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University Catalog 2023-2024 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Art, M.A.
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Information about the Masters of Arts Degree
The Master of Arts degree (MA) is a 30-unit graduate program offered in 5 options:
The MA degree is advanced study and practice in a specific discipline of Art. The degree provides students with an opportunity to gain stronger educational and experiential basis for a professional career and may be an interim step to pursue further graduate work in the field. It is considered to be a general degree, and is well suited for individuals that are seeking an advanced degree for teaching purposes.
Admission to the MA Degree Program
Applicants are admitted to the MA degree program on the basis of:
- Application materials that clearly demonstrate advanced level competence in the area of specialization and a professional presentation.
- An indication that the applicant has the ability to be self-motivated and self-directed.
- BA or BFA degree in Art or Design.
- 3.0 GPA or higher for the BA/BFA degree.
- If requested, an in-person interview with the Faculty Review Committee (15-20 minutes).
If an in-person interview is required, the applicant will receive advance notification of the date, the appointment time, and room location. The applicant will meet with the Faculty Review Committee for 15-20 minutes. The committee and the applicant will discuss the portfolio materials, their educational goals, and specific needs and expectations for graduate study. There is also an opportunity for the applicant to ask questions about the program.
Application Procedure
Two separate applications are required for the MA degree program:
Application 1 - University Application
Applicants must submit a complete online application to the university as described in the graduate program application information at www.calstateapply.edu. Applicants who completed an undergraduate degree at Cal State LA in the preceding term are also required to submit an application and pay the nonrefundable application fee.
Application 2 - Department of Art Application
The Department of Art application deadline is the same as the University application deadline.
Application materials must be delivered or mailed to the Department of Art Office prior to the application deadline. Applications that are late or incomplete will not be considered.
Art Education Option Application
Must include the following:
- Graduate Application Form - available on the department website www.calstatela.edu/academic/art/MA%20MFA.php
- A one-page printed statement describing the applicant’s goals and motivation for seeking an MA graduate degree at Cal State LA.
- Two letters of recommendation from professionals in the field who have direct experience with the applicant’s work through an academic or mentor relationship, and who can attest to their creative abilities and their potential for graduate study.
- Copy of BA or BFA transcripts (not required for BA graduates of Cal State LA).
- Portfolio materials that reflect the applicant’s most successful efforts in Art Education, and that clearly demonstrate original thought and creative abilities, as well as a high level of technical proficiency.
- Portfolio of applicant’s own artwork (CD, selected original artwork, or quality color photocopies).
- Examples of the artwork of applicant’s students (if available).
- Two lesson plans for K-12 art instruction.
- Written responses to five questions. This consists of a 2-hour writing session that will be arranged by appointment.
Art History Option Application
Must include the following:
- Graduate Application Form - available on the department website www.calstatela.edu/academic/art/MA%20MFA.php
- A one-page printed statement describing the applicant’s goals and motivation for seeking an MA graduate degree at Cal State LA.
- Two letters of recommendation from professionals in the field who have direct experience with the applicant’s work through an academic or mentor relationship, and who can attest to their creative abilities and their potential for graduate study.
- Copy of BA or BFA transcripts (not required for BA graduates of Cal State LA).
- Portfolio of three art history research papers with bibliography and endnotes.
Design Option Application
Must include the following:
- Graduate Application Form - available on the department website www.calstatela.edu/academic/art/MA%20MFA.php
- 10-15 images of recent work in a specific area of Design (Animation, Graphic Design). Images must be submitted on a CD, DVD, or a USB flash drive. The submitted images are to reflect the applicant’s most successful efforts in the intended area of study, and should clearly demonstrate original thought and creative abilities, as well as a high level of technical proficiency.
- A printed list of the images that indicates the title of the work, medium, dimensions, and date made.
- A one-page printed statement describing the applicant’s creative ideas and goals, and motivation for seeking an MA graduate degree at Cal State LA.
- Two letters of recommendation from professionals in the field who have direct experience with the applicant’s work through an academic or mentor relationship, and who can attest to their creative abilities and their potential for graduate study.
- Copy of BA or BFA transcripts (not required for BA graduates of Cal State LA).
Fashion, Fiber and Materials Option Application
Must include the following:
- Graduate Application Form - available on the department website www.calstatela.edu/academic/art/MA%20MFA.php
- 20 images of recent work in Fashion or Fiber. Images must be submitted on a CD, DVD, or a USB flash drive. The submitted images are to reflect the applicant’s most successful efforts in the intended area of study, and should clearly demonstrate original thought and creative abilities, as well as a high level of technical proficiency.
- A printed list of the images that indicates the title of the work, medium, dimensions, and date made.
- A one-page printed statement describing the applicant’s creative ideas and goals, and motivation for seeking an MA graduate degree at Cal State LA.
