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Willamette University

MA in Critical Studies

Blend theoretical knowledge with practical application. Examine society, history, culture, and the arts with an MA in Critical Studies.

Program Snapshot

Degree Type

Master of Arts

Program Type

Graduate

Credit Hours

45

Time to complete

2 Years

Campus

PNCA Campus

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Students sitting at a table paying attention to a lecture.

Our Critical Studies MA Program

The Critical Studies MA is a program that focuses on understanding power structures, ideologies, and the social constructs that shape experiences through an art and culture lens. Students delve into issues like race, gender, class, and sexuality, engaging in comprehensive thesis projects and internships to apply their learning in professional settings. Graduates are equipped to understand and transform society by offering alternative perspectives and challenging existing norms. 

Why choose an MA at Pacific Northwest College of Art?

  • Build professional skills. An Master of Arts in Critical Studies emphasizes skills that are highly valued in many professions including writing, communication, and critical analysis. 
  • Experience our thesis writing retreat. Second year students join faculty for a multi-day retreat at Caldera Arts Center where they engage in intensive study and dialogue as they work on their writing. 
  • Learn from visiting scholars. Prominent artists, writers, scholars, and critics come to campus every year to lead discussions and give lectures that will enhance your education. 

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Student Work

Throughout their time in the program, Critical Studies students explore a range of topics which culminates in a thesis project. The thesis can take the form of a paper, research project, or hybrid option, allowing students to pursue meaningful topics and leading to unique threads of inquiry.

Alumni Stories

Alumni of the critical studies graduate program have used their professional skills and cultural awareness to secure a variety of roles. They apply their knowledge of public engagement, diverse writing, and academic presentations to a range of careers in creative fields, administration, advocacy, education, and community engagement. Learn more about the wide ranging benefits of a master of arts degree.

  • Ashley Hollan

    Ashley Hollan, a visiting assistant professor in the Art Department at Elon University, holds multiple degrees, including a master of fine arts in Visual Studies from the Pacific Northwest College of Art. She has owned a law firm focusing on entertainment law and criminal defense, worked with Live Nation, and currently provides freelance consulting for creative and legal projects. She has notable nonprofit and leadership contributions including awards from the American Bar Association.

    Ashley Hollan

  • Eileen Isagon Skyers

    Eileen Isagon Skyers is an artist and curator with nearly a decade of experience at institutions like David Zwirner, Rhizome, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. She co-founded a new cultural fund called Gemma and has extensively researched digital art and blockchain. Her moving image work has been exhibited internationally, and she has published her writings in notable publications including Frieze and Hyperallergic.

    Eileen Isagon Skyers

Faculty

PNCA faculty members have extensive experience as artists, scholars, critics, and speakers. They offer one-on-one mentorship and guidance so your education experience is customized to your needs. We also bring in guest speakers for panels, lectures, and events, giving students opportunities to connect and learn more.

Faculty

Curriculum

In the Critical Studies program, students adopt an interdisciplinary approach to examining society, history, culture, and the arts, with a strong focus on power structures, ideologies, and social constructs. Critical lenses include feminist theory, queer theory, critical race theory, and post-colonial theory. Students develop strong writing skills that translate to many professional fields.

  • Crit 501 Critical Theory 1: Introduction

    This course will introduce students to foundational concepts, thinkers, and trajectories in critical theory with the aim of understanding what critical theory is, and how students can best utilize it in their own scholarly and creative interests. The course begins by surveying topics such as capitalism, psychoanalysis, and power before turning our attention to race, (settler/de)colonization, gender, sexuality, aesthetics, and affect. At the end of the course, students will be equipped with key theoretical and conceptual vocabularies.

  • Crit 521 Introduction to Cultural Studies

    This course will introduce students to foundational concepts, thinkers, and trajectories in critical theory with the aim of understanding what critical theory is, and how students can best utilize it in their own scholarly and creative interests. The course begins by surveying topics such as capitalism, psychoanalysis, and power before turning our attention to race, (settler/de)colonization, gender, sexuality, aesthetics, and affect. At the end of the course, students will be equipped with key theoretical and conceptual vocabularies.

Program Requirements

The MA in Critical Studies requires completing core courses including Critical Theory, Cultural Studies, and Critical Writing, along with specialized subjects like Queer and Feminist Theory and Environmental Criticism. Students also engage in Creative Nonfiction Writing, an Internship, and Critical Race Theory. The program culminates with a two-part thesis and a Professional Practice course. Electives allow for tailored academic exploration.

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Financial Aid & Scholarships

Hallie Ford School of Graduate Studies offers renewable Merit Scholarships to students who demonstrate aptitude in their areas of creative practice. Merit scholarships are assessed based on the strength of the student’s application. In awarding merit scholarships we consider each student’s portfolio (if applying to a studio-based program), personal history of scholastic achievement, as well as their contributions to culture and community. Consideration is also given to traditionally underrepresented students and those who demonstrate financial need. No separate application is required to be considered for merit scholarships.

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FAQs

Willamette University

Critical Studies