In Focus: Stephen F. Austin State University MFA in Studio Art
The MFA in Studio Art at Stephen F. Austin State University (SFA) is featured in Lenscratch's In Focus series. This three-year program encompasses ten studio disciplines, such as photography and graphic design, requiring 18 hours of interdisciplinary studio coursework and 15 hours of art history. Facilities boast darkrooms, digital labs, and various camera equipment. An elective course explores emerging technologies, including AI and drone photography. Faculty includes Amanda Breitbach and Christopher Talbot. Each year, approximately seven graduate students are accepted, with tuition set at $3,964.50 for residents. Graduation entails reviews, a solo exhibition, and a thesis. Many alumni pursue careers as artists or educators, maintaining connections through exhibitions and auctions.
Key facts
- SFA MFA in Studio Art is a three-year program with ten studio areas.
- Photography facilities include darkrooms, digital labs, lighting studio, large-format printers, and drone equipment.
- Elective course Emerging Photographic Technologies covers AI, 3D/360 imaging, and drone photography.
- Amanda Breitbach heads the photography area; Christopher Talbot is Director of the School of Art.
- About 7 graduate students admitted per year, typically 1-2 in photography.
- In-state tuition is $3,964.50 per semester for 9 credits; non-resident is $7,609.50.
- Full teaching assistantships cover tuition; half assistantships cover about 75%.
- Alumni often become art educators, studio artists, filmmakers, graphic designers, or museum workers.
Entities
Artists
- Amanda Breitbach
- Neal Cox
- William Nieberding
- Christopher Talbot
- Ginger Gore Russell
- Emmi Hasselbach
- Benjamin Anderson
- Chad Woelki
- Lindsey Creel
- Shaun Roberts
- Derek Johnson
- Rick Shepherdson
- Danny Anguiano
- Zachary Howell
- Lauren Selden
- Jason Millward
Institutions
- Stephen F. Austin State University
- School of Art
- SFA Friends of the Visual Arts
- Lenscratch
- Texas National
Locations
- Nacogdoches
- Texas
- United States