Visual or Performing Arts Guidelines

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 McGregor 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 McGregor 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.

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