Students may propose to pursue
a master of arts degree with a major in any area of the visual
or performing arts in which M.F.A. programs exist. Examples are
painting and drawing, sculpture, photography, filmmaking, ceramics,
fiber arts, theater, dance, and music. Students should be aware,
however, that Antioch University Midwest offers the M.A. degree
only, not the M.F.A. degree. Students are advised to examine
the advantages and disadvantages of the M.A. and the M.F.A. degrees
before deciding to apply to the ILPS master of arts program.
Other arts-related fields such as art
history, art education, or museum studies are more traditional academic
disciplines, and fall under the general ILPS guidelines.
Antioch University Midwest outlines
the following guidelines for ILPS students in a visual or performing arts
field:
- At least one member of
the degree committee should be a practicing artist in the student’s
field and should hold a graduate degree in that field. The
graduate degree may be an M.F.A., but this is not a requirement.
The other member of the committee might be a second practicing
artist or someone with an academic focus and a graduate degree
in an academic area, such as art history.
- The degree program should
include academic components in history, theory or criticism
related to the student’s field or to the arts in general,
as well as a primary emphasis on applied or studio art components.
- In most cases, the curriculum
should involve some work in a second art medium in addition
to the primary medium. For example, a student whose major field
is painting might complete coursework in sculpture as well.
- The thesis will consist
of a body of artwork, documented appropriately so that it can
be bound for the library. Slides, prints, videotapes, audio
tapes or compact discs are the most common forms of documentation.
In addition, the thesis will contain a written “process
piece” discussing such topics as the themes and development
of the student’s work, the creative process, and the other
artists or groups with whom the student’s work represents
a dialogue. Students should also arrange to have a public exhibition,
showing, or performance of their thesis work in their local
communities.
Application
Materials
Students should complete the regular
ILPS application form and accompanying materials. At least one
of the student’s references should be a practicing artist in the student’s
field who is familiar with his or her work.
In addition, applicants in the visual
or performing arts should submit a sample of their work. Slides, prints,
videotapes, audio tapes or compact discs are acceptable. The Department
will return this sample once the admissions process is complete.
