USF MFA Program: Fully Funded, Interdisciplinary, Photography-Forward
The MFA in Studio Art at the University of South Florida is a comprehensive, fully funded program lasting three years, focusing on media experimentation and interdisciplinary initiatives. Situated within the highly regarded School of Art & Art History, it encourages engagement with cultural and theoretical topics. Students benefit from personal studios, round-the-clock access, and specialized tools. The program's coursework features independent studies, a seminar, and a class on contemporary art history. To graduate, students must present a thesis exhibition at the USF Contemporary Art Museum alongside a written thesis. Faculty members include Jason Lazarus, Marcus DeSieno, and Noelle Mason. Annually, 9-12 students are accepted, receiving full tuition waivers and stipends, with alumni often entering academia or pursuing careers as studio artists.
Key facts
- The MFA program at the University of South Florida is fully funded and lasts three years.
- The program is idea-centered and encourages interdisciplinary work.
- Students have access to private darkrooms, a lighting studio, and a digital lab with free printing.
- The curriculum is mostly self-directed, with independent studies each semester.
- The Kennedy Family Visiting Artist and Scholar Lecture Series brings 4-5 artists and critics per semester.
- Graphicstudio, a premier artist workshop, is on campus and offers graduate assistantships.
- Recent visiting artists include Alec Soth, Carmen Winant, and Coco Fusco.
- Graduation requires a thesis exhibition at the USF Contemporary Art Museum and a written thesis.
- The program admits 9-12 new students per year, with 1-3 focused on photography.
- Graduate assistantships include full tuition waivers and competitive stipends.
Entities
Artists
- Jason Lazarus
- Marcus DeSieno
- Noelle Mason
- Anastasia Samoylova
- Christian Marclay
- Mark Dion
- Alec Soth
- Carmen Winant
- Coco Fusco
- Dakota Mace
- James Elkins
- Matthew Leifheit
- Paul Mpagi Sepuya
- Sama Alshaibi
- Sheida Soleimani
- Stephanie Syjuco
- Whitney Hubbs
Institutions
- University of South Florida
- School of Art & Art History
- Graphicstudio
- Kennedy Family Visiting Artist and Scholar Lecture Series
- USF Contemporary Art Museum
- Ringling Museum of Art
- Tampa Museum of Art
- Art Basel
- MFA St. Pete
- Sarasota Art Museum
- Review Santa Fe
- Society for Photographic Education
- Skowhegan Residency Program
Locations
- Tampa
- Florida
- United States
- Miami
- St. Pete
- Sarasota