Marywood University’s low-residency 60-credit Master of Fine Arts degree is specifically designed for working art directors, designers, illustrators, new media artists, and art educators, who have to budget their time and resources carefully, while continuing with their full-time occupations. While production and technical skills are stressed, the heart of our program is bold thinking, powerful concepts, developing a distinctive voice, and self discovery.
Earn your MFA in just three years through a dynamic mix of four two-week summer residencies at Marywood, six immersive study tours, and guided independent work. One-third of your degree (20 credits) comes from self-directed creative projects and real-world strategies for marketing your art. The remaining two-thirds (40 credits) are delivered through inspiring lectures, studio classes, and conceptual exercises. And because the MFA is the terminal degree in the field, it opens the door to teaching at the university level nationwide.
Nothing elevates your work faster than collaborating with leaders in the industry. Our MFA students learn directly from celebrated designers and illustrators including Steven Brower, Lisa Cyr, Melanie Hall, Megan Halsey, John Kascht, James Romberger, Judith and Richard Wilde.
Twice a year, students in Marywood's MFA program meet in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, or another major U.S. city, to visit top studios, ad agencies, museums, and professional organizations. These trips create meaningful connections with working creatives and bring you right into the pulse of the design and illustration world. Low-residency program designed for working professionals
Mentorship from a faculty of renowned designers and illustrators Immersive study tours in major U.S. creative hubs.
