Program type:

Major
Format:

On Campus
Est. time to complete:

3 years
Credit Hours:

60
Develop your photography skills even further!
The M.F.A. in Studio Art with a concentration in Photography integrates creative research, contemporary theory, and practice culminating in a one-person exhibition. The program frames the individual needs of each student through the development of conceptual, aesthetic, and technical skills.

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Why Earn a Studio Art Master’s with a Concentration in Photography?

The M.F.A. program in Studio Art Photography integrates creative research, contemporary theory, and studio practice culminating in a solo exhibition.

We serve our students by focusing on their intellectual and creative growth, fostering each student's practice, and preparing them for a lifetime of accomplishment and meaningful contribution as culture creators.

While in the College of Visual Arts and Design, students participate in ideas and methodologies across disciplines while engaging in the critical practice of the fine arts. Housed in a world-class Tier 1 research institution, the vibrant cultural capitals of Dallas and Fort Worth are a short drive from the UNT Art Building.

Our graduate programs are led by engaged artists and educators who are recognized nationally and internationally for their intellectual and creative research. The CVAD Studio Art faculty are passionate and work to help students realize their potential.

We are proud of the diverse means of research modes and art-making processes in our program and the many successes of our M.F.A. graduates who make their impact through creative inquiry, scholarship and innovation.

Our M.F.A. students are passionate, skilled, dedicated and have a unique vision!

Marketable Skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Advanced craftsmanship
  • Teamwork
  • Advanced oral and written communication
  • Advanced multiple approach assessment

Studio Art Master’s with a Concentration in Photography Highlights

Traditional wet and alternative processes darkroom.
Wacom desktop and Cintiq tablets. AI image editing and generation. 
Epson printers with 44-inch-wide capabilities.
The M.F.A. in Studio Art with a concentration in Photography integrates creative research, contemporary theory, and practice culminating in a one-person exhibition.
All M.F.A. students are provided a studio in the new UNT Art Annex Building that opened in 2022.
We serve our students by focusing on their intellectual and creative growth, fostering each student's practice, and preparing them for a lifetime of accomplishment and meaningful contribution as culture creators.

What Can You Do With a Studio Art Master’s with a Concentration in Photography?

Graduates of the program pursue diverse careers across education, the arts, and creative industries, such as the following.
  • Education – Teach photography at universities, colleges, community centers, museums, or through private workshops and residencies.
  • Fine Art – Exhibit and sell original work to galleries, collectors, and the public.
  • Professional Photography – Build careers in commercial, editorial, fashion, wedding, portrait, sports, or photojournalism fields.
  • Creative Leadership – Advance into roles such as art director, creative director, photo editor, or gallery manager.
  • Technical & Instructional Roles – Work as a photography instructor, lab technician, equipment specialist, or visual effects artist.
  • Entrepreneurship – Launch freelance businesses, studios, or consulting practices, combining creative expertise with business skills.
This degree equips graduates with advanced technical, creative, and professional tools to shape careers in both traditional and emerging visual media fields.

Studio Art Master’s with a Concentration in Photography Courses You Could Take

Teaching Practices (3 hrs)
First year studio art graduate cohort class. Includes successful completion of GSTEP, designated hours shadowing faculty in studio discipline, development of course syllabi for intro level studio classes, course discussions related to readings.
Graduate Seminar (18 hrs)
Graduate Seminar is an intensive interdisciplinary-based course which encourages innovation and the development of a creative portfolio, art artifacts, performances or installations. Seminars are structured around group critique, studio practice and reading/writing/presentation/discussion. Critiques are not themed and require students to develop their own projects and creative voice. Open to all Studio MFA students, all years. 
Professional Practices for the Studio Artist (3 hrs)
Study of theoretical and practical aspects of succeeding as a practicing artist outside the academy. Survey of the protocols and common practices expected of the artist as a productive member of the business community wherein fine art is the commodity.
Creative Project (3 hrs)
Cohort studio course for MFA students in preparation for their culminating project. May include seminar discussions, critiques, development of an extended artist statement draft, professional opportunity/engagement proposals and writing an annotated bibliography.  
Exhibition (3 hrs)
Art research and practice for a creative project. Students present their project as an exhibition, oral defense, project report, artist statement, and a portfolio of outcomes.
Topics in Studio Art (12 hrs)
Constitutes the finalizing of work started in ASTU 5015 culminating in an exhibition which highlights the student’s research and artistic process. Students present a cohesive body of artworks, accompanied by a completed extended artist statement.  

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