Master of Fine Arts

The MFA Art program provides graduate students the opportunity to pursue contemporary art production through theoretical and practical scholarship. Encompassing material, critical, and conceptual investigations, students work with an open studio context with faculty who are active artists and scholars. Indigenous knowledge and cultural perspectives are supported, while an extensive Visiting Speakers in the Art Program enriches the MFA experience by creating weekly opportunities for discussion with a spectrum of practicing artist, architects, curators, critics, and historians. Resourced with excellent studios and technical facilities, and bolstered by nationally renowned galleries and arts organizations, the program offers students unique opportunities for exhibition and dialogue within a vibrant cultural community

The University of Lethbridge possesses one of the largest and most accessible art collections in Canada, fostering direct student access to 19th, 20th, and 21st century national and international artwork. A lively and extensive Visiting Speakers in the Arts Program enhances communication with national and international artists, writers, critics, and curators. MFA students are encouraged to augment their studio practice through interactions with our strong Art History/Museum Studies Program, and other graduate programs in the Faculty of Fine Arts (New Media, Music, and Drama). The University’s liberal arts focus offers opportunities to take courses and explore collaborations with the Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences.

During the summer months, a unique studio residency is available to graduate students through the University of Lethbridge Gushul Studio Residency Program, located in the Crowsnest Pass, Alberta.

Located in the University Centre for the Arts, the Art Department is supported by excellent studio and resourced with a wide range of outstanding technical workshops and digital facilities.

• Metal shop with foundry, forge and CNC plasma cutter
• Individual studios for senior students
• Modern woodshop, ceramic, plaster and textile studios
• Bronze and aluminum foundry
• Digital fabrication and Data Physicalization lab includes CNC router and 3D printer
• Printmaking studios with Boss Laser Engraver
• Digital media studio with 3D and large format printer
• Photography & camera obscura studio with full wet darkroom
• Painting and drawing studios
• Exhibition, installation and experimental spaces
• Sewing studio and loom
• Excellent technical support and mentorship

The program supports areas of study in a range of creative practices including:

• Drawing
• Painting
• Sculpture
• Installation
• Performance art
• Photography
• Printmaking
• Media and electronic art

Majors

• Art (MFA)
• Dramatic Arts (MFA)
• New Media (MFA)

During the first year of the M.F.A. program, students complete course work. In the second year of the program, M.F.A. students focus on the research and production of the Thesis. The Thesis will be defended in the Final Oral Examination.The required courses for M.F.A. - Art majors are:

• Art 5148 - Graduate Studio I (6.0 credit hours)
• Art 5149 - Graduate Studio II (6.0 credit hours)
• Art 5160 - Theory in Art Studio (3.0 credit hours)
• Fine Arts 5020 - Information Literacy for the Fine Arts (3.0 credit hours)
• Two electives at the 5000 level, at least one of which must be in Art, Art History, or Museum Studies (6.0 credit hours)