MFA Program Information

Mission

The faculty of the University of Arkansas approach graduate ceramics with an eye toward new models of creative output, tying the history and traditions of the medium to an extended range of possibilities open to the contemporary ceramic practitioner. During their three years, MFA candidates are granted the time and resources to explore their ideas in a supportive atmosphere while developing the requisite skills and knowledge to operate as a practicing artist upon graduation. Students can expect a high level of interaction with their peers from other disciplines, and access to faculty across the School of Art.

Studio Spaces

Generously sized private studios (210-275 square feet) are available for students working toward their MFA. These spaces are located adjacent to the post-bac and resident artist studios, and just around the corner from our BFA spaces and general classroom. There is also an installation space and lounge in close proximity to the studios. The studio as a whole has been designed with an eye toward ambitious making—widened doors, generously-sized kilns, pallet jacks and stackers, and ample installation spaces—so that graduate student ambitions can be easily accommodated. For the scale of our program, ours is one of the most generously appointed studios in the country, and the productivity of our graduate students is of the highest priority.

Assistantships

Students pursuing an MFA benefit from a number of possible assistantships. Recent students have gained experience working in the ceramics studio, the department’s student-led gallery, advanced technology labs, or working as woodshop technicians. Teaching assistantships are also available. In an effort to foster good teaching practices, assistantships are provided in which students spend their hours observing and participating in an existing course led by full-time faculty, typically within the Foundations program. These assistantships vary, but offer every student a way to become actively involved in the education of our undergraduate students. Full assistantships cover tuition, offer a stipend of approximately 15,200 dollars and a fellowship of 4,000 dollars per academic year.

Awards and Grants

Project Grants

Students in the MFA program have the opportunity to apply for specific project grants within the School of Art. These grants help support creative research and professional development that would otherwise be impossible. Recent awardees have used funds to purchase materials and equipment, curate and organize exhibitions, and travel for special projects.

Travel Awards

Students have the opportunity to apply for competitive travel grants for workshops, residencies, and other professional development opportunities in the summer. Graduate Students interested in a longer-term study abroad experience may apply for a $15,000 Fulbright College-sponsored Sturgis International Fellowship, which supports travel for periods of four months or longer. Additionally, the graduate school offers potential travel grants through a competitive application of $1,100 to support graduate student travel to present their work are offered through the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. 

Study Abroad

Graduate students at the University of Arkansas benefit from an ongoing exchange with Taiwan’s Tainan National University of the Arts. A typical exchange lasts for a full semester and is seen as an integral part of our department’s educational mission of fostering an expanded view of contemporary ceramic practice. This opportunity is available to all who wish to participate. 

How to Apply

The deadline for application to the MFA program is January 15th. We welcome interested students to visit the school firsthand or to speak with the faculty before applying. To request a visit to the school or for more information, please direct inquiries to Renata Cassiano Alvarez at rcassian@uark.edu or Donna Jones (Director of Recruitment) at donnas@uark.edu.

Specific instructions on applying can be found on the School of Art's MFA Program page. The GRE is not required.