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The Master of Fine Arts program is an intensive, two-year studio art making experience that involves daily interaction with an outstanding faculty of resident and visiting artists; regular private and group critiques; seminars in critical readings; a written thesis component; exposure to an outstanding visiting artist program; and participation in graduate drawing and painting that reflect the Pennsylvania Academy’s emphasis on achieving a high degree of skill in drawing and studio art making practice. Students are expected to possess a unusually strong work ethic and to be highly productive and able to work independently.

The Masters program is centered in the traditional studio arts of painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture, but within these disciplines displays a considerable diversity in approach. All students are provided a private studio in the new Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building, with ample ventilation and 24 hour secure access to facilities.

During both years of study, every MFA student must enroll in drawing and seminar classes, which meet once a week at scheduled times. Students may also elect to take classes within the Academy’s Certificate program, with its emphasis on working from life and the acquisition of traditional art making skills. This, in conjunction with extensive access to the private studio, provides an open schedule allowing flexibility within the program. The Studio Critique system allows the student to choose three faculty critics from a large faculty representing a wide range of studio practice. 
 

During the second year of the program, every student is required to complete a written thesis and to submit work for a final jury review by all graduate faculty.  The program of study culminates in a Graduate Thesis Exhibition in the museum galleries of the Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building.

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