Graduate Program


Two people stand over a light table examining a print

The MFA Program at the University of Kansas

The MFA program is Interdisciplinary in its approach and grads work with all faculty in the program among our seven studio areas; Ceramics, Expanded Media, Metalsmithing and Jewelry, Painting and Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture, Textiles and Fibers.

The MFA program is designed to take three years. Graduate Students spend their first two years taking an interdisciplinary graduate seminar comprised of first and second year grad students, and take electives in the Department of Visual Art and University. They also work independently with faculty in their chosen discipline and within the Department of Visual Art, Spencer Museum of Art, and Affiliated Faculty. After the successful completion of two reviews (first and second year), third year students spend their entire third year on their thesis work. 

Students in the MFA program receive generous private/semi-private studios appropriate to their work for the entire duration of the program. In addition to their individual studios, Graduate Students have access to the entire Department of Visual Art facility including equipment, tools, staff resources, workspaces, computer production labs, and shops. Graduate Students also have access to the resources of a major research university including libraries, the Spencer Museum of Art, the Biodiversity Institute, and various research labs.

Graduate Admissions

We seek applicants from around the world for our competitive three-year MFA program in Visual Art.
Admissions

MFA Info Sessions

We have two upcoming online info session options for prospective graduate students. During these sessions, you will have the opportunity to learn more about the program, meet faculty, current graduate students, staff, and alumni.

M.F.A

3 year
program
100%
funded the first year
7
Studio Areas

Strong Artist Community

Faculty in the program exhibit their work all over the world, and are present in important collections around the world. Students are also supported by a strong Artist-in-Residence, Visiting Artist, and Visiting Critic program. These contacts go on to become peers and resources long after graduation.

A group stands around a gold buddha statue encased in a glass box

Visual Art Facilities

Students in the MFA program receive generous private/semi-private studios appropriate to their work for the entire duration of the program. In addition to their individual studios, Graduate students have access to a diverse ecosystem of facilities and equipment, ranging from traditional tools to emerging technologies.

Assistant Professor Sarah Gross instructs a class on using the throwing wheel in ceramics.

University Resources

Graduate Students have access to the resources of a major research university including libraries, the Spencer Museum of Art,
the Biodiversity Institute, and various research labs.

Two students look at paintings in the museum

Community Resources

Lawrence is a diverse and progressive city that still maintains the charm of a smaller community with a picturesque downtown, a thriving art scene and beautiful neighborhoods. Just 45 minutes away is Kansas City which offers all the resources of a major metropolitan area.

A group of students sits outside a coffee shop laughing.

Sarah Gross

Graduate Program Director

Katie Williams

Graduate Academic Advisor
Two students use tongs to take a clay vessel from the kiln to a can of water

Graduate Student Kirsten Taylor helps a student in her Intro to Ceramics class.

A student holds up two bags filled with yellow dye while her instructor looks on.

Graduate Student Jenny Welden gives a dying demonstration to her Fundamentals of Fibers class.

A student holds a large roller and examines a print

Graduate Student Sarah Pickett works in the Printmaking Studio.