Master of Fine Arts
PAFA’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a two-year, interdisciplinary program that encourages students to explore various media and discover their unique artistic voice. Through private studio work, one-on-one critiques, and group discussions, MFA candidates develop a sustainable and thoughtful artistic practice. The curriculum emphasizes studio development, critical research, and professional practices, helping students enhance their creative abilities and deepen their conceptual understanding. The program culminates in a written and visual thesis, showcased in PAFA's Annual Student Exhibition, attracting thousands of visitors. PAFA's MFA program fosters independence, creativity, and open discourse, supported by a vibrant community of artists, curators, and scholars.
Outstanding Faculty
All PAFA faculty members are working artists and in a unique position to understand and nurture students. Our faculty’s diverse skill sets, from artists working in traditional modes to those working in new media expose students to a vast range of opinions, artistic expertise, and individual artists’ points of view. A low student-to-faculty ratio and individualized mentorship are PAFA's trademark.
Visiting Critics Program
One of the key components of PAFA’s graduate programs, the Visiting Critics Program brings a roster of distinguished artists to campus three times each semester for one-on-one discussions with students about their work. This experience provides an invaluable opportunity for students to receive in-studio feedback on their work as it develops. Artists in the Visiting Critics Program have included Colleen Asper, Charles Burwell, Vincent Desiderio, Titus Kaphar, Virgil Marti, Mika Tajima and more.
Visiting Artist Program
The student-run Visiting Artist Program selects and invites a wide variety of national and international emerging artists to the school, creating connections that can propel and inspire an artistic career. Visiting artists spend one-on-one time with PAFA graduate students and critique their work, allowing an unparalleled experience of interacting with established artists. Past participants in the Visiting Artist Program have included Amy Sherald, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Polly Apfelbaum, Eileen Neff, Gary Panter, and Zoe Strauss.
Curriculum
The Master of Fine Arts degree at PAFA requires 60 credits.
First Year Curriculum
| Critiques | 18.0 Credits | ||
| Visiting Critic | Fall & Spring | MFA 700 | 1.5 |
| Core Critique Group | Fall & Spring | MFA 710 | 7.5 |
| Seminars | 6.0 Credits | ||
| Seminar: Reframing Theory | Fall | MFA 730 | 3.0 |
| Seminar: Contemporary Art | Spring | MFA 731 | 3.0 |
| Studio Courses | 6.0 Credits | ||
| Graduate Studio Electives | Fall & Spring | MFA 740 | 3.0 |
| Electives✝ | 0-3.0 Credits | ||
| Total First Year Credits | 30.0 |
Second Year Curriculum
| Critiques | 18.0 Credits | ||
| Visiting Critic | Fall & Spring | MFA 700 | 1.5 |
| Critics (3 at 2.0 Credits) | Fall & Spring | MFA 700 | 6.0 |
| Core Critique Group | Fall & Spring | MFA 710 | 1.5 |
| Seminars | 6.0 Credits | ||
| Seminar: Studio and Beyond | Fall | MFA 730 | 3.0 |
| Seminar: Special Topics | Spring | MFA 731 | 3.0 |
| Written Thesis | Fall | MFA 850 | 3.0 Credits |
| Thesis Exhibition | Spring | MFA 851 | 3.0 Credits |
| Electives✝ | 0-3.0 Credits | ||
| Total Second Year Credits | 30.0 |
✝Graduate students may take one undergraduate course as an elective that will count towards graduation credit. Students may also audit one undergraduate course per semester to develop particular skills.
Graduate Admissions
PAFA’s graduate programs are interdisciplinary, emphasizing individual artistic development with studio practice at their core. Students explore various media and pursue diverse interests. Review our application process below, where you'll find details on application options, required materials, and submission dates to help you get started.
Application
Apply online using the PAFA Application or the Common Application. The applications require the same materials, as well as adhering to the same submission and enrollment deadlines. Whichever you choose, applicants need to create an account through the Admissions Portal to view their Application Status and Decision Letter and to submit an Enrollment Response Form.
Application Fee
Both applications charge a fee of $60 which is paid online when submitting your application. PAFA does accept fee waivers from the College Board, NACAC, and School Lunch Program. Students experiencing financial hardship can also request a fee waiver by contacting the Office of Admissions.
Please prepare the following to apply:
- Portfolio of 20 images
- Statement of Purpose
- A resumé or CV
- Letter of Recommendation (1)
- References with Contact Information (2)
- Academic Transcript from the previous institution
International Applicants Must Include:
- English proficiency (for international applicants)
| Start | Application Deadline | Enrollment Deadline | Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | February 15 | August 1 | MFA program Post-Baccalaureate program |
| Summer Session | February 15 | May 15 | Low-Residency program |
Take the Next Step
With our outstanding faculty-to-student ratio, a bustling local arts community, plus an array of visiting critics and artists each semester, PAFA's Master of Fine Arts is the next step in furthering your artistic development.
Contact Us
PAFA offers educational opportunities for artists and art lovers of all ages and skill levels who want to learn about and make art.