Overview
The Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art (MFA) at Azusa Pacific University provides an educational context within which artists of unusual artistic promise and strong motivation explore the horizons of their talents in the midst of an intense critical dialogue of both faith and art. This dialogue is generated by students, distinguished visitors, and a faculty comprised of experienced artists and designers mature in their faith and art.
Benefits and Distinctives
As the only graduate art degree within the Council of Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU) that encourages students to integrate the essential elements of their faith, life, and art, APU's MFA offers students:
- A low-residency program format that enables students to complete their MFA during four summer terms and independent studio practice during the fall and spring semesters.
- Highly collaborative relationships with MFA Program mentor-professors, enabling artists to hone their talent through critique and individual instruction.
- Professors with a wealth of experience garnered from national and international exhibitions, through conference presentations, and as artists engaged in the contemporary art scene.
- A learning environment within one of the most cultivated art centers in the world, Southern California, which boasts world-class museums and galleries.
Learn more about the program and our faculty.
Department of Art Accreditation
APU’s Department of Art receives accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). As the largest specialized, professional accrediting agency for educational programs in art and design, NASAD's accreditation sets APU graduates apart.
University Reputation
Azusa Pacific University held its place for the second year in the most prestigious category of the U.S.News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges 2009, ranking in the third tier of the national category. Additionally, for the first time, APU ranked ninth among the best up-and-coming national universities. Previously, APU was ranked in the top 25 schools within the Western Universities-Master’s category, enjoying prominent placement and recognition for outstanding first-year and service-learning programs.
According to Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine, APU ranked number 6 in the nation in awarding the most master’s degrees to Hispanics. In addition, The Princeton Review included APU as 1 of 120 colleges in the 2009 Best in the West category.
