Master of Fine Arts

M.F.A./ Studio Art

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

a still from an mfa thesis exhibition

The M.F.A. program at Winthrop University is a full-time studio art program that develops and nurtures the artist's voice. Winthrop's Department of Fine Arts engages artists who can navigate ideas of the contemporary world. The M.F.A. in Studio Art program demands focused research in traditional, interdisciplinary or emerging practices in visual and conceptual art.

This program is determined to progress from very narrow specializations and instead, educate students to move fluidly between different media to create a diverse body of innovative creative work.
 
Time to completion:
 2 years
Total Credits: 60
Format: Campus-based 

 

LEARN MORE

Why Winthrop?

Student in studio

Private Studios

M.F.A. students have their own semi-private studio and access to a range of 2D and 3D studio spaces and to the CreatorSpace, the College of Visual and Performing Arts Maker-Space.

Artist Lauren Grad welding

Graduate Assistantships

Students have the opportunity to work in the Department of Fine Arts and other areas of campus as graduate assistants and associates.

Photo from MFA thesis exhibition

NASAD Accredited

The Winthrop University M.F.A. in Studio Art program satisfies the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) accreditation standards.

 


MISSION STATEMENT

The M.F.A. in Studio Art is an interdisciplinary studio art program dedicated to the creative development of the studio artist through intensive self-directed study, faculty mentorship, and professional development.

 


In the ever-changing global experience, Winthrop's Department of Fine Arts acknowledges the importance of developing and nurturing the citizen artist who can navigate ideas of our time...

 

The M.F.A. Program is about more than being versed in only one discipline. Although a candidate might select from one of the areas of concentration including General Studio, Painting, Sculpture or Crafts, he or she will be expected to address a broad range of possibilities for communicating visually and conceptually within our contemporary environment on campus and beyond.

The M.F.A. Program at Winthrop is about developing and nurturing the artist. It is about creatively, community and collaboration.

  • The program provides a supportive environment and community for highly-motivated students, who are intent on advanced, independent studies in their field.
  • The program provides a critical dialogue from instructors who espouse a broad outlook and represent varied points of view.
  • The program selects students for their creative and intellectual involvement, their creative promise, and their ability to share in the learning process with their peers and the faculty.
  • The program expects M.F.A. candidates to have already begun to develop an independent and mature direction in their work before beginning the program.
  • The program expects the M.F.A. graduate to exhibit professional studio competence; to organize, evaluate, and interpret knowledge; to possess the ability to address, explore, and resolve pertinent issues; and to continue a demonstrated commitment to the visual arts.

To find our more about the M.F.A. Program and the Department of Fine Arts at Winthrop University, you may want to schedule a tour with us. You may also want to sit in on a graduate class, meet current M.F.A. candidates, talk to our teaching artists and scholars or see the work that students and faculty are producing at Winthrop. Please do not hesitate to find out more and make an informed decision about your future as an artist in the 21st Century.

For more information about the M.F.A. in Studio Art, visit to the Graduate Studies website including M.F.A. Application Requirements and Required Program.


    Beyond Graduation

    Devann Gardner

    "Having a small faculty to student ratio was exactly what I was looking for in a grad school, and Winthrop turned out to be perfect in receiving the feedback I needed as a hands-on learner who talks through their thoughts among peers and a committee."

    Devann Gardner, MFA ‘22


    alumni Careers 

    Recent graduates of our MFA program currently work in a variety of places, including:

    • York County Arts Council
    • Art and Light Gallery
    • McColl Center
    • Fort Mill Schools
    • Winthrop University
    • Gardner-Webb University
    • Wofford College
    • Central Piedmont Community College

    Our graduates have also won many awards, public commissions, and grants from:

    • Art Pop! Street Gallery
    • Levine Children's Hospital
    • Hambright Park and Ride
    • Rail Trail Lights
    • Miracle Park
    • Atrium Health

    a look into our mfa world...

    an example of student artwork


    Stephanie Sutton

    Stephanie Sutton

    Assistant Professor of Fine Arts, Graduate Program Coordinator

    Office: 248 McLaurin
    Phone: 803/323-3429
    E-mail: suttons@winthrop.edu


    Like What You See?

    Are you ready to join the ArtsWinthrop family of creatives? We can't wait to meet you!


    Stay Connected.

    Follow us on Instagram for the latest updates and events!