Our Program
Academics
The three-year program consists of 60 credit hours, with required courses in art history, seminar, and independent study. The culmination of the MFA degree is a professional installation with an accompanying thesis paper.
Our program is heavily based on theory, research, and making. Those who excel in this program are self-motivated with strong writing skills.
A detailed view of the program schedule can be found here.
Fully Funded + Stipend
All students accepted into this program receive a full tuition waiver and a $20,000 stipend each academic year for up to three years. Additionally, the Graduate School has many funding opportunities available to students for travel, research, and supplies. Please visit this link for more information on funding and award opportunities.
Areas of Study
- Painting & Drawing
- Ceramics
- Sculpture
- Photography
- Industrial Design
- Visual Communication Design
Facilities
- Metal Shop & Foundry
- Wood Shop
- Photo Studios
- 3D Fabrication Shop
- Digital Fabrication
- Digital Print Studio
- Printmaking Studio
- Ceramics Studio
- Studio space for each MFA*
Artwork (background image) by Melonie Mulkey.
Application Checklist
- Complete the general application on the Graduate School's website
- Statement of Intent
- Curriculum Vitae
- Arrange for three letters of recommendation
- Unofficial transcripts
- Submit 20 images of work from portfolio through SlideRoom
Details regarding the application process can be found here.
Applicants are only accepted in the fall, and the deadline is Feb. 1
Inspiration
We continuously sponsor a guest lecture series, bringing a multitude of world-class artists and designers as well as art historians outside the University to visit our department and present current research and publications, critique student work, and inspire our aspiring artists, designers, and historians.
Recent visitors include:
- Dr. Hannah Higgins, author/historian
- Jennifer Dasal, curator/podcast host
- Shinique Smith, painter/sculptor
- David Plunkert, illustrator
- Wendy White, painter
- Jason Middlebrook, sculptor
- Eddie Opara, designer
- Cecile Whiting, author/historian
- Emily Pilloton, designer
- Kevin Bethune, designer
Artwork (background image) by Jenn Kaplan.
Contact Us
University of Notre Dame
Department of Art, Art History & Design
306 Riley Hall of Art & Design, Notre Dame, IN 46556
art@nd.edu
574.631.7602
Design (background image) by Carly Hagins.