The University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass Amherst) is a public research university located in Amherst, Massachusetts. The university's Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program is a highly respected and competitive program that offers students the opportunity to refine their craft and develop their unique voice in a variety of artistic disciplines. The UMass Amherst MFA program is designed to provide students with a rigorous and supportive environment in which to explore their creative potential and produce a significant body of work.
Program Overview
The UMass Amherst MFA program is a two- to three-year program that offers concentrations in creative writing, dance, film, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and theater. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in their chosen field, as well as the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of artistic disciplines and perspectives. The MFA program at UMass Amherst is highly selective, with a limited number of students accepted each year. This allows for a high level of individual attention and mentorship from the program’s faculty, who are all accomplished artists and scholars in their respective fields.
Curriculum and Coursework
The UMass Amherst MFA program is highly interdisciplinary, with coursework and critiques that encourage students to experiment and push the boundaries of their medium. The program’s curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the technical and critical aspects of their craft, as well as the opportunity to explore new ideas and approaches. Students in the MFA program at UMass Amherst can expect to take a range of courses, including seminars, workshops, and independent studies, as well as participate in regular critiques and discussions with their peers and faculty mentors. Some of the key areas of focus in the program include the development of a personal aesthetic, the exploration of new technologies and mediums, and the cultivation of a critical and nuanced understanding of the artistic process.
The program's curriculum is highly flexible, allowing students to tailor their coursework and research to their individual interests and goals. Studio-based courses provide students with hands-on experience and technical training in their chosen medium, while seminar-based courses offer a more theoretical and critical approach to the study of art and artistic practice. Faculty mentors play a key role in the program, providing students with one-on-one guidance and support as they develop their thesis project and prepare for their final exhibition or performance.
| Concentration | Course Requirements | Thesis Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Creative Writing | 48 credits, including 12 credits of workshop courses and 12 credits of literature courses | Manuscript of original work, minimum 150 pages |
| Dance | 48 credits, including 12 credits of technique courses and 12 credits of choreography courses | Original choreographic work, minimum 30 minutes in length |
| Film | 48 credits, including 12 credits of production courses and 12 credits of film studies courses | Original film or video work, minimum 30 minutes in length |
Faculty and Alumni
The UMass Amherst MFA program is taught by a faculty of accomplished artists and scholars who are dedicated to providing students with a rigorous and supportive education. Faculty members are actively engaged in their respective fields, with a strong record of exhibition, publication, and performance. The program’s alumni have gone on to achieve significant success in their careers, with many establishing themselves as leaders in their fields. Notable alumni include Pulitzer Prize winners, Guggenheim fellows, and recipients of numerous other awards and honors.
The program's faculty and alumni are highly active in the arts community, with many exhibiting and performing their work nationally and internationally. The program's visiting artist series brings a range of prominent artists and scholars to campus each year, providing students with the opportunity to learn from and engage with leaders in their field.
What are the application requirements for the UMass Amherst MFA program?
+Applicants to the UMass Amherst MFA program must submit a completed application, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a portfolio or writing sample. Deadlines vary by concentration, but most applications are due in December or January for fall admission.
How long does it take to complete the UMass Amherst MFA program?
+The UMass Amherst MFA program is a two- to three-year program, depending on the concentration and the student’s progress. Full-time students typically complete the program in two years, while part-time students may take up to three years to complete their degree.
What kind of career opportunities are available to graduates of the UMass Amherst MFA program?
+Graduates of the UMass Amherst MFA program have gone on to achieve significant success in a wide range of careers, including artistic practice, teaching, curating, and arts administration. Many alumni have established themselves as leaders in their fields, with numerous awards, exhibitions, and publications to their credit.
