2024-26 MFA Handbook
We will advise you at the Department of Art Orientation.
Required Orientation Events
- Art Department Orientation: August 15th, 2025 from 1-2:30PM
- Wood Shop Orientation: TBA
- (Other room/area orientations TBA)
- International Student Orientation
- Graduate School Orientation: Access online through canvas.wsu.edu – please complete the first 4 modules before the semester begins!
New Student Orientation
Getting Started
- To create a Network ID, contact Information Technology Services at 335-4357 or crimsonservicedesk@wsu.edu / visit the Crimson Service Desk;
- Obtain a Cougar Card with your WSU ID number in the CUB at the Cougar Card Center;
- If you have not received your measles shot, contact Health & Wellness Services at 509-335-3575 located in the Washington Building 2302 or visit Cougar Health Services;
- Visit the Navigating Your Degree section of the Graduate School website to get an overview of important steps in your academic path at WSU.
Residency
★ VERY IMPORTANT: Please establish residency in Washington as soon as possible. The process starts as soon as you move here. You will need WA residency to receive and continue graduate funding.
For more information, see: Graduate School – Establishing Residency page.
Email + MyWSU
We will need to use your WSU email exclusively. Please be sure to check it regularly as it will often be our primary point of contact.
Instructions on setting up your myWSU email and account here: Apply for a MyWSU account
★ VERY IMPORTANT: The Graduate School and University will often communicate via My Communication Center in MyWSU. Please check this often as vital and time-sensitive information about your student status and accounts are posted here.
Access by logging into “myWSU > click on ‘My Comm Center’ tile”.
Reference Manuals
Each student is also responsible for reading and understanding the policies and procedures as outlined by the Washington State University, and the Graduate School:
- Student Conduct: See Student Handbook
- Academic Regulation, Office of the Registrar
- Graduate School Policies and Procedures
Training
You will need to complete three online training courses.
★ IMPORTANT: Please complete by August 16 to ensure prompt payment of your first stipend as a graduate teaching assistant.
Instructions for completing these trainings are as follows:
- CITI Responsible Conduct of Research Training (RCR):
- Both new AND returning grads must complete this updated training;
- Go to the Office of Research Support and Operations (ORSO)
- You will need to follow the instructions on the link and log in using your WSU network ID and password
- Once you have logged in click on the Responsible Conduct of Research Training (RCR)
- Electronically fill out the form and email Brandy Wiser (bwiser@wsu.edu) confirmation of completion
- Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Prevention Training:
- Log in to your myWSU account using your WSU network ID and password
- Click on the Training tile which is located under your Homepage
- Click on Library
- In the drop down menu, click on the link titled WSU Online Courses
- Scroll down the list and click on Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Sexual Misconduct Prevention – Online Overview
- Launch course
- Additional information can be found here: Login to your WSU Training
- Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Training:
- Go here: FERPA Training
- See Teaching Assistant section for additional requirements
General Information
Program Contacts
Squeak Meisel, Chair
FA 5072
Phone: 509-335-8686
squeak.meisel@wsu.edu
Krista Brand, Graduate Coordinator
Brandy Wiser, Finance/Personnel Manager
Johnson 701
Phone: 509-335-4626
bwiser@wsu.edu
Chelsea Jacobs, Administrative Assistant
Phone: 509-335-8686
art.dept@wsu.edu
Keys/Access
When you arrive on campus you will be issued a key to your studio and a key that allows you to come in the office when it is closed. Students are each assigned studios and access to the building is 24/7. You will have a mailbox in the office, and you should check it as well as your email often for information.
To use various facilities you will need to consult with area coordinators.
Area Teaching Coordinators & Full-Time Faculty
Foundations: 2D/3D
Squeak Meisel 3D, squeak.meisel@wsu.edu
David Janssen 2D, david.janssen@wsu.edu
Drawing
Michael Holloman, michael.holloman@wsu.edu
Krista Brand, krista.brand@wsu.edu
Art History
Hallie Meredith, Hallie.meredith@wsu.edu
Painting
Joe Hedges, joe.hedges@wsu.edu
Digital Media
Reza Safavi, rsafavi@wsu.edu
Ceramics
Io Palmer, iopalmer@wsu.edu
Krista Brand, krista.brand@wsu.edu
Sculpture
Squeak Meisel, squeak.meisel@wsu.edu
Printmaking
Kevin Haas, khaas@wsu.edu
Photography
Dennis DeHart, dennis.dehart@wsu.edu
Technical Support
Sculpture
JJ Harty, jj.harty@wsu.edu
Ceramics
Kassie Smith, kassie.smith@wsu.edu
Digital
Dan Manwaring, danman1@wsu.edu
Pets
Unless approved as service animals, pets are not permitted in the building.
