THE MFA in Studio Art at the University of Alabama is a selective three-year program where students can specialize in various disciplines while preparing for a career as a visual artist. Concentrations in ceramics, painting, printmaking, photography, and sculpture provide opportunities for specialization. However, the program supports exploration through media, and the department’s internationally recognized graduate faculty includes artists working in digital media, drawing, graphic design, installation, video and social practice. Enrollment is small by design, allowing students to have designated studio space and work closely with faculty mentors.
The university campus is a vibrant hub for contemporary art with exhibitions, workshops and panel discussions occurring regularly. The Paul R. Jones Museum and Sarah Moody Art Gallery are active collecting institutions and teaching centers where significant historical and contemporary works are incorporated into the educational experience of graduates. A robust program of visiting artists and scholars brings internationally renowned scholars, curators, artists, and practitioners to campus for speaking engagements and visits to graduate studios.
A generous funding pool provides financial support to many incoming students, many of whom receive renewable full tuition waivers and stipends of $15,300 to $20,000. Additional research funding is available for registered students to support travel, external exposure opportunities, and conference attendance.
The University of Alabama is committed to fostering an innovative and critically minded graduate program. During their studies, students establish the foundations for lifelong artistic practice and engage with the resources and mentorship necessary to contribute meaningfully to our contemporary cultural landscape.
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Jonathan Cumberland, William Dooley, Allison Grant, Jamey Grimes, Jason Guynes, Holland Hopson, Sarah Marshall, Wade MacDonald, Celestia Morgan, Pete Schulte, Bryce Speed, Craig Wedderspoon, Melissa Yes
Recent guest artists and exhibiting artists
Roscoe Hall, Cedric Smith, Patricia Watts, Rebecca Rutstein, Renée Stout, James Little, Thornton Willis, Charlie Lucas, William Paul Thomas, Tony Bingham, Kelly Taylor Mitchell, Joyce Scott
For more information about the graduate program, contact Allison Grant, Director of Graduate Studies in Studio Art, at grant4@ua.edu or apply online at graduate.ua.edu.