- Two letters of recommendation from professionals in the field who have direct experience with the applicant’s work through an academic or mentor relationship, and who can attest to their creative abilities and their potential for graduate study.
- Copy of BA or BFA transcripts (not required for BA graduates of Cal State LA).
Studio Arts Option Application
must include the following:
- Graduate Application Form - available on the department website www.calstatela.edu/academic/art/MA%20MFA.php
- 10-15 images of recent work in a specific area of Studio Arts Option (Drawing, Painting, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture, New Genres). Images must be submitted on a CD, DVD, or a USB flash drive. The submitted images are to reflect the applicant’s most successful efforts in the intended area of study, and should clearly demonstrate original thought and creative abilities, as well as a high level of technical proficiency.
- A printed list of the images that indicates the title of the work, medium, dimensions, and date made.
- A one-page printed statement describing the applicant’s creative ideas and goals, and motivation for seeking an MA graduate degree at Cal State LA.
- Two letters of recommendation from professionals in the field who have direct experience with the applicant’s work through an academic or mentor relationship, and who can attest to their creative abilities and their potential for graduate study.
- Copy of BA or BFA transcripts (not required for BA graduates of Cal State LA).
Admission Status
G2 Graduate Classified Status - Applicants who meet the admission criteria for the MA degree program are granted G2 Graduate Classified Status, and must enroll for the semester for which the application was made. Applicants who do not enroll for the semester for which they were admitted will have their admission canceled (see “Reapplication After Failure to Enroll” in the Admissions General Information section of the University catalog). The application fee may not be transferred or applied to another semester.
G1 Graduate Conditionally Classified Status -The Faculty Review Committee has the option of granting Conditional Admission to applicants who do not have a BA/BFA in Art, or who do not have a 3.0 GPA or higher for the BA/BFA degree. Conditional Admission may require the applicant to complete a minimum XX-unit Qualifying Course program before admission to the graduate program is granted. The Qualifying Courses may not be included on the MA degree program. Each course on the Qualifying Course program must be completed with a grade of B or higher (no B-).
Primary Advisor
Upon admission to the graduate program, the student is assigned a Primary Advisor from the full-time faculty in the Option. The student may request a change of advisor at any time. It is the student’s responsibility to meet with the Primary Advisor on a regular basis. It is also expected that the student contact other faculty in the Option to keep them informed about the progress of their work and to solicit comments.
The Primary Advisor provides information and answers questions regarding progress through the graduate program. The Primary Advisor’s role is to advise the student during the process of completing an MA Project or researching and writing a Thesis.
MA Degree Program Form
During the first semester of study at Cal State LA, it is the student’s responsibility to meet with the Primary Advisor and complete an official MA Degree Program Form. This form must be signed by the Primary Advisor, submitted to the Department of Art, and approved by the College Graduate Dean no later than the end of the first semester. Failure to file an approved MA Degree Program Form during the first semester may result in the loss of completed coursework.
After the MA Degree Program Form is filed with the College Graduate Dean, course substitutions on the program may be made only if there is a compelling reason (such as scheduling problems or a change in research).
A course substitution must be approved in advance by submitting the GS-5 Application for Course Substitution form. The form must be signed by the Primary Advisor, and submitted to the department office by the fifth week of the semester prior to the student’s enrollment in the course. When the change has been approved, it becomes part of the MA degree program.
A course may not be added to or deleted from the MA Degree Program after a grade has been awarded.
Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)
All graduate students must demonstrate competence in writing skills as a requirement for graduation by satisfying the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) within the first two semesters of their graduate program or prior to the completion of 12 units (whichever occurs later).
The GWAR may be satisfied in one of the following ways:
- Take and pass the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE), a timed supervised writing assessment; or
- Take and pass the special upper-division university writing course (UNIV 4010 ); or
- Provide evidence of an earned doctorate or master’s degree from an accredited college or university where the primary language of instruction is English; or
- Provide evidence of passing a writing proficiency examination or a graduation writing assessment examination in English at any accredited college or university where the primary language of instruction is English; or
- Provide evidence of achieving a score of 41 or better on the writing portion of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
Additional Requirements for the MA Degree
Graduate Walk-Through Review
Once during each year, graduate students in the Design, Fashion, Fiber and Materials and Studio Arts Options are required to present their strongest work from the current academic year along with a written Artist Statement or Design Project Statement. The work will be installed presented by each student in the Fine Arts Gallery order to provide an opportunity for dialog with the option faculty and for an in- progress evaluation.
Advancement to Candidacy
The student is eligible to submit the GS-10 Application for Advancement to Candidacy form when:
- At least 12 units of the coursework for the degree have been completed with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
- The Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement is satisfied.
- There are no courses on the program with Incomplete (I) grades.
