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Salary and Career Info

Fine Arts Studio MFA

This master’s in fine arts explores the role of contemporary art through painting, printmaking, sculpture, and expanded forms.

Program skills

Students acquire the conceptual and technical skills to succeed as a creative professional with an understanding of the historical development of the arts. Electives can enhance their skills and allow them to pursue an area of interest: Graphic Design, Illustration, Graphic Visualization, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Environmental Design, Ceramics, Glass, Metals, Textiles, Woodworking, Introduction to Filmmaking, Still Photography, and Imaging Technology. 

Program facilities equipment

Art production studios, digital labs, and equipment in all areas of design, arts, and crafts. Classrooms are designed for the specialized needs of each program option. Studio Arts offer individual studio spaces to junior and senior-level students. The Bevier Gallery features the work of artists, illustrators, craftspeople, graphic artists, faculty, and students. Wallace Library houses an extensive art collection and serves as a resource for reference and research. RIT’s Gallery r is an off-campus student-managed art gallery that is administered by the School of Art and serves as an educational laboratory site and visual arts venue for all RIT College of Art and Design students.

Program job titles

Art Teacher; Fine Artist; Assistant Archivist; Gallery Director; Mural Artist; Studio Artist

Program significant points

  • 62% of artists are self-employed, according to the U.S. Department of Labor
  • More employment opportunities exist in the larger markets of metropolitan areas
  • Consider developing skills in business management, computers, marketing, and other related areas to increase marketability
  • A career in the arts takes talent, dedication, patience, flexibility, and some luck

Select program hiring partners

Memorial Art Gallery; South Side Design and Building; Cary Graphic Arts Collection; Lazarus Industries LLC; White Pillars Gallery; Winterthur Museum; Garden and Library; Washington Architectural Foundation

100%

Outcome Rates for Fine Arts Studio MFA

Total percentage of graduates who have entered the workforce, enrolled in full-time graduate study, or are pursuing alternative plans (military service, volunteering, etc.).

66.67%

Knowledge Rate

Total percentage of graduates for whom RIT has verifiable data, compared to national average knowledge rate of 41% per NACE.
Outcome % of Students
Employed 100.00%
Full-time Graduate Study 0%
Alternative Plans 0%
Outcome % of Students
Employed 100.00%
Full-time Graduate Study 0%
Alternative Plans 0%

Experiential Learning

Cooperative Education and Internships

What makes an RIT education exceptional? It’s the ability to complete relevant, hands-on career experience. At the graduate level, and paired with an advanced degree, cooperative education and internships give you the unparalleled credentials that truly set you apart. Learn more about graduate co-op and how it provides you with the career experience employers look for in their next top hires.

Co-ops and internships take your knowledge and turn it into know-how. Your art and design co-ops will provide hands-on experience that enables you to apply your artistic capabilities in dynamic professional settings while you make valuable connections between classwork and real-world applications.

Cooperative education, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities are strongly encouraged for graduate students in the MFA in fine arts studio.