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Graduate Art School

Graduate art school students in the Academy of Art University masters degree program are prepared to drive the future of art and design. The Academy offers the following graduate art school degree programs:

Master of Fine Arts Degree

The Master of Fine Arts is comprised of the following components:

Studio Courses 27 – 51 units (depending on program selected)
Directed Study 18 units
Graduate Liberal Arts 12 units
Electives 6 units
TOTAL 63 – 87 units (depending on program selected)

Depending on the student's program of study, students enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program will earn a total of 63 - 87 semester units of graduate course work. Students must receive an overall cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0 in order to receive their art degree. Please note that unit requirements vary depending on the art degree program selected. Students should speak to a Student Advisor for information on the requirements for a specific program. Students are also required to have a final review. A Petition to Graduate form must be filed by students prior to their last semester if they are eligible for graduation at the end of that semester. Students should contact their Student Advisor for detailed information regarding the petition period and deadlines.

Master of Arts Degree

Art Education


The Master of Arts degree in Art Education is comprised of the following components:

Major Courses 30 units
Art History 6 units
Studio Art & Design 3 units
TOTAL 39 units

Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Art Education program will earn a total of 39 semester units of graduate course work with an overall cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0 in order to receive their degree. Students are also required to have a final review. A Petition to Graduate form will be filed by students prior to their last semester if they are to be eligible for graduation at the end of that semester. Students should contact their Student Advisor for detailed information regarding the petition period and deadlines.

Art Education with Studio Emphasis


The Master of Arts degree in Art Education with Studio Emphasis is comprised of the following components:

Major Courses 30 units
Studio Art/Design Core 24 units
Art History 6 units
Studio Art/Design Elective 3 units
TOTAL 63 units

Students enrolled in the Master of Arts in Art Education with Studio Emphasis program will earn a total of 63 semester units of graduate course work with an overall cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0 in order to receive their degree. Students are also required to have a final review. A Petition to Graduate form will be filed by students prior to their last semester if they are to be eligible for graduation at the end of that semester. Students should contact their Student Advisor for detailed information regarding the petition period and deadlines.

Multimedia Communications


The Master of Arts degree in Multimedia Communications is comprised of the following components:

Major Courses 30 units
Electives by Advisement 9 units
TOTAL 39 units

Students enrolled in the Master of Multimedia Communications program will earn a total of 39 semester units of graduate course work with an overall cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0 in order to receive their art degree. Students are also required to have a final review. A Petition to Graduate form will be filed by students prior to their last semester if they are to be eligible for graduation at the end of that semester. Students should contact their Student Advisor for detailed information regarding the petition period and deadlines.

Master of Architecture Degree

The Master of Architecture is comprised of the following components:

Studio Courses 45 - 69 units
Directed Study 12 units
Electives 6 units
TOTAL 63 - 87 units

Students enrolled in the Master of Architecture program will earn a total of 63 - 87 semester units of graduate course work with an overall cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.0 in order to receive their art degree. Students are also required to have a final review. A Petition to Graduate form will be filed by students prior to their last semester if they are to be eligible for graduation at the end of that semester. Students should contact their Student Advisor for detailed information regarding the petition period and deadlines.

New Feature: Graduate Showcases
If you're interested in hearing interviews with students about their work, their major, and life as an Academy student, please view our Graduate Showcases. The Showcases also allow you to view midpoint proposals and thesis work by these students.

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Academy of Art University - Graduate Degrees
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