Completion of the MA Degree
Thesis
A Thesis is required for students in Art Education and Art History Options. Fashion, Fiber and Materials Option students complete either a Thesis or a Project and Project Report. The Thesis is the result of research and scholarship in the student’s particular field of study. The Thesis clearly identifies the problem, states the major assumptions, explains the significance of the undertaking, sets forth the sources for and methods of gathering information, analyzes the data, and offers a conclusion. It demonstrates originality, critical and independent thinking, appropriate thesis organization, and the ability to thoroughly document the research. Prior to writing the Thesis, the student must meet with the Primary Advisor for approval of the Thesis Proposal, which outlines a research problem, significance of the study and projected methodology. The student is expected to clearly and concisely present their ideas for the Thesis Proposal, and be able to defend questions from the option faculty.
Thesis Committee
Once the Thesis Proposal is approved, the student is eligible to submit the GS-12 Request for Thesis or Project Committee and Title form. It is the student’s responsibility to secure the commitment of a three-person committee consisting of the Primary Advisor to serve as the Thesis Committee Chair and two full-time faculty members of the department. One member may be from another academic department if approved by the Thesis Committee Chair. It is the Thesis Committee’s responsibility to provide guidance during the research and writing of the Thesis. After the Thesis Committee has been established, the student is required to meet with the Thesis Committee Chair and the other committee members at least once each semester to review the progress on the Thesis, particularly during the semester the student plans to graduate.
Thesis Submission
All candidates must submit an electronic copy of the Thesis according to the university guidelines and deadlines as indicated on the Office of Graduate Studies website. The Thesis must follow the guidelines established by the university found in the “Guide to Preparation of Master’s Theses and Project Reports,” copies of which are available on the Office of Graduate Studies website. This guide provides information about: the procedures, regulations, and responsibilities governing the Project Report; general requirements for Project Report preparation and acceptance; and format requirements for the Project Report. All MA graduate students are required to attend a Thesis/Project Report Workshop, offered each semester by the Office of Graduate Studies to assist students who are in any phase of the Thesis preparation. The specific dates are available on the Office of Graduate Studies website.
MA Project and Project Report
An exhibition of the MA Project and a Project Report are required for students in the Design, and Studio Arts Options. Fashion, Fiber and Materials Option students complete either a Thesis or a Project and Project Report.
MA Project Screenings
Each student is required to present their work to the Option Faculty Committee through a series of graduate screenings related to the MA Project.
- Before participating in a screening, the student must meet with the Primary Advisor for approval and be registered for the semester in which the student plans to screen.
- The Graduate Screening Form must be signed by the Primary Advisor and submitted to the Department of Art office by the deadline of the semester during which the student plans to screen. In advance of the scheduled screening date, the student will be notified of the appointment time and room location. Late sign-ups will not be accepted.
- On the day of the screening, the student is expected to arrive early and present their work in a professional manner. The presentation is 20 minutes. Late arrivals will not be screened.
- There are no screenings during summer session.
Screening #1 - MA Project Proposal Screening
Prior to participating in the MA Project Proposal Screening, the student must meet with the Primary Advisor for approval of the proposal and to sign the Graduate Screening Form. MA Project Proposals are to have a specific focus, show a high level of creative individuality and original thought, and require in-depth research and/or experimentation. At the screening, the student presents a selection of work in a professional manner that clearly indicates the ideas and direction of the proposal, as well as technical competence in its production. The student is expected to speak clearly and concisely about the ideas for the MA Project Proposal, and be able to answer questions from the Option Faculty Committee. A written MA Project Proposal that outlines the creative research and explains the purpose and goals of the MA Project is required to be placed in the Option Faculty mailboxes one week prior to the screening date.
MA Project Committee
- Once the MA Project Proposal Screening is passed, the student is eligible to submit the GS-12 Request for Thesis or Project Committee and Title form.
- It is the student’s responsibility to secure the commitment of a three-person committee consisting of the Primary Advisor to serve as the MA Project Committee Chair and two full-time faculty members of the option. An additional member from outside the option may be added if approved by the Option Faculty Committee.
- The MA Project is developed under the guidance of the student’s Project Committee Chair with the assistance of the Project Committee members. It is the MA Project Committee’s responsibility to provide advisement about the MA Project Report. Students are expected to work on the MA Project Report during the entire process of completing the MA Project. If assistance is needed with writing, it is recommended that the student contact the appropriate university resources, such as the University Writing Center.
- After the MA Project Committee has been established, the student is required to meet with the Project Committee Chair and the other committee members at least once each semester to review the progress on the MA Project and the MA Project Report, particularly during the semester the student plans to graduate.
Screening #2 - MA Project Progress Screening
- The maximum time period before the first MA Project Progress Screening is one year. If it has been more than one year since the MA Project Proposal Screening, the student must re-screen at the Project Proposal level.
- The purpose of the MA Project Progress Screening is for the student to present work that has been produced specifically for the MA Project to the Option Faculty Committee. This may be experimental work, work-in-progress, completed work, or a combination of these.
