Art, M.F.A.
Governors State’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art is a dynamic multidisciplinary terminal studio arts degree designed to further the individual development of artists and to provide them with professional competency in the studio arts. Areas of concentration at GovState include: Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, and Sculpture.
At GovState, areas of study are taught by faculty who are practicing art professionals with a national exhibition record. Together our exceptional Studio and Art History faculty help make GovState one of the most comprehensive, flexible, and affordable studio art programs in the Chicagoland region.
Whether your passion lies in painting, sculpture, digital media, photography, mixed media, or interdisciplinary arts, the MFA program provides personalized mentorship from accomplished faculty artists while encouraging experimentation and innovation. Students develop advanced technical skills, engage in exhibitions and critiques, and create a professional portfolio that prepares them for careers in the arts and higher education.
Located near the vibrant cultural landscape of the Chicago metropolitan area, GovState offers MFA students access to galleries, museums, internships, community arts initiatives, and networking opportunities that enrich the graduate experience.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the MFA program are prepared for creative and leadership roles in a wide variety of artistic and cultural industries, including:
- Professional Studio Artist
- Gallery or Museum Curator
- Art Director
- College or University Art Instructor
- Multimedia Artist
- Creative Entrepreneur
- Community Arts Coordinator
- Public Arts Administrator
- Exhibition Designer
- Digital Media Specialist
- Art Therapist (with additional certification)
- Arts Nonprofit Leadership
Financial Aid and Scholarships
GovState is committed to helping graduate students make their education affordable. Financial support opportunities may include:
- Graduate Scholarships
- Assistantships and Teaching Opportunities
- Federal Financial Aid
- Grants and Tuition Assistance
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement Programs
- Payment Plans for Graduate Students
Prospective students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and connect with GovState’s financial aid advisors to explore available funding opportunities and scholarship eligibility.
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
MFA Special Admission Requirements
Note: The Studio Art MFA supports artists interested in developing their work in Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, and Sculpture. Applicants interested in Film, Photography, or Digital Imaging should consider applying to the Independent Film and Digital Imaging (IFDI) MFA at GovState.
In addition to meeting university criteria, applicants must submit to Slate:
- • A digital portfolio of 20 artworks, each with accompanying identifying information (title, date, medium, and dimensions).
- ‣ The portfolio should include works completed in the last 5 years, highlighting advanced technical proficiency, independent research, and artistic voice. Submitting recent work helps the review committee better judge the applicant’s current skills and artistic vision.
- ‣ Applicants should select examples that demonstrate a sense of visual and conceptual cohesiveness and rigor appropriate to serious graduate-level studio art work. Please do not include commissioned work in the vein of pet portraits or fan art, etc.
- ‣ Work should be properly documented (see guidelines for photography below) and professionally presented.
- ‣ All major file formats under 5GB are accepted (Pdf, Jpeg, Jpg, PowerPoint, etc.). A link to personal portfolio website may also be included.
- • A 1000-word written statement that outlines the applicant’s artistic development, current body of work, and academic and career goals, with support¬ing rationale and plan of study.
- • Resume/CV
- • Transcripts
- • 3 professional or academic references from individuals who can speak to the applicant’s work and/or artistic vision.
An undergraduate degree in Art is highly recommended, BFA preferred. An exceptional portfolio of work or post-baccalaureate certificate can prove proficiency in the field if an undergraduate degree is not held. Supplemental courses to fill in art foundations deficiencies may be required based on MFA Faculty recommendation. The GRE is not required.
Students will not be admitted to the program until the portfolio and written proposal, reflecting potential for graduate work, have been approved by the graduate faculty review committee. The committee may reach out with a request for more information if need be. Please contact Graduate Admissions (graduateadmission@govst.edu) or the Art Program Coordinator with any questions about the application process.
Get Involved
Graduate students in the MFA program at Governors State University are encouraged to become active participants in the university’s creative community and the broader regional arts scene. Through student organizations, exhibitions, collaborative projects, and professional networking events, students build lasting connections while gaining valuable leadership and artistic experience.
Opportunities for involvement may include:
- Student-led gallery exhibitions and installations
- Collaborative interdisciplinary art projects
- Participation in campus arts festivals and showcases
- Community mural and public art initiatives
- Artist talks, visiting lecturers, and workshop series
- Internships with museums, galleries, and arts organizations
- Photography, digital media, and design clubs
- Volunteer opportunities with local arts nonprofits
- Graduate critique groups and portfolio review sessions
Students also benefit from GovState’s proximity to the Chicago arts community, allowing them to attend exhibitions, connect with working artists, and engage with cultural institutions throughout the region.
Highlighted Faculty
Contact Us
- Division of Arts and Letters
- College of Arts and Sciences
- E2578, Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484
- 708.534.4101
- casinfo@govst.edu