Stuart Weitzman School of Design
102 Meyerson Hall
210 South 34th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
MFA Degree Requirements
The MFA coursework requires 19 credits over 4 full time semesters; eight credit units of Graduate Studio, four credit units of Graduate Critique and seven credit units of electives. Of the seven elective courses, two are MFA graduate seminars, two must be outside of the Fine Arts Department, the remaining three courses may be taken either in fine arts or anywhere in the university.
Each graduate student works with the faculty to select courses that will support the thesis research. Additional requirements for the MFA degree include a thesis exhibition, and the submission of a thesis statement and portfolio.
Graduate Studio – 2CU each
FNAR 5010/5020/6010/6020
Taken 4 semesters, 8 CUs total required
Each semester the requirement for Graduate Studio includes individual critiques with visiting artists, faculty and critics, attending visiting artist lectures and workshops, public lectures, as well as the mid-term and final reviews. Students participate in exhibitions throughout the year. Graduate Studio is taught each semester by a team of standing fine arts faculty and rotating visiting critics. This class is required all four semesters for a total of 8 credits. This course takes place on Thursday evenings for MFA programming and additionally requires asynchronous meeting times for studio practice and one-on-one studio critiques.
Graduate Critique – 1CU each
FNAR 7010/7020/7030/7040
Taken 4 semesters, 4 CUs total required
This course is designed to introduce students to different pedagogical methodologies relating to the critical examination of works of art as well as to assist students in terms of speaking about their own work. Graduate Critique provides a democratic and interactive forum for the voicing of opinion in an informed context. This class is required all four semesters for a total of 4 credits, and takes place on Tuesday evenings 5:15-8:15pm.
Two Year Sample MFA Course Schedule: 19 CUs (Credit Units) Total
https://catalog.upenn.edu/graduate/programs/fine-arts-mfa/
Fall Year I
CORE Curriculum: Graduate Studio I - FNAR 5010 - 2CU
CORE Curriculum: Graduate Critique I - FNAR 7010 - 1CU
MFA Graduate Seminar (FMAG) - 1CU (1 of 2)
Fine Arts Elective (FMAE) - 1CU (1 of 3)
Spring Year I
CORE Curriculum: Graduate Studio II - FNAR 5020 - 2CU
CORE Curriculum: Graduate Critique - FNAR 7020 - 1CU
Outside Elective - 1CU
Fine Arts Elective (FMAE) - 1CU (2 of 3)
Fall Year II
CORE Curriculum: Graduate Studio III, FNAR 6010, 2 cu
CORE Curriculum: Graduate Critique, FNAR 7030, 1 cu
MFA Graduate Seminar (FMAG), 1 cu (2 of 2)
Fine Arts Elective (FMAE), 1 cu (3 of 3)
Spring Year II
CORE Curriculum: Graduate Studio IV, FNAR 6020, 2 cu
CORE Curriculum: Graduate Critique, FNAR 7040, 1 cu
Outside Elective, 1 cu
The MFA Graduate Seminars are intensive topical or single discipline-based courses that rotate each semester. We encourage the MFA students to use these courses to advance their thinking in their disciplines, or to take a course in an unfamiliar or new topic in order to augment their approach. MFA students are required two graduate seminars over the four semesters, about 2-4 Seminar classes are offered each semester.
View MFA Graduate Seminars offered this coming semester (FMAG) in Path.
View all past MFA Graduate Seminars in the Course Catalog.
Seven elective courses are required over 4 semesters; two MFA Graduate Seminars, two must be outside of the Fine Arts Department, the remaining three courses may be taken either in the department or anywhere in the university.
Fine Arts Elective courses play a critical role in allowing MFA students to expand their thinking and approach to studio techniques.
View fine art elective courses offered this coming semester(FMAE) in Path.
View all past fine art elective courses in the Course Catalog.
Weitzman Elective courses are offered by all departments and count as outside elective credit for MFA students. A selection of interdisciplinary courses in the Weitzman School of Design extends the focus of the MFA program to the disciplines of:
Architecture
City & Regional Planning
Historic Preservation
Landscape Architecture
University Wide Elective Courses. MFA students are encouraged to take courses outside of the Weitzman School. All courses can be searched by entering the instructor, title or keyword into the search bar in Path.
This certificate program is suited for both advanced level graduate students and professionals who wish to focus in the areas of Time-Based and Interactive Media. An application and portfolio review are required for admission. Each certificate program requires 5 course units to be completed within two years.
The curriculum enables students to engage in working with emerging technologies and incorporating new methods into their practice. This certificate program is available to School of Design students currently enrolled in advanced degree programs as well as stand-alone applicants who wish to pursue the certificate on a part-time basis.
Time-Based and Interactive Media
Director: Joshua Mosley, Professor of Fine Arts
Email: jmosley@design.upenn.edu
The Time Based and Interactive Media Certificate Program is suited for graduate students and professionals who wish to develop skills with the moving image, digital technology and interactivity. The curriculum will enable applicants to engage in new technologies and skills that could be incorporated into their practice, or extend their knowledge to improve their career opportunities.
The program track requires 5 CU’s (course units) of electives to be completed within six semesters to earn the certificate. All applicants must have a baccalaureate degree to be considered for admission. Applications for spring admission are due on November 1 and for fall admission on January 11. An application and interview are required. Applicants who are not enrolled in Weitzman School graduate programs must submit portfolios containing slides, digital images, printed images, books, video, or interactive projects. Digital and video portfolios should follow the guidelines for the MFA portfolios. Video should be limited to excerpts which total less than 10 minutes. All interactive and time-based projects should include synopses or guides for interaction. Web sites and interactive projects must include a list of technical requirements. Portfolios will be returned only if a properly stamped and return-addressed envelope is included. While taking all reasonable care, the school cannot be held responsible for any damage to the work or portfolio.
Curriculum Details: Time Based and Interactive Media Certificate
