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The information here may reflect program requirements for future academic years. If you are a current student and would like to see the current or prior years’ requirements for this program, please see the University Catalog.


The MFA in Visual Studies requires the completion of 60 semester hours, which includes 48 designated studio, seminar, and thesis courses, 9 elective credits, and 3 critical studies credits. The MFA in Visual Studies degree comprises the following courses, which are sequenced to maximize student learning and allow for a deeper understanding of the following critical concepts.

Program Curriculum

Year 1, Fall (12 credits)

  • VS501 Graduate Studio (this reflects studio work time)

  • VS525 Graduate Critique Seminar

  • VS551 Contemporary Art Seminar

  • Elective Credit

Year 1, Spring (12 credits)

  • VS502 Graduate Studio (this reflects studio work time)

  • VS526 Graduate Critique Seminar

  • Complete one of the following three-credit courses from the Critical Studies (CRIT) subject

    • CRIT501 Introduction to Critical Theory

    • CRIT526 Creative Nonfiction Writing

    • CRIT525 Critical Writing and Visual Culture

    • CRIT533 Critical Theory Special Topic

    • CRIT601 Critical Race Theory

    • CRIT502 Queer and Feminist Theory

    • CRIT521 Introduction to Cultural Studies

Year 2, Fall (9 credits)

  • VS601 Graduate Studio (this reflects studio work time)

  • VS625 Graduate Critique Seminar

  • Elective Credit (3)

Year 2, Spring

  • VS602 Graduate Studio (this reflects studio work time)

  • VS626 Graduate Critique Seminar

  • VS672 Graduate Thesis Writing

Willamette University

Visual Studies