Parking & Transportation
WSU is very strict on parking regulations. You may find a parking map here of campus as well as various parking locations. It is fairly easy to walk from anywhere in Pullman and there is a bus system to help you get around.
Bus routes and schedules may be found here: Pullman Transit information
If you need to bring supplies or materials to the building please get a visitor permit from parking services to allow for short term parking at our loading docks. If you don’t, fines can be hefty. See WSU Transportation.
Additional Resources
Counseling Services: 509.335.4511 | Cougar Health Services
WSU Libraries: 509.335.9672 | WSU Libraries
Financial Aid: 509-335-9711 | WSU Financial Aid Services
Payroll Services: 509-335-9575 | WSU Payroll Office
Housing: 509-335-1227 | WSU Housing
Parking Services: 509-335-7275 | WSU Parking Services
Graduate School: 509-335-6424 | WSU Graduate School
Graduate & Professional Student Association (GPSA) | Graduate & Professional Student Association
Graduate Writing Center: gpwc@wsu.edu | Graduate Writing Center
Cougar Health Services: 509-335-3575 | Cougar Health Services
ASE Employment
Duties and responsibilities
Please refer to UAW guidelines regarding employment.
Overview
For students graduating in 2025 and 2026 the MFA program at Washington State University is a three-year interdisciplinary program. Students entering the MFA program in fall of 2025 will follow a 2 year program. The MFA program at WSU enables students to focus in, but not limited to, ceramics, drawing, digital media, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture. Emphasis is placed on personal and conceptual artistic development in light of contemporary art practices. Graduates meet with faculty for one-on-one studio discussions. First year students have a progress review via a PechaKucha at the end of their first semester and an exhibition in the departmental gallery at the end of their first year. At the end of the MFA’s second year, they will need to meet with their thesis committee prior to the end of spring term. In the final semester the program culminates in a thesis exhibition held in the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art or another suitable venue. A final oral examination and a thesis document are also required. The degree requires 53 graded credit hours and 8 credit hours of thesis work (ART 700) totaling 61 credits for a 3 year plan and 56 graded credit hours and 5 credit hours of thesis work (ART 700) for a 2 year plan.
The curriculum for this degree includes:
An art history/theory seminar for 3 credits (ART 500) each fall semester and a practical seminar for 2 credits (ART 598) in the spring of the first year. Every semester students are assigned 3 credits of 555/552. Students are assigned a minimum of 10 credits in each semester, 1 of those credits (ART 700) are designated as non-graded credits (pass/fail coursework) will also be assigned. In the final semester students must take FA 700 for 2 credits. In both the 2 and 3 year plan this will total 61 credits. A three year plan is 53 graded credits and 8 credits of ART 700. A 2 year plan is required starting fall of 2025 and is 56 graded credits and 5 credits of 700. Please see sample plans below for a breakdown of 2 and 3 year plans.
Each year, students meet regularly with a range of faculty members from all disciplines for group and individual critiques. Visiting Artists and Scholars also meet with graduate students three or four times each semester. At the end of the second semester, MFA students participate in a first year review show. They have a mid-term meeting with their thesis committee in their 3rd semester. The thesis exhibit takes place during April of the final year unless otherwise negotiated and is held at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU or another suitable display space.
Students are assigned private studios and have 24-hour access to the art building, which located near the center of campus. There are many facilities and resources for your use within the department, if you do not have hours with a particular area be sure to check in with area coordinators. If you desire to use a facility, there may be a lab fee associated and or an orientation to use of equipment.
Coursework
The following table outlines the course sequence in our program, along with the program objectives that they address and the specific content domains. For the program to maintain its qualifications within the scope of College Art Association guidelines, the program is required to demonstrate coverage of these content domains.
