Course Overview!

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program at California State University, Los Angeles is a rigorous 60-unit graduate program designed to cultivate professional artists and designers. Students specialize in either the Design Option (Graphic Design/Visual Communication, Animation) or the Studio Arts Option (Drawing, Painting, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture, New Genres). The program emphasizes developing students' technical proficiency, creative individuality, and professional presentation skills. Graduates are prepared for careers in their chosen field, public exhibition, teaching at the university level, and contributing significantly to the visual arts or design communities.

Course Structure

The 60-unit MFA program comprises a minimum of 54 units in Art, 6 units outside of Art, and at least 40 units at the 5000-level. Core courses include an art history seminar, visual arts seminar, a perspectives seminar, research methodologies in art, professional field work, and directed study. Students then choose an option (Design or Studio Arts), completing required courses within that option and electives in art history and related fields. A significant component is the MFA Project, involving multiple screenings and culminating in an exhibition and a comprehensive report. Students must also meet the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement.