Master of Arts in Creative Practice
Dedicate yourself to your studio practice.
Our MA in Creative Practice offers students an adaptable, professionally focused path. It supports a wide range of goals: advancing in creative fields, preparing a portfolio for further study, or pivoting professionally.
Studio Courses & Seminars
The curriculum for the Master's draws on upper-level studio and liberal arts courses, allowing you to explore new mediums or dive deeper. In addition, students focus on their professional goals in two required courses – Creative Practice Mentorship and Graduate Professional Practices – and a final creative project and/or public artist presentation.
Areas of Study
At SMFA, each area of study is a chance to immerse yourself in a specific discipline or explore a range of different creative modes. Areas of study are how you'll deepen and expand your practice while exploring what it will take for you to realize your vision. You'll build an individualized set of skills and experiences that you will carry with you into your professional career.
Critiques & Advising
Critiques are a crucial part of the SMFA experience, and a driving force in the growth and transformation of your practice. You'll receive ongoing feedback through informal discussions with faculty, fellow students, and visiting artists, while formal critiques with your advisor and the Creative Practice Mentorship class are important checkpoints for assessing progress and growth. Every step of your SMFA journey is a chance to think about the ideas and techniques that propel your work and creative voice.
Professional Development Opportunities
In addition to building upon your artistic skills, learning new techniques and further developing your art practice, your time at SMFA is also an opportunity to further your professional development. You can take full advantage of countless student exhibition opportunities, visiting artists, and the resources of our Career Center.
Graduation Requirements
MA in Creative Practice students must complete a total of 30 credits. Coursework is primarily in studio art, but also includes Mentorship & Critique, Graduate Professional Practices, and a final creative project and/or public artist presentation.
See all MA in Creative Practice Requirements
Fifth-Year Master's Degree Program
Tufts undergraduates are eligible to apply to the MA in Creative Practice under the Graduate Schools of Arts and Sciences’ Fifth-Year Program. With this program, the last two years of undergraduate study are integrated with the first year of graduate work, eliminating duplication of courses and reducing the time and costs required to earn the two degrees. In addition, the Graduate School provides a graduate tuition scholarship proportional to the undergraduate tuition award at the time of application. BFA students apply to this program in their third or fourth year, while BFA+BA/BS Combined Degree students apply in their fourth or fifth year.