Our Mission
The MFA program provides an artistic learning environment where artists of different backgrounds, ages, experiences, and approaches to creative practice can flourish together. Our courses, events, studios, labs, galleries, and social spaces are welcoming places where everyone in our community can develop as artists and as engaged participants in society. The program encourages emerging artists to think critically and challenge existing modes of expression.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Students in MFA Fine Arts will:
- Conceive, develop, and execute a successful body of work that reflects critical engagement with their interests, experiences, and values.
- Conduct a robust and sustained research inquiry into a range of intellectual and critical disciplines in art and other related disciplines in order to develop a rich set of informational resources and an authentic, independent point of view.
- Locate their own studio practice within the field of art history, criticism, and theory, based in deep examination of current issues and discourses.
- Develop advanced capabilities with technologies that will aid in the creation, dissemination, and documentation of their work.
- Develop and practice the written and spoken communication skills needed to effectively articulate conceptual and aesthetic agendas to public and art world audiences.
- Cultivate the self-confidence, self-reliance, and camaraderie necessary to sustain a professional career.
Degree Requirements
All programs’ curricula are developed in response to Program Learning Outcomes, which signify what students learn within a degree program or emphasis area. All program learning outcomes respond to overarching Institutional Learning Outcomes. View the MFA in Fine Arts program learning outcomes here or request information.
Course Title
Course Number
Credits
Special Topics in Art History: Modernism to Conceptualism
AHCS 560
3.00
Course Description: This course examines the development of Modernism as a discourse in the visual arts, from its development in the 1840s to challenges of its key assumptions in the 1960s. Attendance at Visiting Artists Lecture Series (VALS) is required as part of this course. The primary intention of this course is to provide a critical survey of work and discourses that have contributed to the development of Modernism as a specific aesthetic and discursive tradition. Our attention will focus on the development of visual art, and a trajectory of practices traceable from traditions of European painting and sculpture to challenges leveled at that tradition, most identified with artists working in the United States after World War II. Understanding the importance and context of these practices will require that we simultaneously explore other developments significant throughout this period including social environment, political and economic currents, technological change and related fields of practice. It is a period characterized by extraordinary change, gross inequities, and the formation of conventions on which a contemporary view of art as an aesthetic discipline are based. We will attempt to actively engage these concepts with the goal of developing a view of Modernism in direct dialog with the question of the role of art and artists in this period and in contemporary society.
Graduate Critique I
GRAD 740
3.00
Course Description: In this two-year course sequence, all graduate students, regardless of media, individually present work to their peers and faculty for a collective in-depth discussion about the work's material, theoretical, and cultural positioning. The course provides an in-depth discussion and investigation of how an artist's work is perceived as a public statement and how one's work exists in the world. Prerequisite: The four course sequence must be taken successively and may not be taken concurrently.
Graduate Studio I
GRAD 700
3.00
Course Description: Graduate Studio is a 6-hour course structured around dedicated studio time and one-on-one studio visits between students and faculty members. This two-year course sequence focuses on each individual student's practice, specifically directed toward an interrogation of the aesthetic, conceptual, and technical issues arising out of their work. It will culminate in the end-of-semester review during which the student and a review committee will discuss and evaluate the development of the student's practice as observed over the course of the semester within the framework of the seminar. Prerequisite: The four course sequence must be taken successively and may not be taken concurrently.
Critical Theory & Practice I
AHCS 650
3.00
Course Description: This two-semester, cross-disciplinary seminar examines both the creation of contemporary art and the ideas and theories that shape it. Through a selection of essays, we will explore the material, social, and cultural connotations of aesthetic form. We will consider form as an organizing principle that is rooted in material reality while simultaneously influencing that reality. Discussions will focus on how works of art can prompt encounters that challenge our established modes of perception and understanding, fostering curiosity and encouraging shifts in perspective.
Graduate Studio Elective
ELEC 599
3.00
Course Description: Graduate level studio elective course. See department for specific courses.