Each semester faculty rotate instruction of the following
- ART 500, Graduate Art History, 3 credits (every fall)
- ART 552, Critical Practices, 3 credits (each semester)
- ART 598, Graduate Seminar, 2 credits (second semester)
- ART 500 level, Tutorial Hours, 3-6 credits (each semester) This course is designed for one-on-one meetings surrounding your art practice with individual faculty. Meetings should be scheduled with assigned faculty ASAP.
- ART 700, Master’s Research, 1 credit- four semesters, 2 credits in the second semester as well as the final semester This course is usually assigned to your tutorial faculty or a Tri-Cities/Vancouver campus faculty and used as tutorials. In your final semester it is assigned to your thesis committee chair.
Benchmarks
- First Semester Review, Pechakucha review by all faculty, end of first semester
- First Year Exhibition (second semester)
- 2nd year Exhibition/inaugural meeting with thesis (third semester of 3 year program)
- Thesis exhibition: Final examination of artwork shown in the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA).
- Thesis oral examinations: conducted within the JSMA with thesis committee as scheduled with graduate school.
- Thesis paper, document articulating in written form about work shown in thesis exhibition. Reviewed by Thesis Committee.
Students are reviewed by committees appointed by the chair and graduate coordinator in consultation with Faculty and students.
Semester MFA Plans/Sample MFA Programs
Sample Three Year MFA Plan, Class of 2025 and 2026
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 | Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART 500, 3 credits (Art History) | ART 598, 2 credits (Grad Seminar) | ART 500, 3 credits (Art History) | ART 555, 6 credits (Critical Practices) | ART 500, 3 credits (Art History) | ART 552, 3 credits (Critical Practices) |
| ART 555, 6 credits (Critical Practices) | ART 555, 6 credits (Critical Practices) | ART 555, 6 credits (Critical Practices) | ART 500 level, 3 credits (Tutorials) | ART 552, 3 credits (Critical Practices) | ART 500 level, 3 credits (Tutorials) |
| ART 700, 1 credit (Masters Thesis) | ART 700, 2 credits (Masters Thesis) | ART 500 level, 3 credits (Tutorials) | ART 700, 1 credit (Masters Thesis) | ART 700, 1 credit (Masters Thesis) | ART 700, 2 credits (Masters Thesis) |
| ART 700, 1 credit (Masters Thesis) | ART 500 level, 3 credits (thesis committee) | ART 500 level, 3 credits (Tutorials) |
Summary of Graded Credits for MFA Program
| Courses | Total Credits Required 3rd year | Total Credits Required 2nd year |
|---|---|---|
| ART 500 Art History | 9 | 6 |
| ART 552/555 Critical Practices | 36 | 12 |
| ART 598 Seminar | 2 | 2 |
| ART 5XX Tutorials | 6 | 36 |
| Electives |
Summary of Non-Graded (P/F, or S/U) Credits for MFA Program
| Courses | Total Credits Required 3rd year | Total Credits Required 2nd year |
|---|---|---|
| ART 700 | 8 | 5 |
Sample Two Year MFA Plan (students entering fall of 2025 and ongoing)
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ART 500, 3 credits (Art History) | ART 598, 2 credits (Grad Seminar) | ART 500, 3 credits (Art History) | ART 552, 3 credits (Critical Practices) |
| ART 552, 6 credits (Critical Practices) | ART 552, 3 credits (Critical Practices) | ART 552, 3 credits (Critical Practices) | ART 500 level, 3 credits (Tutorials) |
| ART 700, 1 credit (Masters Thesis) | ART 700, 1 credit (Masters Thesis) | ART 500 level, 3 credits (Tutorials) | ART 700, 2 credits (Masters Thesis) |
| ART 500, 3 credits (Tutorials) | ART 500, 3 credits (tutorials) | ART 700, 1 credit (Masters Thesis) | ART 500, 3 credits (Tutorials) |
| ART 500, 3 credits (Tutorials) | ART 500, 3 credits (tutorials) | ART 500, 3 credits (Tutorials) | ART 500, 3 credits (Tutorials) |
| ART 500, 3 credits (tutorials) | ART 500, 3 credits (Tutorials) | ART 500, 3 credits (Tutorials) | |
| 12 graded, 1 non-graded (Pass/Fail) | 14 graded, 1 credit non-graded (Pass/Fail) | 15 graded, 1 credit non-graded (Pass/Fail) | 15 graded, 2 credits non-graded (Pass/Fail) |
Program Objectives
- Develop an effective program for students that allows them to acquire the education, time and feedback necessary to function as a visually literate and hands-on creative problem solver.
