Art, Specialization in 2-D Studio Art, MFA

The School of Art offers programs leading to the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Design, and Master of Fine Arts. Students pursue course work in MFA two-dimensional studies (painting/drawing, and printmaking), MFA three- dimensional studies (ceramics, glass, jewelry/metals, and sculpture), MFA digital arts (animation, imaging, and interactive media), MA art education, and MA art history and MDes in integrative media.

Within these programs students find a broad range of studio and academic disciplines, united by a deep commitment to technical development sustained by rigorous examination of accompanying contextual and conceptual issues. The School of Art’s MA, MDes,  and MFA programs seek to foster a productive and diverse community of artists and scholars whose shared goal is preparation for careers in the visual arts.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the MFA degree, students in the 2D Studio Art program are expected to be able to:

• Produce creative works or scholarly projects integrating their knowledge of art history, contemporary artistic practice and their area of 2D Studio specialization.
• Illustrate a breadth of understanding of various specializations within art or art history.
• Evaluate their area of research in relationship to contemporary art.
• Evaluate their area of research in relation to historical theories of art.
• Organize a professional art exhibition and produce a cohesive body of visual research.

Admission Requirements

Application deadline is February 17 for Fall Semester. Since application reviews may begin immediately after the deadline, we recommend submitting your application and providing all required documents before the deadline.

Documents required in this application system:

• Transcripts
• Resume 

All other materials are submitted through a separate application system. Please complete this application and then click on this link https://bgsu.slideroom.com/#/Login to upload the following:

• Three Letters of Recommendation - recently dated
• Artist Statement specifying direction of work and influences
• Cover Letter describing goals, objectives, educational background, personal history, and reason for applying to graduate school at this time
• Image descriptions including title, medium, size and year
• Portfolio consisting of recent works, preferably from the proposed area of specialization

International applicants are required to submit scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the Pearson Test of English Academic (PTEA). Successful completion of ELS 112 will also be accepted for this requirement. 

Additionally, Duolingo test scores will be accepted for applications through Summer 2025. Applicants of the Graduate College who have completed a previous degree (associate, bachelor’s master’s or doctorate) from a U.S. college/university or are from a country (click here for a complete list) in which instruction was delivered in English (and attended the university for at least two years) are exempt from providing these test scores.

Application Requirements

Admissions Categories and Grade Point Average Requirements

International Application Information

Degree Requirements