Interested in a career in the arts? But not sure what to do once you’ve graduated from college?
That’s totally okay.
Unlike other professions, artists rarely follow one common career trajectory, so it can be overwhelming to figure out which next step is right for you without some varied consideration.
West Virginia University’s School of Art & Design offers master’s degrees in eight different areas of the visual arts: a Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics, Graphic Design, Intermedia & Photography, Painting, and Sculpture, and a Master of Arts in Printmaking, Art Education, and Art History. The interdisciplinary nature of each of these programs allows an art student to not only master their technical and creative skills but to learn how to make thoughtful contributions to the artistic community.
Art History
If you’re a more academically inclined artist, the Master of Arts in Art History is a way to explore many different areas beyond just art, such as philosophy, history, literature, religion, and mythology.
Students also have the chance to conduct original research on a topic of choice.
Art Education
If you’re not sure which fine art to specialize in but have an interest in teaching, the Master of Arts in Art Education allows you to do it all — study history, create, and of course, teach. In addition to the M.A., WVU now offers a Graduate Certificate in Visual Arts Therapy for experienced art educators.
Ceramics
The Master of Fine Arts in Ceramics brings together art history, science, technology, and design for a comprehensive study of practice and curation. WVU is also one of the only schools in the country that has a production line through which students can create pieces for ceramic sales for the general public.
Graphic Design
The M.F.A. in Graphic Design encourages students to explore design as a means of communication, with curricula ranging from typography to book arts to design thinking. WVU graduate students in Graphic Design go on to present a paper at a major national conference at the end of their studies.
Intermedia & Photography
For photographers, videographers, animators, or visual storytellers, the Intermedia & Photography M.F.A. is a chance to learn by doing.
Graduate students can explore any aspect of Intermedia & Photography they choose, and over the course of the program, students build a high-quality portfolio that will set them apart as they pursue jobs in the industry.
Printmaking
Artists can experiment with all sorts of media in the Printmaking Master of Fine Arts program at WVU, such as monoprinting, relief, silk-screen, computer-mediated images and alternative printing processes.
Through a partnership with Artists Image Resource (AIR), select students will have the opportunity to intern each year in their headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA.
Painting
The M.F.A. in Painting combines the old with the new — with exposure to both traditional and contemporary foundations of painting. WVU's Painting program trains students as art historians and art theorists — and as artists themselves, with individualized teaching in studio work.
Sculpture
WVU’s Sculpture takes a mixed-media and experimental approach to three-dimensional creation and helps students to grow as sculptors that can produce work in any social context. The program also offers a group metal pour each year so that students can learn the technical and safety procedures to cast in aluminum and bronze.
Are you thinking of applying to graduate program at West Virginia University? The Admissions team here at WVU knows that sometimes applying to an academic program can be stressful and confusing, and that’s why we’ve put together a resource for your to reference: Everything You Need to Know About Applying to a Graduate Program at West Virginia University.
