All of the other departments in the School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University developed from the Painting and Printmaking Department, which was established in 1928. The Master of Fine Art Degree in Painting and Printmaking requires sixty credits and is usually completed in two years of full time study. Most of these credits are in studio areas and are augmented by related courses in specialized academic fields. A graduate seminar meets weekly and addresses topics related to contemporary art and theory. Two semesters of Art and Critical Theory, a course which surveys the major themes of contemporary art criticism, are also required.
Graduate students meet with individual committees composed of three faculty members.
Each committee and student conducts an ongoing dialogue and critique. At the end of the second semester students discuss their work at a candidacy critique comprised of their committee and additional faculty. At the successful conclusion of the program's second year M.F.A. recipients mount a comprehensive exhibition of their work at the University's Anderson Gallery . We support an active and ambitious program of visiting artists and lecturers. Leading figures in the world of contemporary art visit to discuss their work, critique, visit studios, conduct workshops and meet with students throughout the year.