Note that application packets are not returned.
Annual teaching assistant awards are currently available to students in the Art Department graduate degree programs. These awards provide an annual stipend, (approximately $9,000 per year), and full tuition waiver for either in-state or out-of-state students. Teaching assistants are required to devote 10 hours per week of work assigned by the department, in addition to teaching one class each semester in a foundations-level course, and/or entry-level studio courses.
NOTE: The Graduate Teaching Practicum course (G580) is a required course for all teaching assistants, and is offered in the Autumn (Fall) semester only. Teaching assistants must complete the practicum course prior to teaching, or must be enrolled in the practicum course while teaching.
Several scholarships are available for graduate students within the Department of Art. On average, the department has awarded a total of $20,000-$26,000 to graduate students per year. First-year students accepted into the graduate program are automatically eligible and considered for these scholarships. Once enrolled, graduate students apply annually for additional scholarship monies in the Department of Art or on campus.
Additional paid graduate assistantship opportunities may be available within the Department of Art.
For additional information about financial assistance, see the Money section on this web site.
Instructions for applying to the Graduate School are in the Applying for Admission section on this web site.
On a 4.0 scale, 3.0 cumulative GPA is required, or a B average in undergraduate major courses.
Incomplete packets or packets not postmarked/ hand-delivered to the Department of Art by the deadline will not be reviewed. Note that application packets are not returned.The applicant must send the application packet to the Department of Art in a black binder or folder. The application includes:
- Three Professional Letters of Recommendation
All letters must be on professional letterhead, in a sealed envelope signed on the back by the professional, and submitted in the applicant's packet. At least one letter must be from a visual arts post-secondary faculty member who addresses the applicant’s art work and ability to participate in and complete a graduate program.
- Official Transcript(s)
Transcripts must be provided from all higher educational institutions attended in a sealed envelope included in the applicant’s packet. Sometimes receiving transcripts may take two to three weeks to receive so PLAN AHEAD. Do not send transcripts under separate cover.
- Research Paper
An 8-10 page, typed, double-spaced, art-history research paper that demonstrates critical thinking, research skills, and writing proficiency.
- A resume.
