Program Course and Thesis Requirements

The MFA is a two-year degree in the production and theory of art, preparing students to pursue careers as professional artists. This represents two full semesters and a summer mini-semester of residency each year.

At least 48 units are required for the MFA, to be distributed as follows:

• FA 515 Visiting Artist Forum, 6 units
• FA 520 Individual Studies, max 16 units
• FA 555 Seminar in Art Theory and Criticism, 8 units
• FA 550 Seminar: Contemporary Issues, 4 units
• FA 551 Fine Art and Interdisciplinary Studies, 8 units
• 400- or 500-level electives outside of Fine Arts, 4 units
• FA 594abz Thesis, 4 units

First-year MFA students are evaluated by the faculty during reviews held at midterm and at the end of each semester.

Thesis Requirements

Successful completion of the MFA thesis is required before a student is recommended for the Master of Fine Arts degree. The primary requirements for the MFA thesis are a solo exhibition by the student in the final spring semester, a written thesis, and the completion of a written thesis class. Required in conjunction with the solo exhibition is a formal review and oral defense of the thesis exhibition with the student's appointed thesis committee.

MFA Courses

A full listing of Roski School of Fine Arts courses, including descriptions, can be found at: http://web-app.usc.edu/soc/.