MFA Fine Arts / MS History of Art & Design

The Dual Degree
The dual-degree program allows students to concurrently earn two post-baccalaureate degrees the MFA in Fine Arts and the MS in the History of Art and Design.

Studio
The Master of Fine Arts program offers emphasis in painting/drawing, printmaking, sculpture, photography, and new forms (nontraditional investigations). Students complete two semesters of course work in their major area of emphasis and one year of work on an MFA thesis in their major area, including a written thesis statement and a solo exhibition in our graduate galleries. Degree requirements include nine credits in art criticism/history and six credits in the liberal arts. Twenty-seven elective credits may be used for a wide variety of interdisciplinary, studio, or technical courses in any graduate level studio class in the Institute.

Art History
Graduate studies in the History of Art and Design department provide students with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers as instructors, art and design historians and professionals in museums, galleries, and libraries, or to pursue graduate work at the doctorate level. Through comprehensive study of global art and design within historical and cultural contexts and intensive research and scholarship in specialized areas, students develop a critical understanding of the field as well as research and analytic skills. Graduates demonstrate excellence in independent and critical thinking and understanding of the historical roles and responsibilities of art and design.

Graduate Studies at Pratt
The dual degree provides "behind the scenes" experiences at exhibitions, and opportunities to interact with other departments including interior, industrial, communications, and fashion design, as well as with the School of Liberal Arts to create a unique experience that places the work of the practicing artist in context and enriches the work of the art and design historian. Pratt's faculty is distinguished in training and experience, and they are dedicated mentors with an impressive array of degrees and other professional credentials.

The sample curriculum schedule below indicates how one student’s plan of study might line up. Students will craft their own plan of study with their advisor, choosing from a broad variety of course offerings during their years in the program. Download current History of Art & Design course listings here.