School of Jewelry & Metal Arts

MFA Program Learning Outcomes

The MFA in Jewelry and Metal Arts curriculum provides rigor and depth that allows graduate students to achieve mastery of industry principles and to achieve a unique voice as an artist, develop a high level of professional skill, and preparation for distinctive achievement in the professional world.

The MFA program provides an intensive education that combines creative thinking with technical excellence. Graduate students hone and master skills early to allow them to focus on graduate level work where technique supports concept and rigor. Graduate students achieve a signature body of work that is distinctive, innovative, challenging and shows a unique personal vision.

• MFA Thesis Project

  • Present an original thesis concept worthy of the MFA degree.
  • Demonstrate the feasibility of the thesis project.
  • Produce a cohesive body of work demonstrating personal vision and professional level achievement in concept and execution.

• Visual Communication

  • Work with advanced level skill in chosen mediums and techniques.

• Research and Concept Development

  • Explore ideas, articulate concepts, and conceive solutions.
  • Apply project-related research to design solutions.

• Critical Analysis

  • Critically discuss work using objective criteria: describing facts, analyzing techniques, interpreting content, and evaluating results
  • Discuss work within the context of historical movements and contemporary trends in the thesis proposal, final paper, and directed study journals.

• Presentation Skills

  • Give clear, concise presentations supported by appropriate visual materials.

• Professional Readiness

  • Professionally present and exhibit artwork.
  • Manage workload to meet deadlines.
  • Produce a portfolio and collateral materials suitable for chosen career path.

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

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