1. School of Art and Design
  2. Graduate Programs
  3. M.A. in Art: Studio Art or M.F.A. in Art and Design

M.A. in Art: Studio Art or M.F.A. in Art and Design

Advance your creative practice and professional goals through graduate study in art and design.

Our program offers two distinct pathways—the M.A. in art with a specialization in studio art and the M.F.A. in art and design—designed to support artists at different stages of their development. Whether you are seeking focused, advanced study or a terminal degree that opens doors to professional and academic carers, our flexible, rigorous programs provide the mentorship, resources and creative environment to help you thrive.


Apply for Admission
Explore Campus

At a Glance


30 credit hours (M.A.)
60 credit hours (M.F.A.)


In person


Full time


Start in the fall semester

Career Outlook for M.A. in Art: Studio Art or M.F.A. in Art and Design

Average mid-career salary for alumni:

Top job titles for alumni:

Top employers for alumni:

Source: Steppingblocks, {{steppingBlocksSourceYear}}

How to Apply

You’ll apply through the Graduate School.

Fall admission:

  • February 1 (priority deadline to be considered for admission with funding)
  • April 1 (final deadline for admission)

Spring admission:

  • September 1 (final deadline for admission)
The visual communication area of study is not taking M.A./M.F.A. applications at this time.

Application Materials

Step 1: Apply via the Graduate School

Your application will include:

  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Official college transcripts
  • Statement of purpose/goals
  • Artist statement
  • Resume
  • Portfolio

For still media portfolios:

Submit images of 15-20 works (images should not exceed 1920 pixels on their longest side).

  • Save and upload your portfolio as a single PDF.
  • Include an information sheet (PDF) that contains your name and a list of images with title, medium, dimensions and date.

For time-based media portfolios:

Submit up to five works (provide links to time-based media hosted online).

  • Include an information sheet (PDF) that contains your name and a list of the works with title, medium, dimensions, date and technical requirements as appropriate.

Note: The GRE is not required.

Step 2: Apply for Assistantship (Optional)

If you wish to be considered for a graduate assistantship, please fill out the School of Art and Design graduate assistantship questionnaire. In addition, please complete the application for a graduate assistantship (PDF).

Costs and Funding

Our competitive tuition and fees helps ensure an excellent return on the investment of your time and resources. Learn about additional funding opportunities for graduate students.

Assistantships

We offer many opportunities for financial support, including scholarships, travel funding, tuition waivers and assistantships. A teaching assistantship will provide experience working with undergraduate students. A research assistantship will build your skills in areas such as faculty research and managerial work.

You can apply for an assistantship by filling out a form when you apply to the program.

Curriculum and Requirements

The M.A. in art is a 30-credit-hour program that allows you to deepen your artistic practice through advanced coursework in studio art and design. The M.F.A. in art and design, a 60-credit-hour terminal degree, prepares graduates for professional practice in the arts and for teaching at the college level, emphasizing sustained creative inquiry, critical thinking, and professional development.

Areas of Study

  • Ceramics
  • Drawing
  • Fiber
  • Metalwork, jewelry design and digital fabrication
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Time arts

View M.A. Requirements

View M.F.A. Requirements

Faculty

Our faculty of active artists, designers and scholars are recognized specialists in their fields. They’re dedicated to providing mentorship and resources to help you realize your creative and professional goals.

More About Our Faculty

Contact Us

Ann Van Dijk
Associate Professor and Graduate Coordinator
artgradcoordinator@niu.edu

School of Art and Design
Jack Arends Hall, room 216
815-753-1473