The Founding Mission of Purchase College: Providing Affordable Quality Arts Education

**Unlock Your Creative Potential: The Rigorous and Rewarding MFA in Visual Arts at Purchase College (SUNY)**

For aspiring artists, the pursuit of a Master of Fine Arts degree can be an influential step toward artistic growth, professional success, and intellectual discovery. At Purchase College, State University of New York (SUNY), the **MFA in Visual Arts** offers a unique interdisciplinary program designed to nurture the full spectrum of a student’s creative aspirations. With its small, selective cohort and emphasis on both studio practice and academic research, this standout program provides an opportunity to develop and refine artistic, pedagogical, and critical skills.

### A Program Tailored for Artistic and Academic Exploration

The MFA in Visual Arts at Purchase College is crafted to stimulate artistic inquiry while providing a deep immersion in independent studio work. Core to this approach is a robust integration of **rigorous academic studies** that push students to consider the broader context of their art practice, spanning historical, theoretical, and critical perspectives.

Students benefit from access to **state-of-the-art facilities**, including:

– Photography, video, and digital media labs,
– Fully-equipped wood and metal shops,
– Sound art and installation studios,
– Printmaking and letterpress studios.

These advanced resources empower students to experiment across disciplines, combining traditional art-making methods with cutting-edge technologies. Such seamless integration of diverse practices allows creativity to flourish in unexpected and meaningful directions.

### Proximity to New York City: A Gateway to Artistic Engagement

The Purchase College campus is strategically located near New York City, widely recognized as one of the world’s most thriving and influential art capitals. This proximity to NYC is a vital aspect of the MFA program, as it opens doors to the vibrant art communities, galleries, museums, and cultural institutions that define the city’s creative landscape.

The school’s commitment to showcasing student talent is epitomized by the **2025 thesis exhibition**, slated to take place at the prestigious PS122 Gallery in Manhattan. In addition, students engage with notable visiting artists and curators who provide constructive feedback and open pathways to artistic networks.

Recent visiting artists have included prominent names like **Hank Willis Thomas, Katherine Bradford, James Welling, Latoya Hobbs**, and others, all of whom offer students invaluable perspectives on the art world today.

### Opportunities for Teaching and Pedagogical Development

Recognizing the importance of professional skills beyond the studio, Purchase College also supports students in cultivating **teaching expertise**. The program offers **paid opportunities for graduate students to teach undergraduates**, providing significant, hands-on experience in developing curriculum and mentoring young artists. These roles prepare MFA candidates to move forward as educators in art schools, universities, and beyond.

### The Dual Degree Option: Elevate Your Understanding of Art History and Criticism

For students seeking to bridge practical artistry with theoretical inquiry, the college’s **MFA/MA dual degree program** offers a distinctive path. Through this three-year program, students combine studies in visual arts with a Master of Arts in **Visual Art and Modern and Contemporary Art, Criticism, and Theory.** This dual-degree option invites students to deepen their academic understanding of their own work, while positioning them as competitive candidates for art-related roles in curatorial, academic, or critical fields.

### A Rich Learning Environment: Museums, Performing Arts, and Community Engagement

The Purchase College campus is home to the **Neuberger Museum of Art,** the eighth-largest university museum in the United States. This remarkable resource allows students to directly engage with renowned contemporary and historical works of art. Alongside the campus’s renowned Performing Arts Center and extensive opportunities for community collaboration, the program encourages exploration beyond the studio walls. This integration of cultural resources creates a holistic and dynamic learning environment.

### Financial Accessibility: Scholarships, Fellowships, and Housing Aid

In alignment with its founding mission to provide access to world-class arts education for students of all backgrounds, Purchase College works to ensure financial accessibility. With **in-state tuition set at $13,256** per year ($25,506 for out-of-state students), the program is designed to remain affordable. Furthermore, the college offers **substantial scholarships, teaching stipends, and full housing aid** for students who qualify, making the pursuit of an MFA more financially manageable.

### World-Class Faculty: Mentors with Expertise Across Disciplines

The MFA program emphasizes individualized mentorship, with faculty members who are practicing artists and experts in their disciplines. These established professionals—spanning mediums from painting and sculpture to digital art and conceptual installations—foster an environment of critical feedback and creative exchange. Notable faculty includes **Sharon Horvath, Rob Swainston, Kate Gilmore**, and many more recognized names.

### Building Your Network: Community of Thinkers and Frequent Critiques

What sets Purchase College apart is its **interdisciplinary and collaborative spirit.** Students build relationships with mentors and peers that transcend their time in the program. Critiques, visiting artist lectures, and