Graduate Programs

Graduate Study

These full-time degree programs encourage excellence through experimentation, cross-disciplinary pursuits, and critical analyses of existing ideas about art, art teaching, and art history. The programs foster critical thinking and dynamic artistic production within an interdisciplinary environment.

Explore Our Programs

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M.F.A. in Studio

The Master of Fine Arts in Studio program offers concentrations in nine different disciplines, but encourages multi-medium exploration. Many of our M.F.A. students receive competitive tuition waivers and monthly stipends as part of assistantships, 24-hour access to personal studios, and a third year experience for residency travel, funding, or exhibition opportunities.

M.A. in Teaching

Students seeking a teaching certification at the graduate level may apply to the M.A.T. in Art Education. Candidates for the M.A.T. may be asked to complete additional coursework as advised by graduate faculty based on the portfolio review. Students in this program may be artists who have worked in the community, experienced art teachers, or recent art graduates.

LEARN ABOUT YOUR OPTIONS.

CERAMICS

PHOTOGRAPHY

DRAWING & PAINTING

PRINTMAKING

GRAPHIC DESIGN

SCULPTURE

INTERIOR DESIGN

TEXTILES

Enhanced Involvement Opportunities

Third Year Opportunities

As a signature, professional experience, third year graduates are exposed to international art fairs and conferences; given the opportunity to travel or exhibit in major cities; and/or are supported with opportunities to visit research-specific archives. These unique opportunities yield career-building experiences from curator and collector networking, to the development of professional practices, and offer experiences in focused art making and exposure to the greater international, contemporary art scene.

Welch Visiting Artist and Scholar Lecture Series

The year-round calendar of lectures, selected by faculty and grads, provides students with access to a diverse mix of renowned artists and scholars encouraging artistic discourse, and leading studio critiques and workshops. Graduate students have exclusive access to visiting artists. Recent notable visiting artists, curators, and scholars include Paul Mpagi Sepuya, Lauren Kalman, Jose Villanobos, Wafaa Bilal, CASSILS, Charlotte Cotton, Ghada Amer, and Mark Dion, among others.

Thesis Exhibitions and Art Venues

The Welch Galleries support the curriculum by curating regional, national, and international art exhibitions throughout the year, while providing a venue for thesis exhibitions. The galleries host presentations and panel discussions, providing students with personal access to professional artists and scholars.

Affordability and Scholarships

We are proud to offer a range of funding opportunities to our MFA candidates, with the majority of students receiving scholarships or full funding for their master's degree journey. However, it's important to note that while we endeavor to provide financial support to all eligible candidates, our program is competitive and not every student may receive full funding. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive community of artists, and we work diligently to ensure that financial constraints do not hinder the pursuit of creative excellence. Students may also apply for extra, internal grant funding for research, travel, and materials twice a year.

24-hour Access & Studio Spaces

MFA Studio majors are provided with 24-hour access to private & semi-private studio space, which allow for creative exploration and research in their area of study. Our Welch facilities and resources include the Creative Media Center for renting technology; the Edgewood Sculpture Studio, complete with a metal shop, wood shop, laser cutters, and a foundry; and the Visual Resource Center. Students also have access to resources at the Creative Media Industry Institute and the makers space, EXLAB.

Application Requirements: Deadline February 1, 2024

—Completed online application (no paper applications accepted)

— Curriculum Vitae (CV)

— Artist Statement (M.F.A. applicants only)

— Application fee of $50
— Portfolio and Statement of Intent

—Three letters of recommendation

— One unofficial transcript from all other schools that you have attended for your application. If accepted, you will be required to submit one official transcript from each school.

BEGIN YOUR APPLICATION

Welch MFAs travel to New York City on the 20th Anniversary of the Graduate Welch Fund

This summer, rising third year M.F.A. candidates joined the flurry of visitors for what The New York Times called “Mad May:” a week filled with exhibition openings, panels, artist talks, and the Frieze international art fair. The group traveled under the leadership of Professor Craig Drennen, whose professional and social connections provided exclusive behind-the-scene tours and meetings with prominent art figures.

OUR STUDENTS RECEIVE EXPOSURE AND NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NATIONAL SCENE

Past Graduate Thesis

M.F.A. and M.A. students write culminating theses that correspond with the work in their thesis exhibition or research in their art historical focus.

READ PAST THESES

Graduate Handbook

For more specific information on graduate stipends, assistantships, opportunities, resources, procedures, and graduation requirements, reference our current graduate handbook.

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Graduate Artist Forum

The Graduate Artist Forum is a student-run club for grad students that includes all concentrations. GAF hosts art sales, supports student participation in conferences and residencies, raises money for educational/professional trips, holds bi-annual exhibitions, and creates community outside of the classroom within our student body.

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Contact Us

Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design

Art & Design Office Hours:
Monday—Friday
9:00 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.

Contact Us

[email protected]

404-413-5221

404-413-5261 (Fax)

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WELCH FACULTY & STAFF DIRECTORY

WELCH SCHOOL GALLERIES

Administration & Staff

School Director: Michael White

Associate Director: Tim Flowers

Business Manager: Candiss Addison

Public Relations Coordinator: Jac Kuntz

Administrative Coordinator: Liz Flamming

Gallery Director: Cynthia Farnell

Foundations Coordinator

Neill Prewitt

[email protected]

Graduate Director

Wesley Harvey
Room 124 Art & Humanities Bldg.

[email protected]

404-413-5229

Office/Delivery Address

10 Peachtree Center Avenue SE
Art & Humanities Building
Suite 117
Atlanta, GA 30303

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USPS Mailing Address:

Georgia State University
Ernest G. Welch School of
Art & Design
P.O. Box 3965
Atlanta, Georgia 30302-3965

COLLEGE OF THE ARTS WEBSITE

Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design