Apply now for the MFA, MA, and PhD Programs in the Department of Art

Graduate students in Art History & Criticism and Art Practice at Stony Brook University have the opportunity to work in a uniquely interdisciplinary environment that encourages experimentation and innovation.

The MA and PhD programs in Art History & Criticism are uniquely focused on modern and contemporary art. In both programs, we offer a dynamic and individually crafted curriculum that engages art history as an evolving and interdisciplinary field, with special strengths in global modernisms, and media, technology, and visual culture. Our faculty are internationally renowned scholars, curators, and teachers. Our students go on to successful careers as arts writers and curators, researchers and educators, consultants, and arts professionals in museums, galleries, and arts institutions.

The MFA in Studio Art provides a supportive, creative, and rigorous environment for material research and critical inquiry through the process of making art. Our MFA studios are large, private, individual spaces set in beautiful natural surroundings. Our renowned faculty have expertise in both traditional and experimental media. Their art projects involve dynamic research in contemporary art, social practice, artificial intelligence, public art, and tactical media. Our graduates are able to create a meaningful connection to their art practice and are prepared for professional careers as artists and educators, but also for careers in production, industry, or gallery and museum work.

As a selective program in a large, public institution, we are able to offer graduate training with low tuition without sacrificing the resources of a major research university. As a small department, we offer students the opportunity to create individualized paths of study. Due to the combined nature of our programs, we are able to offer a MA/MFA or a MFA/PhD to exceptional candidates who wish to simultaneously pursue practice and research.

Our proximity to New York City offers extensive opportunities for research, collaboration, and professional networking at world-class museums, galleries and institutions. Students are able to view work and consult archives at institutions including the Whitney Museum, the New Museum, MoMA, the New York Public Library, and many others. Internship opportunities are available to students at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim, the Whitney Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, Christie’s, the New York Historical Society, Sotheby’s, and many more.

Our building houses fully equipped collaborative media workshops, newly remodeled seminar rooms, the University’s Zuccaire Art Gallery, and faculty and student studios—all steps away from an extraordinary research library. The University at large has a number of spaces to display art and hone curatorial practice, including the Simons Center, the Tabler Art Gallery, and the Lawrence Alloway Gallery.

To be considered for the highest levels of funding and support, applications must be received by January 15, 2020. All other applications will be accepted until March 1, 2020. A limited number of scholarships are available to exceptional candidates at the MA level.

Apply now.