- Provide students with the professional skills needed to compete effectively and advance in the creative disciplines.
- Provide students with guided experience under the supervision of experienced professionals in the Arts.
- Evaluate development of the program.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with the MFA in Art will have developed:
- An ability to solve open-ended problems/challenges of artistic expression.
- An ability to analyze the working methods of artists and the results of their efforts in a diverse and disciplined way.
- An ability to communicate effectively through their artistic practice. Students will be aware of and engaged in a thorough way with art history, critical theory and visual culture in a way that considers a broad cultural awareness considering both local and/or global issues in order to make critical judgments about contemporary are while gaining a deeper understanding of their own personal values.
- An in-depth understanding of the visual arts, art history, critical theory and visual culture, sufficient to prepare them to move into a professional career in the arts, including essential concepts and theories of studio production in a variety of disciplines, with a sophistication and refinement specific to a major field.
- An ability to take risks in experimentation. This could mean breaking from usual habits. Trying new materials and methodologies in confirming the direction of their work.
- A clear and thorough understanding of their personal practice. Each candidate should be able to demonstrate a strong commitment investing time and resources to generating continual development and inquiry. This includes both working in the studio and researching artists and theory of art-making.
- Students will Communicate effectively in both written and oral form. Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate awareness of context, audience, purpose, and the presented artwork.
- Use appropriate and relevant content to develop and present ideas
- Demonstrate consistent use of credible, relevant sources to support ideas
- Demonstrate delivery techniques (posture, gesture, eye contact, and vocal expressiveness) make the presentation interesting, and speaker appears comfortable
Policies + Requirements
Academic Requirements
Academic policies and procedures are set forth by the Graduate School in the policies and procedures manual, including minimum GPA, probationary continuing enrollment, termination of enrollment, and reinstatement. Please refer to the policies and procedures manual for complete information. Students should also be familiar with the university’s the university’s academic regulations. Should any discrepancies arise, the policies and procedures of the Graduate School, and academic regulations of Washington State University supersede those of the MFA program.
Links:
Academic Complaint Procedures
Academic complaint procedures are outlined in the university’s academic regulations. In the case of adjunct instructors, academic complaints should be directed to the Department of Art Graduate Coordinator or the Chair of the department.
Academic Honesty
WSU is committed to principles of truth and academic honesty. Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication in the process of academic work, and can result in suspension or dismissal from the university. In this class, academic dishonesty will result in failure of the course and will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct.
See WSU Center for Community Standards for more information or call 509-335-4532 with questions.
Students with Disabilities
Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. If you have a disability and may need accommodations to fully participate in this class, please visit the Access Center. All accommodations MUST be approved through the Access Center (Washington Building, Room 217). Please stop by or call 509-335-3417 to make an appointment with a disability specialist.
See WSU Student Accommodations and Accessibility Resources for more information.
Emergency and Safety
Washington State University is committed to maintaining a safe environment of its faculty, staff and students. The university has developed a resource to ensure this safety, the Campus Safety Plan, which can be found at the WSU Campus Safety Board website. It contains a comprehensive listing for university policies, procedures, statistics, and information relating to campus safety, emergency management, and the health and welfare of the campus community. In addition, the University emergency management website at WSU Office of Emergency Management provides additional campus safety and emergency information. All students are requested to bookmark in their computers and become familiar with the WSU ALERT site (WSU Alerts website) to read about warning and emergency notification procedures.
All students are requested to register their emergency contact information for the Crisis Communication System (CCS). To do so, go to the myWSU portal at my.wsu.edu, enter your network ID and password and, once you are on your myWSU main webpage, look for the Emergency Notification box on the right side of the page and click on Register. You will be asked to enter you cell, landline, and email contact information to ensure you receive any notification as soon as possible. Finally, if you need help evaluating your area in terms of safety and emergency management or have any recommendations, contact Elizabeth King, University Emergency Management Coordinator, at e.king@wsu.edu or 509-335-7471 or visit the Office of Emergency Management site at WSU Office of Emergency Management.
