The 60-unit M.F.A. in Art option in Visual Arts emphasizes the experience and value of visual thinking and creative problem solving in art, as well as recognizing the concurrent importance of critical thinking, experimentation, innovation and perception. Graduate students must understand the history and traditions of art and their cultural, political and social relevance. They are encouraged to utilize and interact with the services, facilities and technologies offered throughout the University, as well as those provided by the Department of Art and Design. The program has areas of concentration in Ceramics, Drawing, Illustration, Painting, Photography/Video, Printmaking, and Sculpture. Students will acquire academic and professional knowledge and skills in various art media, concepts and methodologies. Students will produce an academic and professional body of individual and collaborative work suitable for a master of fine arts degree, for the local, national and global marketplace. Students will solve visual problems at an academic and professional level, including understanding/application of the elements of art and principles of design. Students will utilize and apply critical thinking skills to communicate ideas for their intended audience at an academic and professional level in visual, oral, and written formats Students will acquire historical and contemporary knowledge of diverse cultural and aesthetic contexts, including political, visual and material culture. The Master of Fine Arts degree program in Visual Arts is the terminal degree for practicing artists and requires a minimum of 60 units. Students accepted into the program are encouraged to be registered full time, taking a minimum of 9 units per semester.
The Photography/Video area at CSUN offers a beginning class that provides strong visual and technical skills and upper division courses on analog and digital platforms that allow students to explore lens based media. To accommodate the greatest breadth in training, students are encouraged to enroll in both Photography and Video classes. Video classes incorporate live projection and multi-channel installation as well as training in Adobe Creative Suite software. Advanced students are invited to explore concept and portfolio development. Shooting, editing, and compositing both stills and video allow students to explore different ways of creating meaning.
