Master of Fine Arts Program Requirements

Although M.F.A. students have a program structure that differs significantly from traditional Johnson State College programs, it is important and helpful that students are aware of the college’s policies, opportunities, and other general information included in the JSC Graduate Catalogue. Also, because much time as an M.F.A. student is spent at the Vermont Studio Center, it is equally important to be familiar with the Studio Center's handbook, available through their office.

You can learn more specific details about the program by consulting the Graduate Catalogue.

Advising and Evaluation

M.F.A. students work closely with an advisor from the JSC Studio Arts faculty to plan an overall approach to meeting degree requirements, and to navigate any special challenges that arise. Because of the nature of graduate work in the arts, program session credits at the Vermont Studio Center are offered on a
pass/fail basis only.

Required Courses

ART 5211 Studio Center Residency I   6 credits
ART 5212 Studio Center Residency II 6 credits
ART 5213 Studio Center Residency III 6 credits
ART 5214 Studio Center Residency IV 6 credits
ART 5215 Studio Center Residency V 6 credits
ART 5216 Studio Center Residency VI 6 credits
ART 5311 Contemporary Arts Seminar I 3 credits
ART 5312 Contemporary Arts Seminar II 3 credits
ART 5831 Independent Studio Work I 2 credits
ART 5832 Independent Studio Work II 2 credits
ART 5833 Independent Studio Work III 2 credits
ART 5834 Independent Studio Work IV 2 credits
ART 5835 Independent Studio Work V 2 credits
ART 5836 Independent Studio Work VI 2 credits
ART 5911 M.F.A. Thesis Preparation 3 credits
ART 5912 M.F.A. Thesis Preparation 3 credits
ART 5900 M.F.A. Continuous Registration 0***
TOTAL   60 credits


***Students not registering for any credits in a given semester must pay a $150 Continuous Registration Fee, or apply for an official leave of absence. Students not registered by the semester deadline will automatically be charged the non-refundable Continuous Registration Fee.


Outcome Expectations for Students Graduating With a MFA in Studio Arts

  • We expect graduating students to:
    Articulate informed and ideologically sound ideas about art, both historic and contemporary, and connect those ideas to the wider world.
  • Create artwork that is technically proficient and imbued with meaningful content.
  • Demonstrate a general understanding, ability and resourcefulness with a wide range of art media, as well as a deeper understanding of at least one medium such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, ceramics, digital media, etc.
  • Have an openness to ideas other than their own, and a willingness to take risks with their own work.
  • Have established regular studio practice, which will hopefully be lifelong. Students will be aware of developing issues in their own work, and know how to continue on their own in the pursuit of that vision, with strategies for maintaining self-awarness.
  • Be familiar with the professional art world, from the perspective of career options, including exhibition venues, graduate and grant opportunities.
  • Know how to assemble a professional portfolio.
    Understand the mechanics of setting up a safe and functioning professional studio.
  • Know how to do a professional exhibition of their art, write about their art and speak about their art at a public event.
Fine and Performing Arts