Art Studio, MFA

MFA students concentrate in areas that include photography, installation, media, painting, drawing, sculpture, and ceramics. Or go beyond traditional studio arts with Social Practice Queens (SPQ), a concentration in social practice that is the only program of its kind on the East Coast.

• Use the arts to creatively activate social change
• Study in an MFA program that intersects with many other disciplines—environmental studies, social justice, public policy, urban studies, media studies, and more

Queens College has always offered an outstanding Studio Arts program. Now we’re pioneering new ways of creating and making an impact with SPQ, a field that combines artistic practice with social outcomes and community-based activities. We’re partnering with other CUNY departments and the Queens Museum (acclaimed by the New York Times for its “track record for making history as well as showing it”) to forge a new blend of art and activism.

Why pursue Art at Queens College?

• Work with accomplished faculty in the area of your passion
• Bring us the concept you’re excited about—we’ll help you make it happen here
• Explore nontraditional studio art with Social Practice Queens (SPQ)
• Create art in prime studio space, and be inspired by all the museums and galleries of a global art capital
• Integrate technology with studio practice—our resources include 3-D printing and one of the few foundries for metal casting in New York City

Academic Advisor

Glenn Goldberg

glenn.goldberg@qc.cuny.edu

Requirements for Matriculation

​These requirements are in addition to the general requirements for matriculation.​

1. In addition to three letters of reference, each candidate for admission shall submit a portfolio of work as prescribed by the committee. This portfolio shall be examined by the committee, which shall have the authority to accept or reject the candidate. Your portfolio webpage (URL) should be submitted in your application
2. Undergraduate study should consist of at least 30 credits in art; students shall have taken the equivalent of a two-semester survey course plus two elective courses in the history of art
3. Normally, each candidate for admission will be interviewed by a member of the committee. This requirement may be waived at the department’s option

Directions for Portfolio Submission

All applicants to the Master of Fine Arts program must submit a webpage (URL) displaying 15 work samples with captions and project explanations as needed. If your work is primarily video, then submit one complete video (up to 30 minutes) along with up to 4 five-minute samplings of other video works. Please also include on the website copies of your resume, the names and titles of the three people writing your recommendations, and your personal essay. The personal essay statement should indicate if you are applying for a particular concentration in one of the following areas: Painting, Sculpture, Installation, Photography, Ceramics, Media, Social Practice Art. The portfolio URL is submitted in your Queens College Graduate Admissions application.