UAlbany Department of Art & Art History announces new programs
Fully-Funded MFA and Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Option
Albany, NY (03/23/2026) — MFA Program:
The MFA program in Studio Art at the University at Albany is now fully funded and tuition-free. All incoming Master of Fine Arts students-in-state, out-of-state and international-may attend our two-year program without paying tuition. Additionally, you'll receive an annual $21,000 assistantship.
Ten MFA students (five first-year and five second-year) are provided with private studios, access to excellent facilities and individualized guidance from professional faculty and visiting artists across all disciplines.
Our nationally ranked, interdisciplinary program culminates in a professionally produced group exhibition at the University Art Museum. Individual tutorials and group critiques, along with graduate seminars each semester, are designed to expand the breadth and depth of your understanding of contemporary art and your own studio practice.
This intensive program of study enables you to develop greater criticality and self-awareness while preparing you for a career in the arts.
BS/MA Program:
Undergraduate Art Majors can save time and money by beginning your MA degree coursework while still enrolled as an undergraduate student. Up to 12 academic credits, billed at the undergraduate rate, will count towards both degrees - so you'll complete your combined program in 5 years or less and spend much less than you would if you completed each program separately.
Combine your undergraduate Art degree with the MA in Studio Art program. This interdisciplinary program offers seminars and practical studio work across a variety of styles, including painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture and installation, and photography and related media. You'll be prepared for a career as a creator, critic or curator or an advanced degree.
You can apply for this combined program in the first semester of your junior year. You'll need a GPA of at least 3.2 at the time of application and 56 undergraduate credits.
Take advantage of this 30-credit MA studio art program with the ability to complete all requirements in only one year. During this time, you can work to develop an impressive portfolio that you can use to apply for an MFA or other competitive residency program or use the excellent training from this program to seek teaching credentials to become a K-12 educator.
This interdisciplinary program offers a variety of seminars and practical studio work assignments across a variety of styles, including painting and drawing, printmaking, sculpture and installation, animation, and photography and related media.
About the University at Albany
The University at Albany is one of the most diverse public research institutions in the nation and a national leader in educational equity and social mobility. As a Carnegie-classified R1 institution, UAlbany faculty and students are advancing our understanding of the world in fields like artificial intelligence, atmospheric and environmental sciences, business, education, public health, social sciences, criminal justice, humanities, emergency preparedness, engineering, public administration, and social welfare. Our courses are taught by an accomplished roster of faculty experts with student success at the center of everything we do. Through our parallel commitments to academic excellence, scientific discovery, and service to community, UAlbany molds bright, curious, and engaged leaders and launches great careers.
Media Attachments
Installation View, 2025 MFA Thesis Exhibition (photo by Sean Corcoran).
