By earning your M.F.A. degree at Radford, you’ll become a responsive and flexible
creative, maker and thinker contributing to visual culture. You’ll receive individualized
instruction from accomplished artists and art historians, and you’ll benefit from
group critiques, studio visits, workshops with visiting artists and more. To further
focus your M.F.A. degree studies and deepen your artistic expertise, you can choose
from two concentrations: the studio art concentration or the design thinking concentration.
M.F.A. with a concentration in Studio Art
By choosing the studio art concentration, you’ll take courses in drawing, painting,
watercolor, ceramics, sculpture, photography, animation, video, illustration, graphic
design and international art history. You’ll develop professional skills through courses
in studio management, professional writing and instructional design. The studio art
concentration is a program within the Department of Art.
M.F.A. with a concentration in Design Thinking
What is design thinking? Design thinking is an approach to problem-solving that involves
understanding the user and developing solutions based on their challenges. By choosing
the design thinking concentration at Radford, you’ll complete your program 100% online providing you with the maximum flexibility you need to fit your online M.F.A. degree
program into your busy life. The design thinking concentration is a program within
the Department of Design.
Why Earn Your M.F.A. Degree at Radford?
As a Radford M.F.A. degree program student, you’ll be part of a vibrant, dynamic community
where your artistic vision can truly flourish, whether you’re taking studio art classes
on campus or you’re completing your M.F.A. degree online in the design thinking concentration.
You’ll be immersed in a transformative experience that balances rigorous academic
study with a focus on your concentration area as you prepare for a successful career
in studio arts or design.
Concentrations for on-campus or online study
In Radford’s M.F.A. program, you’ll benefit from a flexible structure tailored to
your needs. The design thinking concentration is offered fully online, allowing you
to balance your artistic development with personal and professional commitments. Meanwhile,
the on-campus studio art concentration provides hands-on access to state-of-the-art
studios and the opportunity to engage deeply with the campus community. Both options
are designed to help you refine your creative vision while advancing your career as
an artist or educator.
Unique M.F.A. degree benefits and options
Beyond the flexibility of on-campus or online M.F.A. degrees, you'll benefit from
personalized mentorship from distinguished faculty, opportunities to specialize in
diverse areas like painting, graphic design and ceramics, and the ability to tailor
your coursework to align with your creative vision. You’ll also gain access to state-of-the-art
studios, exhibitions and networking opportunities that can help propel your career.
Fully accredited MFA degree programs
You can feel confident you’re receiving a high-quality education, as Radford University
is one of only five institutions in Virginia accredited by the National Association
of Schools of Art & Design (NASAD). Fewer than 350 schools in the nation receive this
prestigious accreditation. Radford’s design thinking concentration is one of only
six programs accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) in
Virginia.
Mentorship from professional artists
At Radford, you’ll work closely with a distinguished faculty of accomplished artists
and scholars who are dedicated to guiding you through every stage of your creative
journey. You’ll also learn from professional visiting artists and artists-in-residence
as you gain knowledge and insights from professionals in the field. Your expansive
artistic network will help you pursue and obtain a professional art or design career.
