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Dec 08, 2025
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2025-2026 University Catalog
Design, MFA
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Return to: Graduate Degrees
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About the Program
The Master of Fine Arts degree program in the Department of Art and Design at Purdue University provides a dynamic interdisciplinary environment in which students intensively develop and refine their artistic and/or design aesthetic under the mentorship of actively engaged artist/educators. The three-year curriculum combines theory, art/design history, and studio research courses, allowing students to form study plans according to their specific needs. Much of the coursework is completed during the first half of the program, dedicating the remainder of time to creative research and the completion of a thesis exhibition. Students also have the option of completing a formal thesis in addition to their final exhibition. Master of Fine Arts program graduates go on to pursue a broad range of distinguished careers. With professional competency in the creation and application of art or design and the transmission of knowledge of art or design disciplines, graduates are prepared to pursue various creative positions. Alumni hold positions in several branches of art and design, including museum and gallery curating, art and design education, arts administration, exhibiting artists, independent design consulting and operations, and leadership positions in major corporations. Program Website Program Requirements - Thesis
66 Credits RequiredRequired Courses (24 credits)
Directed Project Courses (18 credits)
Art History Electives (6 credits)
Students should take two courses of 500/600-level in art history. Concentration Courses (18 credits)
Students should choose a concentration from the Concentrations list to fulfill the credit requirements. Studio and Lecture Electives (12 credits)
Students must take at least 3 credits, or one course, as a studio elective. The remainder credits can be taken as either studio or lecture electives. Thesis Research (6 credits)
Program Requirements - Non-Thesis
60 Credits RequiredCore Courses (6 credits)
See Core Courses under Program Requirements - Thesis. Directed Project Courses (18 credits)
See Directed Project Courses under Program Requirements - Thesis. Concentration Courses (18 credits)
Students should choose a concentration from the Concentrations list to fulfill the credit requirements. Art History Electives (6 credits)
Students should take two courses of 500/600-level in art history. Studio and Lecture Electives (12 credits)
Students must take at least 3 credits, or one course, as a studio elective. The remainder credits can be taken as either studio or lecture electives. Concentrations
Departmental concentrations: - Industrial Design
- Interior Design
- Visual Communication Design
Graduate Programs Disclaimer
- The student is ultimately responsible for knowing and completing all degree requirements. Students should consult with their advisor/department for more information.
- Not all graduate programs may be actively recruiting students and course modality availability may vary.
- Please refer to the Explore Graduate Programs website for a list of currently available graduate programs.
- Transfer credit policy: Credits earned for graduate study at other universities (both domestic and international) may be applied toward an advanced degree. Only credit hours associated with graduate courses for which grades of B- or better were obtained will be eligible for transfer. Any additional conditions under which credit transfers may be made are determined by the various departments.
- Comparative information about Purdue University and other U.S. educational institutions is also available through the College Navigator tool, provided by the National Center for Education Statistics, and through the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
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Return to: Graduate Degrees
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