Program/Degree Info

The degree requirements are in keeping with the recommendations of the CAA (College Art Association). The MFA Degree is a 60 unit degree accomplished in four semesters. Twenty-four units are in the Studio Practice field of concentration. Eight units are in Critical Theory, eight units in Art History, and four units in  Writing/Thesis . The rest of the units are electives. Most students take the electives  in studio art, but in the context of the full University, many other options are available.

The Claremont Graduate University admits only graduate students. Therefore, everything revolves around advanced work and theory. All energy is directed specifically towards the needs of an advanced level of practice.

While faculty and visitors give you the best of their professional expertise, it is a self-motivated program in which you are seen as the center of your own education. As a participant, you are expected to take advantage of the system in the way that is most productive for you. Choice of courses, instructors, speakers  and events is key to the promotion of an individual outlook and supplies you with a variety of perspectives to help you develop individual expression.

Degree requirements form the groundwork along with faculty instruction, but it is the Art Program overall that will really mean a great deal to you. About sixty-four graduate students develop constant, vital interaction and dialogue based on a stimulating schedule of events including speakers, workshops, visiting artists and critics, discussion groups and exhibitions. At the heart of the program are three basic concepts: Information, Participation, and Professional Experience.