Regardless of the ultimate format the creative output may take, students are required to substantiate the content of their work. Work may be based in a post-modern view of gender, identity or authorship, or equally rooted in formalism or abstraction. The rigorous academic component of the program supports the investigation of content-related issues through a strong required curriculum of in the humanities and art history. The academic exploration of critical issues is of fundamental importance to the modern image-maker and studio practice.
Below are the requirements for the MFA Photography, Video & Related Media department. For course descriptions, you may contact the admissions department, download a graduate catalog (pdf/3.7mb) or view this year's course offerings for our department, as well as applicable classes from other departments, on the main School of VISUAL ARTS website.
Program Requirements- Meet all academic and administrative requirements.
- Complete a minimum of 60 graduate credits.
- Maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.3 (B+).
- Proceed to each successive level of program based on yearly faculty assessments.
- Complete a thesis project and paper approved by the Thesis Committee.
| First Year Courses | ||
| Subject Master Critique 1 Historical Perspectives Course 1 Criticism and Theory Course 1 Contemporary Issues Course Intro to Digital Imaging I & II |
Semester Fall and Spring Fall or Spring Fall or Spring Fall or Spring Fall and Spring |
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| Second Year Courses | ||
| Subject Master Critique Thesis Forms I & II Thesis Project |
Semester Fall Fall and Spring Spring |
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The recommended course load is 15 credits per semester. Entering students must have basic computer skills, a practical understanding of the Macintosh computer, a working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop and knowledge of, or the ability to pick up, other major design and imaging software packages. Basic lighting, printing, and camera skills are also required as evidenced by your undergraduate transcripts. Workshops are available at SVA for students when there is a substantial need for supplemental technical instruction in studio or digital skills.
In addition to required technical skills, any student who has not taken two semesters of basic undergraduate photo history and/or modern art history will be required to fulfill this prerequisite prior to taking our graduate-level academic classes. We advise anyone in this position to take a class from a respected accredited institution before applying for the two-year program. Prior to the beginning of classes, students must also have read the required books on our departmental reading list (pdf/96kb).
Graduate-Student-at-Large (GSAL) Three-Year Program
Each year, some students are offered admission to the program for three years of study, the first of which is a postbaccalaureate, or Graduate-Student-at-Large (GSAL) year. Ideal for students with strong visual portfolios, whose bachelor degrees are in an unrelated field, or who need or want additional preparation for the rigors of graduate school in fine art, the GSAL year allows students to combine graduate and undergraduate courses in accordance with their artistic interests and goals. GSAL course schedules typically include a combination of required graduate courses and undergraduate courses chosen to supplement one's undergraduate education. Subsequent entry to the two-year program is based on successful completion of all requirements and a review of work from the GSAL program.
| GSAL Year Courses | ||
| Subject GSAL Master Critique Intro to Digital Imaging I & II undergraduate photo history* undergraduate Modern art history* undergraduate studio photography* |
Semester Fall and Spring Fall and Spring Fall and Spring Fall and Spring Fall and Spring |
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| *need determined based on undergraduate transcripts | ||