About PhD Program,
The MFA in Visual Studies, with an emphasis on the student’s original studio research, prepares students to be leaders in Visual Art and Design. Through creative endeavor, inquiry, and investigation, students in the MFA in Visual Studies program become skilled in producing effective visual statements. In addition to their studio and technical capabilities they become critical readers, writers, and thinkers. Through classroom experience and by professional example, they inform the next generation of visual communicators by leading explorations of and discussions about visual culture. In the MFA Visual Studies program students have the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary approaches to art and design, and are exposed to critical discourses relating to community, identity, public responsibility, and humanity. As ambassadors of the Public Affairs mission of the University, they graduate not just as educated citizens but as ethically-aware ones.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
- the graduate exhibition/presentation of a substantial and accomplished body of original works of art of design during the final semester of the student’s program;
- a written document pertaining to the work exhibited/presented, the character of which is determined by the area of study;
- a final oral examination will be taken when the student has completed the program of study and the graduate exhibition/presentation, and a copy of the written document has been distributed to each member of the supervisory committee;
- approved documentation of the graduate exhibition/presentation is to be submitted for the record to be kept by the Art and Design department.
For the awarding of the MFA degree, the following is required:
- satisfactory completion of all coursework (no grades lower than a “C-” in any graduate course);
- thesis requirements, as above;
- positive recommendation by the thesis committee.
PhD Funding Coverage,
The art and design department offers a variety of scholarships. University-wide scholarships have separate guidelines from department scholarships.
Please refer all university scholarship questions to the financial aid office at 417-836-5262.
MSU Foundation Scholarships are made possible through private gifts to the University made by individuals, groups or companies. They are awarded to students each year based on a wide range of criteria: college, major/minor, high school attended, outstanding academic achievement, leadership, financial need, etc.
The Search Tool will allow you to view available scholarships. You may search using keywords or the category search filter option, however you cannot apply for scholarships using the Search Tool.
For more information, including how to apply for all Foundation Scholarship opportunities by the March 1 deadline, please visit the MSU Foundation Scholarships.
Application Requirement,
- A bachelor’s degree with extensive preparation in the Visual Arts or Design and at least 9 hours in art history, art theory/criticism, or a related discipline (other options exist, see notation below);
- A completed Missouri State University Graduate Application; and
- The following materials must be submitted:
- portfolio should document an original body of work that demonstrates technical acuity and a clear conceptual direction for potential graduate level research presented in an appropriate digital format (pdf is preferred for still images);
- information list for each work in the portfolio including title, dimensions, materials, and year created;
- a 300 to 800-word statement describing the reasons and goals behind the applicant’s interest in graduate study and the direction of intended research;
- contact information (name, phone number, and email) of three professional references who can speak of the applicant’s academic achievements and potential;
- a completed Graduate Assistantship Application if prospective student would like to be considered for this award (submitted directly to the Art and Design department).
Applicants will be notified by mail once their application is complete. Students who do not meet requirement 1 listed above, but show high promise, may be admitted conditionally. Conditions for such admission may require additional coursework.
Application Deadline,
Feb 01, 2025
Application Fee,
Application Fee $72.00