Master of Fine Arts in Art
The Master of Fine Arts in visual arts is the terminal degree within the studio art discipline. Our program offers concentrations in the studio areas of drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, photography and sculpture. Students are provided with opportunities to develop a high degree of professional competence in their chosen area of concentration. However, the relatively small size of the program (12 to 20 students) encourages students to explore other studio areas as well. Interdisciplinary and collaborative projects are encouraged within the department resulting in a highly individualized method of instruction. The department is housed within the College of Art, Architecture and Humanities and presents opportunities to interact with various other college disciplines as well. Students may also take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad in the department's biannual summer 3-week Art in Italy Program to spend time in Rome, Orvieto, Florence and Venice. The department also contributes to an MFA in Digital Production Arts, which is collaboratively offered with the department of Computer Science as well as the Ph.D in Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design, which is an interdisciplinary doctoral degree offered in conjunction with the department of English and Communication.
Student Handbook MFA Apply Course Catalog Faculty Studio Areas and more MFA Student Work
“The MFA program at Clemson has transformed my practice in ways I never imagined. Intense collaboration and diverse perspectives have pushed me to explore new mediums and challenge creative boundaries, sharpening my skills and deepening my vision. It’s a space where experimentation and risk-taking have profoundly shaped my journey.”
Beth Odum WalkerMFA Graduate Candidate ‘25
MFA Alumni Spotlights
“Seeing faculty members balance their studio commitments and full-time work proved invaluable. It showed me effective time management and the determination to secure dedicated studio hours.”
Dave Armistead '13Senior Museum Preparator at the Michael C. Carlos MuseumEmory University in Atlanta, GA
“After graduating from the University of Northern Iowa and teaching for several years, I wanted to go deeper with my artistic practice. In looking at graduate programs, the Clemson MFA program offered an environment that just felt right. I really enjoyed the closeness of the art program, the students and the professors.”
Matthew Kargol '05Manager of The Outer SpaceOskaloosa Art Center and Studio in IA
“The faculty pushed me to make a thesis I am still proud of today, while giving me critical opportunities for leadership by working with and teaching undergraduate students.”
Adrienne Lichliter-Hines '14Manager of Communications and International ProgramsNasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, TX
“My work explores how vital and significant hair is in African-American culture. Each work depicts diverse and unique hairstyles that embody hair's essential role in black culture and identity. The faculty at Clemson Art has consistently provided invaluable support, offering excellent advice, and encouragement, promoting my work, and sharing exhibition links for showcasing my work.”
Ashan Pridgon '18Assistant Professor of 3D ArtNorthwest Florida State College
“Writing my thesis and creating the body of work that would become part of my thesis exhibition was only possible with the art faculty at Clemson. The Art faculty's dedication to my growth and honesty about my work helped prepare me for my current career as an artist. Having assistantship and teaching responsibilities at Clemson helped me land my first teaching job, and their support helped me land my first tenure-track position in academia.”
Alyssa Prince '13Visual Arts Coordinator and InstructorSouth Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
“While I was in grad school, I knew the two years I had to focus on making paintings was a gift. I was always concerned that it might be my last chance to paint. I'm so glad I was wrong, but it made me appreciate every moment I had to study with my fellow graduate students and the professors who were both tempering and nurturing our studio practice. I am so proud of my time at Clemson and the opportunities the University and the professors granted me. It showed me that there is so much possibility in the world of art-making.”
Hilary Siber '15Artist, Muralist, Sculptural Installations - Self EmployedCharlotte Metro Area
Kathleen Thum
Graduate Program Coordinator and Associate Professor of Art, Drawing
Office: G-28 Lee Hall, Email: kthum@clemson.edu
About Kathleen Thum