M.A. candidates must hold a B.F.A., B.A., B.S., or degree in art equivalent to that offered by Bradley University. Undergraduate courses to remediate deficiencies must be completed, but do not apply toward the 30-semester hour graduate degree requirements.

The Master of Arts in Studio Art requires a minimum of 30 hours of credit. The degree is offered with a required oral presentation, written comprehensive exam, and exhibit in concentrations of drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, or visual communications.

The required 30 hours includes at least 15 hours in a primary studio area and 15 hours in graduate studio electives, seminar, and ART 698 Thesis Exhibition (written comp & exhibition).

All M.A. students undergo graduate faculty review for advancement to candidacy for M.A. degree after completion of 10 hours. A written artist’s statement must also be approved and accompany the work at this time.

In consultation with the graduate advisor and thesis committee, M.A. candidates will write a comprehensive exam paper leading to a thesis exhibition (ART 698 Thesis Exhibition). This paper will be based on topics agreed upon between the candidate, the graduate advisor, and graduate committee reflecting issues contained in the body of work presented for the exhibition.

Course Requirements

• Studio (major concentration) - 15 hrs.
• Graduate studio electives – 3 hrs.
• Graduate electives (must be pre-approved University graduate courses, additional graduate studios, seminars) - 6 hrs.
• Seminar in art history or contemporary practices - 3 hrs.
• Seminar in theory and criticism - 3 hrs.
• Thesis (exhibition) - 3 hrs.

Total: 30 hrs.

Sample Plan of Study (by Semester)

Semester 1:

• Area of concentration 5 hrs.
• Seminar 3 hrs.
• Elective 2 hrs.

Total sem. hrs. 10 hrs.

Semester 2:

• Area of concentration 5 hrs.
• Seminar 3 hrs.
• Elective 2 hrs.

Total sem. hrs. 10 hrs.

Semester 3:

• Area of concentration 5 hrs.
• Elective 2 hrs.
• ART 698 Thesis Exhibition (written comp & exhibition) 3 hrs.

Total sem. hrs. 10 hrs.

After completion of a 30-hour M.A., an additional 30 hours of continuing study can be completed for an M.F.A. (in the same concentration). The student must apply for the continuation for the M.F.A. segment to complete the combined total of 60 semester hours inclusive of the M.A. and M.F.A. credits.