Continuous Enrollment
All full- and part-time degree-seeking graduate students must maintain continuous enrollment in the Graduate School, registering for each semester, excluding summer sessions, from the time of first enrollment until all requirements for the degree are completed. Continuous enrollment is maintained by registering for a minimum of 2 graduate credits per semester (excluding the summer). International students who enroll for fewer than 10 credits must be approved by the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS), in consultation with the Graduate School, prior to part-time enrollment during the academic year.
Annual Review
All graduate programs must complete an annual review of each graduate student. During the spring semester, the Graduate Coordinator for the art department will give written and oral notification to each graduate student of their performance. For graduating students, this review will take place in conjunction with the final oral examination in their oral examination. After appropriate faculty have been consulted, the annual evaluation of those students considered deficient must be placed in the student’s official file. If an annual review for a student is less than satisfactory, a written copy of that review should be forwarded to the Graduate School. The Graduate Coordinator will collect the following information:
- Course evaluations
- Course grade distributions in the form of GPA
- Faculty narratives on student response to questions relating to SLOs
- Faculty narratives on individual students progress as teaching assistants
The Graduate Coordinator will then organize an annual meeting of art faculty who will discuss the data listed above. In this meeting faculty will evaluate the data to determine whether the expected results have been realized. The outcome of this meeting will be a report (written by the graduate coordinator) listing the results of the faculty assessment. Specific improvements will be suggested by this group and these and the actions taken will be recorded in an archival document. In the following year, the effect of these changes will be noted.
This report will be reviewed annually by the art department Curriculum committee for further recommendations about improvements to the program.
The Program of Study is a record of course work completed and proposed that will guide the fulfillment of degree requirements. At the end of each semester the Graduate Coordinator will deliver a new program of study in order to facilitate registration. This is usually done in tandem with delivery of annual review.
Graduate Student Committees
The initial selection, or subsequent changes, of a graduate student’s committee shall be determined jointly by the student and the student’s advisor after consultation with Graduate Faculty. Committee selection takes place in the middle of the student’s third semester. In accordance with the Policies and Procedures of the Graduate School at WSU, graduate students are not permitted to serve on the committees of other graduate students.
The graduate committee of each student shall have a minimum of three graduate faculty members. A majority of committee members shall be active Art Faculty members as listed in Section XI of the Art MFA bylaws. At least one member must be tenured within the WSU Art Department. See section II of MFA bylaws for membership delegation in relation to the Chair or co-chair designation.
As specified in the Graduate School’s Policies and Procedures, the performance of each graduate student shall be reviewed annually.
Submission Deadlines: Application for Degree
In addition to the Program of Study, students must submit an Application for Degree, and a Final Examination Scheduling Form, per the published deadlines. Follow Deadlines and Procedures here: https://gradschool.wsu.edu/forms/ for complete information. You are responsible for meeting all deadlines and protocols with the graduate school: read carefully!
Refer to the ‘Milestones for Master’s Degrees’ section on this page: Graduate School: Navigating Your Degree
MFA Thesis Guidelines
Thesis Requirements
- Thesis Exhibition in the Museum of Art
- Written Thesis
- Oral Examination
Expected Outcomes
Upon completing the visual and written thesis, students should demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work that demonstrates a significant understanding and use of visual and conceptual elements
- Self evaluate the strengths and weakness of the work
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the integration of technique and media as well as the contemporary and historical context of the work
Thesis Responsibilities
The visual and written thesis requires intense study and research Thesis committees will guide MFA students toward success, but the ultimate responsibility for managing time and the successful outcome of each MFA project is that of each student. Students will need to initiate their own processes, establish their own boundaries, and formulate criteria for self-criticism and evaluation.
It is each student’s responsibility to develop clear, personal goals, and to communicate those goals to the thesis committee. MFA students will be expected to honor deadlines, and to maintain professional work habits without supervision. Communicate with your committee, continue working and be efficient in delivery of deadlines and goals. When will your next draft of your thesis be prepared? When will you next meet as a whole group?