Special Topics in Art History: 60's to the Present
AHCS 561
3.00
Course Description: The historical development of the discourse of Modernism established a narrative that proved very influential. However, the terms of that narrative came under question from a diverse range of artists and voices. This course looks at Contemporary Art as a varied field arising out of challenges to historical “modern art” in the late 1960s and developing a range of practices that continue to challenge our understanding of art and its relation to society today. Attendance at Visiting Artists Lecture Series (VALS) is required as part of this course.
Graduate Critique II
GRAD 740
3.00
Course Description: In this two-year course sequence, all graduate students, regardless of media, individually present work to their peers and faculty for a collective in-depth discussion about the work's material, theoretical, and cultural positioning. The course provides an in-depth discussion and investigation of how an artist's work is perceived as a public statement and how one's work exists in the world. Prerequisite: The four course sequence must be taken successively and may not be taken concurrently.
Graduate Studio II
GRAD 700
3.00
Course Description: Graduate Studio is a 6-hour course structured around dedicated studio time and one-on-one studio visits between students and faculty members. This two-year course sequence focuses on each individual student's practice, specifically directed toward an interrogation of the aesthetic, conceptual, and technical issues arising out of their work. It will culminate in the end-of-semester review during which the student and a review committee will discuss and evaluate the development of the student's practice as observed over the course of the semester within the framework of the seminar. Prerequisite: The four course sequence must be taken successively and may not be taken concurrently.
Art, Theory, Practice II
AHCS 651
3.00
Course Description: This two-semester, cross-disciplinary seminar examines both the creation of contemporary art and the ideas and theories that shape it. Through a selection of essays, we will explore the material, social, and cultural connotations of aesthetic form. We will consider form as an organizing principle that is rooted in material reality while simultaneously influencing that reality. Discussions will focus on how works of art can prompt encounters that challenge our established modes of perception and understanding, fostering curiosity and encouraging shifts in perspective.
Graduate Studio Elective
ELEC 599
3.00
Course Description: Graduate level studio elective course. See department for specific courses.
Graduate Critique III
GRAD 740
3.00
Course Description: In this two-year course sequence, all graduate students, regardless of media, individually present work to their peers and faculty for a collective in-depth discussion about the work's material, theoretical, and cultural positioning. The course provides an in-depth discussion and investigation of how an artist's work is perceived as a public statement and how one's work exists in the world. Prerequisite: The four course sequence must be taken successively and may not be taken concurrently.
Graduate Studio III
GRAD 700
3.00
Course Description: Graduate Studio is a 6-hour course structured around dedicated studio time and one-on-one studio visits between students and faculty members. This two-year course sequence focuses on each individual student's practice, specifically directed toward an interrogation of the aesthetic, conceptual, and technical issues arising out of their work. It will culminate in the end-of-semester review during which the student and a review committee will discuss and evaluate the development of the student's practice as observed over the course of the semester within the framework of the seminar. Prerequisite: The four course sequence must be taken successively and may not be taken concurrently.
Professional Practice
GRAD 776
3.00
Course Description: We will be analyzing the definition of PROFESSIONAL and PRACTICE, singularly and in tandem and how they apply to real life situations. In relationship to determining how “one presents themselves”, we will access and research grants, residencies, jobs, etc. Applications, contacts, and experience will be both analyzed and explored. In addition basic artist survival skills and sustainability issues will be discussed in depth. As this is a seminar; discussion and presentation in conjunction with outside support, will form the basis of this course. Student interests and concerns will be addressed. Attendance at Visiting Artists Lecture Series (VALS) is required as part of this course.
Thesis I
LIBS 774
3.00
Course Description: This course supports students in the development of their written thesis about their work and practice. Students will acquire critical writing skills that will prepare them for the literary demands of an artist, including grant applications.
Graduate Studio Elective
ELEC 599
3.00
Course Description: Graduate level studio elective course. See department for specific courses.
