Program Statistics
Visit Master's Program Statistics for statistics such as program admissions, enrollment, student demographics and more.
Art Theory and Practice
Degree Types: MFA
The Art Theory and Practice two-year graduate program is best suited to students looking to pursue intense and prolonged periods of studio work in addition to academic study. The program's small size, averaging 10 students, ensures a continuous intensive exchange among faculty and graduate students resulting in a rigorous critical atmosphere in which a range of theoretical perspectives and diverse ways of making and talking about art are valued and encouraged. The backbone of the program is independent study with the core graduate faculty. The periodic addition of visiting lecturers supplements the faculty, adding further dimension and depth.
Complimenting this are seminars, group critique courses and electives. Our program is geared to not only equip our graduates for professional careers as artists and college-level teachers, but to place them on the very forefront of contemporary cultural production.
While our emphasis is on the development of individual studio practice, the program encourages parallel intellectual development in critical theory, art history and non-department electives.
Applicants should contact the program or visit the Art Theory and Practice website to learn about program details and program-specific requirements for admission.
Additional resources:
Program Contact
Contact Matt Martin
Program Assistant
847-491-7346
Degree Requirements
The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.
Master's
Total Units Required: 18
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| At least 5 and not more than 6 units of ART 499-0 | |
| ART 423-0 | Visual Artist's Writing Practicum |
Students are required to enroll in this course during their second year, but may take the class for credit during their first year as well. | |
| 5 300 or 400-level courses in department | |
Possible courses: ART 372-0, ART 382-0, ART 390-0, ART 422-1, ART 423-0, ART 425-0 (these courses may each be taken multiple times for credit) | |
| 4 art history, theory, or criticism courses | |
2 of which must be ART 372-0 or ART 382-0, and 2 may be courses approved for graduate-level credit in other departments | |
| At least 2 and not more than 3 electives | |
Other MFA Degree Requirements
- Critiques: At the end of each quarter, each student's work is discussed and evaluated by the entire faculty and visiting experts.
- Final Evaluations: Students must mount a thesis exhibition, and defend their final thesis in front of a committee of graduate faculty.