Student Responsibilities
- To confirm all appointments with a thesis committee, to attend all appointments, and to do so in a timely manner. If an appointment must be canceled or postponed, it must be done in advance by e-mail, voice mail, or any combination that is most likely to produce the desired result of advising thesis committees ahead of time.
- To keep a thesis committee informed about the content and direction of the visual and written thesis on an ongoing basis.
- To stay in contact with the MFA coordinator, and to respond to all requests for information, and to participate in all necessary paperwork, meetings and activities as determined by the coordinator. It is each student’s responsibility to keep the coordinator informed of any changes in contact information (phone, e-mail, address) to maintain effective communication.
- MFA students must commit at least 20 hours per week towards the visual thesis (this amount of time does not including the written portion of the thesis). It is understood there may be surges and slow times during the process; the figure of 20 hours per week is an average by which to gauge time management and progression on the thesis
- MFA students must work with the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art staff in the preparation and installation of the thesis exhibition. Students must assist with the installation process. Students will assist the Museum staff who are responsible for the design and placement of the exhibition. Thesis committees may be involved in this process at any point.
- It is each student’s responsibility to form strong interconnections between the visual and written components of the thesis. A shift in the research may result in a change in the direction of the visual or written portions of the thesis, and vice versa. The thesis process should therefore be seen as a fluid and growing endeavor in which both the work and the writing are integral components.
Academic Requirements
It is the MFA candidate’s responsibility to manage all deadlines, procedures, and requirements of the MFA thesis process. The thesis committee, the MFA coordinator and the Registrar can assist each student in obtaining information and understanding the processes. However, the management of the academic requirements of the thesis is ultimately each student’s responsibility. Each student must stay in contact with the group of faculty and staff listed above, and ask them questions about any procedures that are not understood.
The Thesis Process
Thesis committees will meet with their students sometime in early November to establish a schedule and calendar agreements for the term. The thesis committee should recommend the frequency of critique/feedback during the spring semester. This may occur in the form that best suits the needs of the student and the thesis.
Thesis Evaluation Criteria
The thesis committee will utilize the general MFA Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs).
Thesis Exhibition
Each student is required to participate in installing their exhibition. Since the exhibition is a group show representing the work of the entire MFA thesis class, students should not expect that each and every piece produced for their thesis exhibition must be included. The installation of the exhibition itself is an important step in understanding the work you have produced, and you may find that you may need to make some changes or edits once you see the work in the space.
As the time for the thesis exhibition approaches, students will receive important information concerning space allocation, technology availability, etc., from the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art staff.
Written Thesis
The written portion of your thesis, a thesis statement, should clearly and succinctly delineate the most important aspects of the body of work produced while attending the MFA program. Topics may include: a conceptual framework; art historical and contemporary contexts; and other relevant fields that are central to understanding of the work.
The written thesis will be evaluated against professional writing standards. Proofreading for appropriate grammar and spelling, as well as the proper application of Chicago Manual of Style citations and bibliography, is required. Theses must adhere to the WSU’s thesis format; information about formatting is located at: Graduate School Forms page.
Students are responsible for managing all written thesis deadlines, to afford themselves the opportunity to work through multiple draft revisions and editing assessments. Write a thesis prospectus for your thesis committee before winter break of the third semester. This will give the committee enough time to provide valuable feedback and will give you enough time to make use of this feedback in subsequent revisions. You are strongly encouraged to ask additional readers for additional points of view and resources during the draft process. Although it may be impossible to explore every single avenue of inquiry into a thesis topic, it is important that the in-process paper remains sufficiently malleable and open to changes, in order to reflect the shifting grounds sometimes created when more and more information is revealed.
The following points will help guide the writing process:
Your written thesis is meant to provide clear insight into your work while addressing its conceptual underpinnings.
Present a central thesis statement: Your central thesis statement – typically one, but not more than two sentences – will provide the backbone of your writing. The central thesis statement conveys the central tenets and questions of your work. This sounds incredibly simple but too few students set out with a clearly delineated thesis statement. The thesis statement should be supported throughout the entire paper; if any subject, image, reference, sentence or paragraph does not support the thesis, it should be eliminated or re-worked until it clearly connects to the thesis statement.