Electives
Out on the Town
AHCS 562
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: This course is structured around field trips and designed to acquaint students with the artwork currently being exhibited in Los Angeles at a variety of exhibition spaces throughout the city. We will consider the exhibitions we visit in terms of the conceptual intent of the artists, the programing of the venue, and the installation and curatorial decisions of each institution. The class will meet on Fridays from noon-5PM, mostly every other week, eight times during the semester. Meeting dates will be listed in the class syllabus.
Advanced Topics: Wilderness
GRAD 550
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Graduate level elective class. See the schedule of classes for course offering and course descriptions.
Section Description: "This course begins as a seminar exploring aesthetic and political uses of the Western United States’ landscape as preparation for a five day trip across the Great Basin, ending amidst stalactites in a cave below Nevada. Some of the topics covered in the seminar section of the course will include: Kant’s Analytic of the Sublime, the Freudian Oceanic, Anton Ehrenzweig’s concept of dedifferentiation, Romanticism, the writings of Robert Smithson, the history of land art and earthworks, the role of landscape in narrative cinema in particular the Western and science fiction genres, distinctions between land and landscape and space and place, and an analysis of wilderness as an ideological construct. This class culminates in a road trip across the Basin and Range. Students will camp and cook each night, practice the skill of extended observation, as well as have fireside group discussions of the surroundings and the experience in light of texts. Travel Fee $400."
Adv. Topics: Embodied Expression, Movement, Creativity and Emotional Intelligence
GRAD 550
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Graduate level elective class. See the schedule of classes for course offering and course descriptions.
Section Description: This course explores dance and movement as a medium for self-expression, creative discovery, and social-emotional learning. Designed for artists and designers, the course will introduce students to various movement practices that enhance body awareness, creativity, and emotional intelligence. By integrating physical practice with reflective discussions, students will explore how movement impacts artistic expression, collaboration and personal well-being
Photography I
GRAD 550
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Graduate level elective class. See the schedule of classes for course offering and course descriptions.
Photo Genres: Thinking LA
GRAD 550
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Graduate level elective class. See the schedule of classes for course offering and course descriptions.
Section Description: In this class we will wonder about this brightly lighted, 4000 square mile tissue of enigmas and contradictions.Through field trips, literature, visual art and screenings of many films we will look at the portrayal of Los Angeles and the myths surrounding it. We will analyze it through issues such as ecology, race relations, power structures, urban planning and car culture. We will strive to understand the dreams and promises that the city offers reflected through its film industry, infrastructure and geography. Eventually, as appropriate for a city that is widely considered as a city of the future, will will try to imagine it’s potential prospects and where is it heading to. Throughout the course the students will be encouraged to find their own interests in the city, develop their own research, and create a body of work relating to it.
Photo Genres: Editorial
GRAD 550
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Graduate level elective class. See the schedule of classes for course offering and course descriptions.
Section Description: In this course, students will gain an understanding of what it is like to work for a variety of contemporary publications. From straightforward, traditional portraiture to more conceptual stories, students will experience realistic, industry-related challenges gaining valuable knowledge of the field. While making work of their own, students will also closely examine both historical and contemporary work. In the interest of developing a professional practice, students will be encouraged to get to know their potential clients, establish connections with photo editors and art directors, shape ideas and concepts using art references, and create a clear production plan before a session. Formulating one's own visual style will be encouraged. Over the course of the semester, students will have various assignments that underscore the value of pre-production, thoughtful planning, and overall professionalism. Course work will also simulate the experience of meeting clients, fulfilling requests and executing their own clear, distinct vision. They will also develop their taste and personal portfolios, ultimately putting them in a strong position to strategically enter the field.
Painting I
GRAD 550
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Graduate level elective class. See the schedule of classes for course offering and course descriptions.
Section Description: This is a hands-on investigation of technical and formal issues in painting (oil, acrylic, and mixed media), focusing on developing technical abilities in collaboration with concepts and exploration of different methods of achieving visual “dexterity.” Offered fall semester only
Painting Genres: Oil and Water
GRAD 550
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Graduate level elective class. See the schedule of classes for course offering and course descriptions.
