Here, you create.
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 GSU include: Ceramics, Drawing,
Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking,
and Sculpture.
At GSU, 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 GSU one of the most
comprehensive, flexible, and affordable studio art
programs in the Chicagoland region.
Reach your career goals.
The MFA in Studio Art is a terminal degree that will
make you a competitive player within the arts. Your
graduate degree will prepare you to pursue a career as
a professional artist, arts administrator, museum worker,
entrepreneur, or educator.
Delivery Format
Full-time students (9 credits) should expect to spend three academic years to complete the MFA degree (60 credits). A majority of courses are offered to accommodate working students. Part-time enrollment is accepted. The program is based on the individual’s area of interest and undergraduate training and is jointly planned by the student, professional advisor, and a professor who serves as mentor to the student. Students present a solo MFA thesis exhibition at the end of their final year.
Gallery Spaces
Each academic year, the Visual Arts Gallery and oncampus art spaces present over 30 exhibitions; an
exhibition schedule that welcomes research projects,
experimentation, and diverse topics.
MFA students embrace research through:
• Regular group trips within Chicagoland to the world’s
finest museums and galleries
• MFA Graduate Student Biennial exhibit
• Yearly Graduate reviews
• Research Day presentations
• Dynamic multi-media Graduate Seminar.
Additional Application Requirements
• A portfolio of 20 works
• Letter of intent
• Resume/CV
• Transcripts
• 3 references
Submit all additional materials to artportfolio@govst.edu.
Application Deadlines
Priority Deadline April 1 For Fall admission,
October 1 for Spring admission (applications are
reviewed as needed outside of the priority deadline).
For more information,
please contact
MFA Advisor Bryce
Johnsen bjohnsen2@govst.edu or
MFA Program Coordinator,
Leanne McClurg Cambric lcambric@govst.edu