n the School of Art’s Master of Fine Arts program, self-motivated and dedicated artists work in a range of styles and approaches. Individual artists are immersed in a program that hones their technical skills while they explore/exploit ideas through analysis and image development and redefine their personal visions through aesthetic form and conceptual contexts.

Graduate students in the Master of Fine Arts program will work towards 60 hours in any of the three areas: Communication Design, Photography, and Studio. Within these areas, students are involved in various disciplines such as painting, traditional and digital photography, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, mixed media, multimedia and communication design. Students are asked to consider the ramifications of their work on a local, social, and universal level. Emphasis is placed on individual studio work. Because of this emphasis, each student is given a private studio. Most of the graduate experience revolves around this practice. Students are encouraged to explore critical and conceptual issues, especially in relation to their own work. Students participate in individual critiques, intensive group critiques, and critical seminars.

The scale of our graduate program allows for one on one interaction between faculty and students.

Graduate students are encouraged to participate in our Study Abroad Program in Paris. This type of experience allows for their personal and artistic growth.

Assistantships are available; receipt of an assistantship qualifies the student for in-state tuition.

Ruston, Louisiana is a great location for graduate study. This rural city is close to top museums in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, New Orleans, Little Rock, and Jackson. Housing is affordable and the cost of living is low.