Section Description: "Oil and Water is a painting studio elective course in which students will learn advanced technical skills and materials specific to both oil paint and watercolor. Our class time will be entirely devoted to studio work. Following a short demonstration and introduction to the weekly materials, methods and approaches, students will be painting, and class time will be devoted to exploring the ideas demonstrated in class. A variety of traditional and contemporary painting materials and methods will be discussed and demonstrated. We will be making a variety of mediums and mixing and making our own paint. We will also be exploring different techniques for building surfaces and supports. At the end of the term students will have a professional command of oil and watercolor painting materials, methods and surfaces and they will be very well prepared to continue their explorations independently. "
Painting Genres: Painting and Printmaking
GRAD 550
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Graduate level elective class. See the schedule of classes for course offering and course descriptions.
Section Description: This painting course is designed to give students an introduction in printmaking techniques that we will be using to create mixed-media paintings. Our course will be structured around demonstrations, lectures, readings and discussions. By completing the assignments and participating in critique, students will have a strong foundation and technical ability in printmaking and the use of the Printmaking lab, as well as a contextual understanding of contemporary issues in painting. We will be splitting our time between the painting studio and the printmaking lab. M 3:30-6:30 Yaron Hakim G220
Sculpture/New Genres I
GRAD 550
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Graduate level elective class. See the schedule of classes for course offering and course descriptions.
Section Description: An introduction to the history and practice of sculpture and new genres (new art forms that use time and space). Students are introduced to technical and contemplative approaches to commanding space and material to produce meaningful objects, events, or places. Technical instruction covers introductory use of wood and metal shops (including digital 3D printer), adhesives and joinery, basic mold making and casting, as well as contemporary new genres forms such as performance and installation art. Offered in Fall semester only.
Ceramics
GRAD 550
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Graduate level elective class. See the schedule of classes for course offering and course descriptions.
Section Description: This sculpture elective will teach fundamental skills of working with clay. You will learn the foundational skills of wheel throwing and hand building: centering and forming shapes on the wheel, wedging, pinching, coiling, soft and hard slab construction, building and assembling in parts, using a banding wheel, and various ways to manipulate the surface of the clay, such as carving, stamping, printing, drawing, painting, and glazing. You will learn how kilns work and various ways to fire the clay, with an introduction to how different glazes and clays react to different firing techniques. Exposure to the historical use and international variety of techniques in ceramics will be integrated into the contemporary context. This is an introductory course; no experience is necessary.
Time Based Media Projects
GRAD 550
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Graduate level elective class. See the schedule of classes for course offering and course descriptions.
Section Description: This is an advanced course in the technical and aesthetic aspects of video, sound and performance. It will emphasize the creative issues involved in a time- based, expressive medium through the discussion of examples. Students will become familiar with current discourses in time based art and receive instruction in digital post-production procedures and advanced technology.
SCNG Advanced Topics:Miniature Worlds and Surreal Screens
GRAD 550
Credits: 3.00
Course Description: Graduate level elective class. See the schedule of classes for course offering and course descriptions.
Section Description: This course explores the intersection of installation, performance, and digital media through experimental world-building and experimental video compositing. Students will begin by crafting miniature sets—sculptural installations that play with materials, lighting, and scale—before integrating their own bodies or performers into these environments using green screen technology and other intuitive digital tools. Layering live action, puppetry, found footage, animation, and AI-generated imagery, they will construct surreal, multi-dimensional video worlds that blur the line between the real and the imagined. Drawing from historical and contemporary practices in installation, stage design, performance, and experimental film, the course emphasizes hybrid storytelling, pushing students to manipulate presence, narrative, and visual relationships through playful, open-ended experimentation. Projects will culminate in dynamic multimedia works that merge tactile and digital elements into evocative, otherworldly compositions.