The MA in Art program introduces the fundamentals of contemporary art-making, allowing you to gain the knowledge and skills to understand and thrive in a rapidly changing world.
At a time when artists are called upon to perform a widening range of tasks and art is increasingly integrated with other practices, fields, and careers, our structured yet highly customizable program gives you the opportunity to become an artist whose works engages the world by changing it.
Program Highlights
Undertake an intensive, one-year course of study that includes one-on-one mentoring, group critiques, seminars, workshops, and lectures
Collaborate with other students and learn from professional artists and critics
Benefit from CGU’s proximity to the Los Angeles art community, the largest concentration of arts activity in the country
Present a final exhibition of your work
Program At a Glance
UNITS
30 units
ESTIMATED COMPLETION TIME*
1 year
*This estimate assumes full-time registration and pursuit of the degree. Actual completion times will vary and may be higher, depending on full- or part-time course registration, units transferred, and time to complete other degree requirements.
The Joan & David Lincoln Fellowship provides generous financial support and infrastructure for art students pursuing ceramics, including the 5,000-square-foot Joan & David Lincoln Ceramics Center and a visiting professorship in ceramics.
Personal Studios
You will receive your own personal studio space that is approximately 12x22 feet with track lighting. Each second floor studio is equipped with a skylight.
Personal Studios
Your studio neighbors will be both first- and second-year artists, so you will be able to talk with experienced students from day one.
Gallery Spaces
Gallery and exhibition locations throughout the art building are host to a variety of student and visiting artist exhibitions.
Gallery spaces
You will present your solo graduate exhibition in either the the Peggy Phelps or East Gallery, two large galleries in the art building.
Fabrication Facilities
You will have 24-hour access to a fully equipped wood shop, welding facility, plastics/casting booth, and critical maker tools.
Wood Shop & Sculpture Yard
A fully equipped wood shop and the building’s rear sculpture yard accommodate the fabrication needs of our student body.
Sculpture Workshop
Students are given the critical space and tools to bring their sculptures to life in the Art Department's Sculpture Workshop.
Visiting Artist Lecture Series
Our Visiting Artist Lecture Series exposes you to professionals and practitioners with deep experience and insight. Visiting artists help mentor students, foster innovative projects, and promote intercollegiate collaboration. The lectures are free and open to the public.
2 units of MA project, working with graduate committee chair and members
Oral Advancement to Candidacy
Pass an oral advancement to candidacy. Based on your work over one semester, your written statement and the proposal for your final project, the oral advancement to candidacy is held after completion of approximately 15 units of coursework.
Final Exhibition of Works
Present a final exhibition of works, including installing, lighting, and publicizing the exhibition; hosting the reception; and speaking publicly at the event.
Curriculum Breakdown
Year 1
Semester
Courses
Total Units
Fall
Studio Art (7 units), Graduate Seminar (4 units), Spatial Engagement Practicum (3 units), Written/Video Statement Practicum (1 unit)
15 Units
Spring
Studio Art (8 units), Graduate Seminar (4 units), MA project (2 units), Written/Video Statement Practicum (1 unit)
15 Units
Faculty & Research
David Pagel
Professor of Art Theory and History
Roland Reiss Endowed Chair in Art
Faculty Coordinator, Center for Business & Management of the Arts
Research Interests
Art, Art media, Painting, Contemporary Art, Art Criticism, Museums and Creativity
Italian Renaissance art and architecture; Italian Baroque art and architecture; Medieval art history; history of cities, palaces, villas, and gardens; history of Genoa
