MFA / Fine Arts Programs in Manhattan, NYC

New York Studio School, Lower Manhattan:
The New York Studio School on West 8th Street in Lower Manhattan is where drawing, painting and sculpture are studied in depth, debated energetically and created with passion. We provide a range of art programs to adults and students, including a Master of Fine Art (MFA) and Certificate Program in Fine Art which mirrors the Masters Degree. From our historic campus in New York City, students can enroll in full and part-time programs as well as evening and weekend courses designed to suit their needs.

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Program (Full-Time)
The MFA programs, offered with concentrations in Painting or in Sculpture, continue the ethos of the teaching methods defined by the School's history within a recognized degree program. The MFA is based on maintaining a full-time, rigorous studio practice. Students are engaged in their work a minimum of 40 hours per week for the duration of their two years at the School. In their first year, students choose a core faculty member with whom they will work closely during each semester. Faculty are present in the atelier two days each week. Students are expected to continue working on the objectives set by faculty throughout the week. In the second year, faculty contact hours are reduced as students work in semi-private or private studios towards the completion of their individual thesis project.

Studio practice is balanced with Critical Studies courses, in addition to peer and instructed critiques. Lectures and seminars are held throughout the semester, as well as small group discussion with current and visiting faculty. The Critical Studies courses provide the groundwork for students to compose the statements that support their final thesis project. Degree candidates will be assessed on a continual basis throughout their time at the School. Courses are graded by faculty in accordance with School policy.

Students must complete 60 credits to successfully achieve the title of Master of Fine Arts, and credits must include all required courses. A residency of at least two academic years is necessary to complete the degree.

Certificate (CERT) Program (Full-Time)
The School also offers a three-year, non-credit, full-time Certificate program, which mirrors the MFA in its concentration on intensive studio work but does not require the attendance at and completion of the Critical Studies courses, nor the completion of a thesis project. Students enrolled in the Certificate program are, however, encouraged to attend the lunchtime and the Evening Lecture Series and participate fully in discussions.

Certificate students work alongside MFA students in their respective ateliers. This close relationship between the two programs encourages a higher level of commitment, dedication and rigor for everyone involved. Students can be admitted into the program in either the Fall or Spring Semesters. The Certificate program is ideal for those students, regardless of age and skill level, who desire to further their understanding and artistic development within a program concentrated purely on studio practice. There is no automatic transfer between the Certificate and MFA programs: students who wish to apply for an MFA while enrolled in the Certificate program must apply directly to the program and will be considered as new applicants.

Evening and Saturday Programs (Part-time)
Evening and Saturday programs offer classes in the specific disciplines the School excels in, as well as concentrated courses on aspects of one, such as watercolor or landscape painting, or figure sculpture. Course offerings, syllabi and materials vary by semester. Recent course offerings have included:
- Drawing
- Sculpture
- Watercolor
- Oil Painting

Marathon Programs (Part-time)
The School's internationally-recognized Marathon programs were developed in 1988 by Dean Graham Nickson, initially as a measure the level of commitment that a student should aim for the rest of the semester. Marathons occur at the beginning of each semester. The program has since expanded to become a core component of the School's curriculum. Meanwhile, intense outside interest led to the extension of the Marathons to a wider audience of participants outside of the full-time student body. Renowned artists, art historians, dealers, collectors, art educators, writers, journalists and students of all levels and affiliations have since experienced the intensity of the program.

Pre-College Program (Part-time, ages 14-18 years)
The New York Studio School Pre-College program is an intensive three or four-week session for students ages 14-18, offering an experimental in-depth approach to drawing, painting and sculpture. Trips to museums, galleries and artists' studios are also a major component to the program. Students will experience discovery of their own potential as artists in a setting that integrates tradition and the present moment of art. Aside from developing their skills, Pre-College students develop a unique attitude towards artistic growth: with creative hard work and an optimistic outlook, the past can be fruitfully studied and integrated into the living, personal present.

With small classes, faculty will be available to support students' challenges and individual needs. Students developing portfolios will meet with faculty members who are familiar with the portfolio review process for college admissions. Classes will include drawing from the nude model, drawing from the landscape, and explorations in sculpture. The Pre-College program was created in the belief that the New York Studio School is an ideal place for young students to come into the mature art world, with eyes open to the moment's challenges and potential. The Program is designed to be fun and empowering for all, regardless of background or level of skill.