Use an outline: Construct a basic outline that will serve as a guide through the writing process. Plan to have an introduction (about a page that establishes the thesis statement as well as a general context), a body (about three-four pages that describes methodology and analysis) and a conclusion (about a page that may indicate directions for new, further research). The outline should reflect this structure as well as the most important elements that need to be examined in the paper. If the direction of the thesis changes (which is entirely possible), adjust the outline accordingly.
The length of the thesis paper/statement should not be long: Approach the thesis as an extended artist statement. It is not to be scholarly discussion of the work. An excellent goal to set for the overall length is five to six pages. A shorter thesis will force the writer to be succinct and clear, two of the most important elements of grant, exhibition, residency and teaching applications. The thesis should be a document that will be used repeatedly after graduation; avoid a thesis that does not accomplish this goal.
Use clear, articulate language: Write the thesis as if it were meant for an educated audience but not one that is solely focused on the art world. Good examples of this type of writing can be found in the art criticism of The New York Times. Writers like Roberta Smith and Holland Cotter set the bar high for clear thinking and writing along with insightful illuminations of complex images and topics. Good writers like Smith and Cotter examine art world issues in depth but never at the expense of broader historical, societal and cultural contexts. It can also be useful to consult past thesis in the WSU archive and determine if a creative solution is more appropriate to providing access to the visual work.
Suggested working advice for your writing practice:
Use an objective voice: Avoid excessive use of the first person singular pronoun “I” and the possessive pronouns “me” and “mine.” You are speaking about your work. Be creative in approaching it. How many different ways can one articulate possession and creation?
Locate the work within art historical and contemporary contexts: While using these contexts, do not hesitate to employ connections to other fields that are important to the work.
Develop a bibliography: Accurately keep track of all books, chapters and articles read, which will also serve as the thesis bibliography. The bibliography should be composed of primary sources; avoid citing websites such as Wikipedia.
Use proper citations: To do otherwise may constitute plagiarism. Consult the Chicago Manual of Style for the correct format of citations.
Edit carefully: The thesis paper should be meticulously edited. As with studio work, editing constitutes one of the most important parts of this process.
Use correct grammar and spelling throughout: One of the easiest ways to annoy and distract a thesis committee is to make grammatical and spelling mistakes. Avoid such a situation by having every draft carefully proofread by a reliable source before each draft is submitted to the committee.
Try to communicate in a clear and concise way that provides insight into your work. The thesis does not have to be a dense, theoretical paper.
Although the discussion of technical matters is typically not the focus of the written thesis, this may be included when an understanding the techniques or processes used is integral to understanding the work.
The thesis is simply a point in time in the development of your work. It is not a final, definitive rationale for your work: The work, as well as an understanding of it, is a dynamic process that will continue to change throughout a career. Think of the thesis as a document that will used and refined in the future. Be flexible and willing to change the approach as needed; be prepared to write a number of drafts.
It is essential to continue working and investigating in the studio: It is critical that you do not stop or slow your studio work, which should continue to feed your writing and understanding throughout the thesis process. It can be a difficult balance and each (the written thesis and the work) will inform one another.
You may become stuck and frustrated. Develop strategies to help navigate such challenges. These might include keeping plenty of notes; remaining flexible with drafts; revisiting the bibliography to study or re-read something that was of particular interest—especially chapters, articles or artist statements that are clear and articulate; toggling back and forth between writing and working in the studio; and conferring with the thesis committee as needed.
Oral Examinination/Review
The oral defense marks the conclusion of the thesis process. The oral defense evidences the level at which each student controls and understands the deeper meaning and context of a particular body of work. During the oral exam, thesis committees will hear an MFA candidate’s presentation and ask questions about the work and its context. The review will last approximately one hour.
There is no pre-determined script or outline for the oral exams. The oral exam is the opportunity for the MFA candidate to cohesively and clearly present a summation and analysis of his or her thesis project through a question and answer process conducted by the thesis committee. Students should be prepared to speak coherently about their process, artistic strategies, content, historical, social and contemporary precedents.
It is crucial that the student take the initiative to lead the presentation and maintain an engaged, informed presence at all times. It is not the responsibility of the thesis committee to explain the student’s process or answer questions about the work. This is the final presentation of the student’s project and he or she will need to be prepared to articulately defend the choices, processes, and to justify the end result of the work.
