Fine Arts, MFA
The two-year Master of Fine Arts program at Penn is focused on the professional development of studio artists. Through studio work, seminar courses, international residency opportunities, and interactions with vital working artists, the program provides an open intellectual framework to foster critical awareness and independent methods of artistic research. Students extend their conceptual strategies while inventing and then refining their own hybridized forms of art-making methods. The program encourages exploration, extending studies into other disciplines within the Weitzman School of Design and the University at large through a rich selection of outside electives and optional certificate and dual-degree programs.
A total of 19 CUs are required.
For more information: https://www.design.upenn.edu/fine-arts/graduate/program
Curriculum
| Code | Title | Course Units |
|---|---|---|
| FNAR 5010 | Graduate Studio I | 2 |
| FNAR 5020 | Graduate Studio II | 2 |
| FNAR 6010 | Graduate Studio III | 2 |
| FNAR 6020 | Graduate Studio IV | 2 |
| FNAR 7010 | Graduate Critique I | 1 |
| FNAR 7020 | Graduate Critique II | 1 |
| FNAR 7030 | Graduate Critique III | 1 |
| FNAR 7040 | Graduate Critique IV | 1 |
| FNAR 8010/8030 | Critical Issues in Contemporary Art 1 | 1 |
| FNAR 8020/8040 | Critical Issues in Contemporary Art 1 | 1 |
| Fine Arts Electives (with FMAE attribute) | 2 | |
| Outside Electives (must be 5000-level or higher, not in FNAR or DSGN) | 2 | |
| Open Elective (must be 5000-level or higher) | 1 | |
| Total Course Units | 19 | |
- 1
Courses with the FMAG Attribute can substitute for FNAR 8010, FNAR 8020, FNAR 8030, or FNAR 8040.
The degree and major requirements displayed are intended as a guide for students entering in the Fall of 2026 and later. Students should consult with their academic program regarding final certifications and requirements for graduation.
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Course Units | |
| FNAR 5010 | Graduate Studio I | 2 |
| FNAR 7010 | Graduate Critique I | 1 |
| Elective 1 | 1 | |
| Grad Seminar 1 | 1 | |
| Course Units | 5.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| FNAR 5020 | Graduate Studio II | 2 |
| FNAR 7020 | Graduate Critique II | 1 |
| Elective(s) and/or Grad Seminar 1 | 2 | |
| Course Units | 5.00 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| FNAR 6010 | Graduate Studio III | 2 |
| FNAR 7030 | Graduate Critique III | 1 |
| Elective(s) and/or Grad Seminar 1 | 2 | |
| Course Units | 5.00 | |
| Spring | ||
| FNAR 6020 | Graduate Studio IV | 2 |
| FNAR 7040 | Graduate Critique IV | 1 |
| Elective(s) and/or Grad Seminar 1 | 1 | |
| Course Units | 4.00 | |
| Total Course Units | 19.00 | |
- 1
Students take five electives (two Fine Arts Electives, two Outside Electives, and one Open Elective) and two Graduate Seminars. These courses can be taken in any terms, although it is strongly advised that the first Graduate Seminar be taken in the first semester of Year One.