- The Option Faculty Committee evaluates the progress made on the MA Project, and gives feedback about its direction, its strengths and its weaknesses.
- Students must pass at least one MA Project Progress Screening. However, additional MA Project Progress Screenings may be required by the Option Faculty Committee. The number of MA Project Progress Screenings required is directly related to the progress toward the completion of the MA Project.
- An abstract, outline, draft and bibliography for the MA Project Report are required to be placed in the Option Faculty mailboxes one week prior to the screening date.
- Students who do not pass two consecutive MA Project Progress Screenings are required to re-screen at the MA Project Proposal level.
Screening #3 - MA Project Final Screening
The MA Project Final Screening is the presentation of the completed MA Project as it will be exhibited in the Fine Arts Gallery. Only work presented at the MA Project Final Screening and approved by the Option Faculty Committee may be included in the MA Project Exhibition. This work must adhere to the MA Project Proposal, and must be professionally finished and presented. A complete final draft of the MA Project Report must be submitted to the Project Committee members one week prior to the screening date.
MA Project Exhibition
After the Project Committee has approved the completed work, the MA Project must be appropriately exhibited in accordance with department requirements.
MA Project Report
- The MA Project Report includes the project’s significance, objectives, methodology, and a conclusion. Visual documentation of the MA Project (CD, DVD, USB Flash drive) must be included with the MA Project Report.
- All candidates must submit an electronic copy of the MA Project Report according to the university guidelines and deadlines as indicated on the Office of Graduate Studies website.
- The MA Project Report must follow the guidelines established by the university found in the “Guide to Preparation of Master’s Theses and Project Reports,” copies of which are available on the Office of Graduate Studies website. This guide provides information about: the procedures, regulations, and responsibilities governing the Project Report; general requirements for Project Report preparation and acceptance; and format requirements for the Project Report.
- All MA graduate students are required to attend a Thesis/Project Report Workshop, offered each semester by the Office of Graduate Studies to assist students who are in any phase of the Project Report preparation. The specific dates are available on the Office of Graduate Studies website and in the Department of Art office.
Graduation Requirements
In order to complete the graduation process, the student must:
- File a Graduation Application during the application filing period for the intended semester of graduation as listed in the Schedule of Classes.
- Register for ART 5950A or UNIV 9000 in the semester that the student plans to graduate.
- Submit the MA Project Report for final review to all MA Project Committee members by the 7th week of the semester in which the student plans to graduate.
- Submit the following items for approval to the Department of Art office prior to the last day of instruction of the semester (15th week) in which the student plans to graduate:
- Title Approval Page with original signatures of all faculty members of the MA Project Committee.
- MA Project Report Abstract
- Printed Announcement for the MA Exhibition
- List of Images for the MA Project
- Electronic copy of the MA Project Report and visual documentation of the MA Project labeled to correspond to the List of Images for the MA Project (CD, DVD, USB Flash Drive)
- Submit a Title Approval Page with original signatures and an electronic copy of the MA Project Report according to the guidelines and deadlines indicated on the Office of Graduate Studies website.
The student must plan to graduate during a semester that the MA Project Committee Chair and the committee members are available for consultation and for signing the Title Approval Page.
 Learning outcomes  Roadmap
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Requirements for the Degree (30 units)
A total of 30 units is required, with a minimum of 27 units in Art and at least 15 units in 5000-level courses. 9 units from the core, 17 units from an option, and 4 units from the graduate thesis. ART 4000 , ART 4010 , and AART 4990 may not be applied to any MA degree program, with one exception: ART 4000 may be applied in the Art Education Option.
Core Requirements (13 units)
Core Courses (9 units)
Required for All Options: Animation; Art Education; Art History; Graphic Design/Visual Communication; Fashion, Fiber and Materials; and Studio Arts.
Graduate Thesis (4 units)
The student must plan to graduate during a semester that the MA Project Committee Chair and the committee members are available for consultation and for signing the Title Approval Page.
Option Requirements (17 units)
Select one option.
Art Education Option (17 units)
Option Electives (11 units)
Select 4000 and 5000-level courses in Art.
Art History Option (17 units)
Required Courses (6 units)
Art History Option students are required to take all three courses.
Option Electives (11 units)
Select 4000 and 5000-level courses in Art History. Up to 3 units from other departments may be included with adviser approval.
Required Courses (6 units)
Option Electives (11 units)
Select from the following, all courses may be repeated.
Fashion, Fiber and Materials Option (17 units)
Required courses (6 units)
Option Electives (11 units)
Select 4000 and 5000-level courses in Art. Up to 3 units from other departments may be included with adviser approval.
Studio Arts Option (17 units)
Required Courses (6 units)
Option Electives (11 units)
Select from the following, all courses may be repeated.
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