The Master of Fine Arts is a two-year professional 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. Admission to the program is highly selective and applicants must hold a Bachelor of Fine Arts, or equivalent, from an accredited school. The MFA program is designed to present the student with the best faculty, curriculum and facilities available, offering a graduate experience of the highest caliber, challenge, and relevance in a constantly changing and competitive field. The graduate faculty are nationally recognized, working artists which include members of the tenured faculty as well as visiting artists, writers, and critics from the Los Angeles international art community. Together, they are an experienced, challenging and diverse graduate faculty.

At least 48 units are required for the Master of Fine Arts, 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; 594abz Thesis, 4 units.

Master of Fine Arts students are evaluated by faculty during reviews held near the end of each semester. Before a student is recommended for the Master of Fine Arts, a comprehensive review of past work and professional goals is held. An exhibition of work at the end of the course of study and a written thesis, documented with visual material, complete the Master of Fine Arts program.