A two year graduate program, The MFA in New Genres expands on the historic MFA in Photo/Media Program and builds off the experimental history of conceptual art starting in the 20th and 21st century. The adoption of “New Genres” creates an interdisciplinary and conceptual program that highlights the limitless approaches to uses of media as it endeavors to support artists who critically respond to culture by creating meaningful and engaged artworks. Just like its predecessor MFA in Photo/Media, the MFA in New Genres program is where potential artworks produced include—but are not limited to—analog photography, digital imaging, time-based media, sound art, media technologies, performance, publications, writing, theater, and installation.
Why study New Genres at UW?
Studios + Facilities
Students in the MFA in New Genres are offered generous on-campus studios with windows and doors on the 3rd floor of the Art Building at the University of Washington. The studios have a kitchenette and they surround a common, shared critique space. Ample gallery/presentation space and production facilities for New Genres graduate students exists on campus.
Explore Facilities for New Genres
Opportunities to teach
Each MFA in New Genres candidate has the opportunity to teach ART 140: Basic Photography or ART 285: Introduction to New Genres one quarter each year. They receive mentorship from faculty as they develop pedagogical skills.
Work with nationally recognized faculty
The New Genres + Photo/Media faculty are nationally recognized practicing artists and researchers that prepare graduates to become research-driven, experimental, and conceptual art practitioners. Students may also work with other professors across the School of Art + Art History + Design and DXArts.
Admissions
Annual admission to the Master of Arts graduate program is competitive. Applicants who are admitted begin their studies during the autumn quarter of the UW academic year.
Degree Requirements
Students receive a Master of Fine Arts degree following the successful completion of a two-year course of study, a thesis, and the Graduate School Degree Requirements.
Coursework Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 78 credits. Year one of the MFA program is dedicated to seminars, studios, and electives. Year two is centered on the thesis project.
Autumn Quarter: 15–18 credits
ART 553: New Genres Graduate Studio (5 cr)
ART 590: Interdisciplinary Graduate Seminar (5 cr)
Elective (5–8 cr)
Students take ART 501 Graduate Student Teaching Mentorship (3 credits) in Autumn or Winter quarter of their first year.
Winter Quarter: 15–18 credits
ART 553: New Genres Graduate Studio (5 cr)
ART 590: Interdisciplinary Graduate Seminar (5 cr)
Elective (5–8 cr)
Students take ART 501 Graduate Student Teaching Mentorship (3 credits) in Autumn or Winter quarter of their first year.
Spring Quarter: 15–18 credits
ART 553: New Genres Graduate Studio (5 cr)
ART H 509: Seminar in Special Topics in Art History (5 cr)
Elective (5–8 cr)
Year Two
Autumn Quarter: 15–18 credits
ART 553: New Genres Graduate Studio (5 cr)
ART 590: Interdisciplinary Graduate Seminar (5 cr)
ART 700: Master’s Thesis (2 cr)
Elective (3–6 cr)
Winter Quarter: 15 credits
ART 553: New Genres Graduate Studio (5 cr)
ART 590: Interdisciplinary Graduate Seminar (5 cr)
ART 700: Master’s Thesis (2 cr)
Elective (3–6 cr)
Spring Quarter: 12–15 credits
ART 553: New Genres Graduate Studio (5 cr)
ART 700: Master’s Thesis (6 cr)
Thesis
The MFA thesis has a visual, written, and presentation component, and it is a degree requirement. During the second year of their program, students work closely with a thesis chair (a member of the Divison of Art faculty) to develop a body of work while simultaneously shaping the written thesis. They conclude their thesis project by exhibiting their work in the MFA Thesis Exhibition in the spring of their final year.
Satisfactory Progress Requirements
MFA graduate students must maintain satisfactory performance and progress toward completion of their degree program to continue graduate study and research at the University of Washington. Graduate students engage in quarterly progress reviews with their advisor and receive an annual progress evaluation from the design faculty to ensure they continue to meet all UW Graduate School satisfactory progress requirements.