Graduate Program

MFA in Studio Art

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s MFA program in art advances students in their experiential and conceptual development by providing a studio-focused program with an emphasis on self-directed exploration. In close consultation with the School of Art Faculty, students are supported in:

Honing and expanding their skills in mediums relevant to their current research while exploring new subjects and mediums.
Improving their ability to articulate in both verbal and written form the historical and theoretical underpinnings of the artwork that they produce
Growing their professional skills to facilitate a successful and sustainable career in the arts and beyond.

Graduate students in our program will achieve these goals by meeting the milestones outlined in the UTK SOA Graduate Handbook, including a public final exhibition, screening, or performance reflecting the culmination of their practice; verbal defense; written component; and extensive documentation. MFA students are encouraged to take advantage of the resources outside of the School of Art as active members of the University of Tennessee research community.

The University of Tennessee MFA Studio Art program is nationally recognized and respected. The students who accept our invitation to study with us are well served. We are an equal opportunity/inclusive community. Applicants are considered for Graduate Teaching Assistantships with a full tuition waiver, stipend, and health benefits. Outstanding applicants are nominated for additional fellowships. We consider applications for the fall semester only. To be considered for fall 2025 funding, the deadline to apply is January 16, 2025.