University Graduation Requirements
An MFA candidate must:
- Maintain at least a 3.0 (“B”) grade during all semesters while in the MFA program.
- Complete all thesis work and documentation and fulfill all academic requirements in order to receive their diplomas and degrees.
In addition to the completion of the required academic credits and the thesis project, there are several other responsibilities of the MFA student. A diploma will be withheld unless the following criteria are met:
- The written thesis, in the correct form, with signature and digital documentation, have been submitted and subsequently archived in the appropriate WSU department/office
- All WSU library fines have been paid and all books returned
- All outstanding fees, tuition charges or other indebtedness to the University have been paid
- All personal property must also be removed from the studio space by the end of May. After that time, any material left in the studio space is considered to have been abandoned and will be discarded or recycled. Graduates are responsible for the removal of artwork from exhibition galleries and are responsible for expenses of packing and shipping of artwork left behind for others to remove. Artwork left in the exhibition space longer than one week after the final day of the show will be discarded.
- Students must provide WSU with changes of contact information.
Thesis Timeline
Second Year: Fall Semester
Mid-October
- Thesis committee members determined by MFA coordinator in consultation with MFA candidate and faculty
Early November
- Meet with thesis committee (MFA candidates coordinate the location, day and time of all thesis committee meetings)
- In consultation with MFA coordinator, prepare final Program of Study (POS)
Mid-November
- Program of Study delivered to Graduate School for approval for all 2nd Year graduate student
Second Year: Spring Semester
- Meet with thesis committee to plan for final year before end of semester
Third Year: Fall Semester
October-December
- Continue regular thesis committee meetings for the fall semester (regularity determined by committee)
- Continue with drafts of thesis statement as determined by thesis committee
Third Year: Spring Semester
Late January or Mid-February
- Meetings with Museum staff to determine exhibition selection (thesis committees members may attend these meetings)
Mid- to Late March
- Thesis statement finalized
Late March
- Final preparations for thesis exhibition
Late March or Early April
- Thesis exhibition installation
- Scheduling of oral examinations must be scheduled with the committee, Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU and the Graduate School. Final exam schedules must be filed 10 days prior to the date of oral examination and within the thesis work installed. All ballots are due within 5 days of examination.
Early April
- Thesis exhibition opens
- Oral defense
Late April
- Thesis exhibition closes
Early May
- Semester concludes
- All grades due
Late May
- Studio clean out (specific date to be determined by MFA coordinator)
Admissions Procedures + Requirements
Admission to the MFA program in the Department of Art at Washington State University is highly selective and is made during the spring semester with initial coursework beginning the following fall semester. All applicants must submit required materials by January 15th, to the Graduate School. Candidates are contacted upon admission to the program.
Graduate School Application Requirements
- Online application and application fee
- Transcripts
- Contact information for three academic /professional references
- Statement of intent
- International student documents (if applicable)
- TOEFL minimum 550 score
- Financial verification
- GRE scores are not required for this program
Failure to have credits equaling CAA’s recommended requirements may disqualify any candidate. A previous record of successful completion of at least 18 art history credits and 56 studio hours are required for admission. “Undergraduate degrees (BA, BFA, BS, BEd) differ in disciplinary credit distribution and educational emphasis. In order to compensate for these differences in the studies (both undergraduate and graduate) leading ultimately to the MFA degree, the following combined (undergraduate plus graduate) semester credit totals are recommended: art studio, 100; history of art, 24.” http://www.collegeart.org/guidelines/mfa
The Department of Art requires:
- A statement of intent indicating your area(s) of focus, the subject of your work, the concepts and issues you are exploring, and how you foresee your work evolving within the program
- Current CV or Resume
- MFA portfolio of exactly 20 images in a single pdf. If you have time-based work, each link will count as 1 portfolio image. Please list title, medium, size and date of completion for each work in the portfolio. (Link provided on the graduate school website.)
- Those applying for a teaching assistantship must furnish three letters of recommendation to the Graduate School indicating in which areas they are qualified to assist and teach.
If out of the ordinary facilities are needed, the applicant should inquire if they are available in the department.