Our MFA degree is in fine arts rather than any specific medium or discipline. Though many students are committed to an area of interest—whether painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture, or integrated practices—they are free to explore other forms and approaches as their work evolves. Faculty and students build close relationships through structured studio visits, seminars, and informal conversations. These relationships create vital communities and support networks that endure long after graduation.

Pratt Institute’s M.F.A. Painting and Drawing Curriculum offers students a broad but rigorous studio practice, highlighting students’ individual development and focusing on an understanding of the significant concerns that constitute contemporary art today. From critical analysis to furthering and refining material knowledge, each student will engage in an intense studio experience, strengthening their skills and broadening their knowledge of historical, social, and critical issues through seminars, group critiques, and peer interactions. The two-year program culminates in a written thesis and solo thesis exhibition that prepares graduates to join the art world as professionals.

1. Students will meet contemporary standards of professional practice in their fields and have a broad understanding of how the art world functions and effective strategies for sustaining their creative practice in a complex and rapidly changing world.
2. Students’ work will manifest a high level of proficiency in the use of materials and knowledge of contemporary modes of production.
3. Students will demonstrate a broad critical understanding of issues in contemporary art, and situate their creative practice in its historical and contemporary contexts.
4. Students will conceive and execute a capstone MFA Thesis exhibition that is rigorous in its conception and execution and demonstrates the clear development of the artist’s expressive capacities at a level comparable to successful professionals in the field.