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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

Portland

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Students sitting at a table paying attention to a lecture.

Our Critical Studies MA Program

The Critical Studies MA explores the structures, ideas, and cultural influences that shape human experiences through the study of art and society. Students engage with topics such as identity, social systems, and cultural frameworks while developing analytical and research skills. Through thesis projects and internships, they apply their learning in professional and academic settings. Graduates gain a deeper understanding of cultural dynamics and critical inquiry, preparing them for careers in research, education, and the arts.

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. Our thesis writing retreat is unlike anything else in graduate education. Spend multiple days with faculty in the stunning Pacific Northwest, workshopping your ideas in intensive dialogue and quiet focus.
  • 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.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration. Study alongside MFA students in Visual Studies, Printmaking, and Creative Writing. Access PNCA's Creative Technology Lab for digital projects, or pursue our unique three-year dual MA/MFA degree.

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Student Success

Eileen Isagon Skyers MA '14 had the opportunity to share her thoughts on a global stages at TED2023. Her talk, entitled "In the age of AI art, what can originality look like?," focused on a particular area of interest for Eileen -- the intersection of art and AI.

Eileen's Story

Eileen Isagon Skyers MA’14 speaks about the intersection of art and AI on the TED2023 stage

Eileen's TedTalk -- which focused on the way artists can use machine learning in their creative work -- is part of the evolution of the field of critical studies as it explores new possibilities and approaches to art. She discussed how the emergence of digital art has removed gatekeepers in creative spaces and provides opportunities to marginalized voices.

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Eileen Isagon Skyers
Eileen Isagon Skyers
Eileen credits the rigorous and professional environment of PNCA's Master's program with preparing her to present her ideas publicly.

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.

  • Sean Yeager

    Sean Yeager is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Science and Nature Writing at Kenyon College. Their data-driven visualizations of narratological temporal structures received the Paul Fourtier Prize for best paper by an emerging scholar at the 2019 Digital Humanities Conference. Their research on neurodivergent reading practices received honorable mention for the Nadal Prize at the 2022 International Conference on Narrative, and their theorization of autistic temporalities received honorable mention for the Bruns Prize at the 2024 meeting of the Society for Literature, Arts, and the Sciences. Sean studies contemporary literature through the lenses of narrative theory, digital humanities, and disability studies.

    Sean Yeager
  • Ashley Hollan

    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.

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. No separate application is required to be considered for merit scholarships.

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FAQs

Willamette University

Critical Studies