Master of Fine Arts | MFA Degrees
Overview
Study Under Experienced Artists and Designers with a Master of Fine Arts Degree from Liberty University
The field of fine arts can be extremely competitive. Even with the right skills, it can be difficult to stand out to prospective employers. Let us help! Liberty’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program is designed to help hone your unique artistic abilities and advance your expertise.
Do you want to launch your own art studio and create handmade art pieces? Our MFA in Studio Art can help you develop your specific trade, from jewelry making and ceramics to painting and sculpting. Maybe you’re interested in graphic design, photography, and typography. If so, Liberty University’s MFA in Graphic Design may be right for you!
At Liberty, we celebrate the God-given uniqueness of every individual. We recognize that our MFA students have a broad range of skills, interests, and abilities, and we want to help you excel in the field that most interests you. Earning an MFA could help you pursue new job opportunities, increase your earning potential, or stand out to employers.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Highlights of Our MFA Degree Program
Study Under Experienced Industry Professionals
At Liberty, you’ll study under faculty who are not only seasoned professionals but also hold collegiate degrees that match their real-world experience. They are committed to helping you bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry success.
Stand Out with Award-Winning Talent
As a Liberty studio arts student, you’ll join a program that has earned more graphic design awards through the American Advertising Federation (AAF) than all other schools in Virginia and North Carolina combined. You can build your skills in a community that is recognized for excellence.
Create with Cutting-Edge Technology
You’ll have access to the latest technology and software used by top professionals in the industry. From character creation and 3D modeling to virtual reality, we can help you acquire the tools to push your creativity to new heights.
Build Your Portfolio Through Real-World Experience
During your time at Liberty, you can pursue an internship and/or practicum that can help you develop a professional portfolio. These opportunities are designed to help prepare you for a transition into the workforce.
From Internships to Career Success
Our students have interned with companies like ESPN and Disney, gaining invaluable experience. Many of our graduates have gone on to work for leading organizations such as the Motion Picture Association of America, Hallmark, Lord & Taylor, and Capital One.
Career Potential
Potential Career Opportunities for MFA Degree Graduates
Liberty University’s Master of Fine Arts can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Art director
- Creative director
- Exhibition designer
- Gallery owner or director
- Illustrator
- Museum services specialist
- Professor
- User interface designer
Courses
What Will You Study in Our MFA (Master of Fine Arts) Courses?
Our MFA degrees (with the exception of our digital media production specialization track) are broken down into 5 main parts: core courses, art history and theory classes, field experience, elective courses, and thesis/project classes. If you want to teach art at a university, we offer a course in teaching art in higher education.
Students pursuing our MFA degree program can explore their particular artistic interests, hone their research and writing skills, and build their portfolio. With an MFA degree from Liberty, you can develop a strong understanding of the major art cultures throughout history. This knowledge can help provide context to your unique artistic expressions.
Our practicum and internship courses allow you to further hone your skills outside the classroom. Studio art students can choose either a 2D or 3D area of study for their degree, while graphic design students can select their core courses from a list in the area of graphic design.
Featured MFA Courses
ARTS 515 – Issues in Contemporary Art
ARTS 598 – Practicum
DIGI 600 – Orientation to MFA Programs
Degree Information
- Explore further with the Course Catalog.
- This program falls under our School of Communication and the Arts.
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Master’s Degree in Fine Arts?
Build Your Artistic Skills with Purpose
If you have a passion for art, a desire to create beauty, and a dream of making a difference, Liberty is here to support you. Our Master of Fine Arts program can help you grow as an artist while helping equip you to lead with integrity and serve God and others through your work.
Study with Top Resources and Experienced Faculty
As an MFA student, you can study under professors who hold advanced degrees and bring years of real-world art experience into the classroom. You’ll also have access to cutting-edge equipment for graphic design and studio art, including tools for character creation, 3D modeling, and virtual reality.
Customize Your Degree to Fit Your Passion
Our MFA programs are designed to give you the freedom to focus on what excites you most. In the graphic design track, you can choose your core courses from a variety of options, while the studio art track lets you specialize in either a 2D or 3D area of study based on your interests and career goals.
Gain Hands-On Experience and Pursue Academic Excellence
We want you to graduate ready to make an impact in the art world. That’s why you’ll complete internship and/or practicum hours as part of your program, all while earning your degree from a university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Tuition & Aid
How Much Does it Cost to Attend Liberty On Campus?
Knowing up-front what you’re paying for and why can go a long way toward making you feel comfortable about your investment. This overview of major college costs can give you an idea of what’s coming so you can create an accurate budget from the start.
All Tuition & Aid
| Per Credit Hour | $560 |
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Specializations
Master of Fine Arts Program Specializations
Customize your Master of Fine Arts degree to match your unique talents and career goals. Whether you are passionate about graphic design, studio art, or another creative field, our specializations allow you to deepen your expertise and focus your studies on what inspires you most. Explore flexible options that can help you grow both personally and professionally as an artist.
Specializations
Digital Media Production
Graphic Design
Studio Art
Admissions
How Do You Become a Master’s in Fine Arts Program Student?
Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and all applicants must submit the following documents and meet the minimum requirements for admission:
- Admission application
- Official transcripts showing a regionally or nationally accredited bachelor’s degree with at least a 3.0 GPA for admission in good standing
- Artist Statement (typed):
- Must include your artistic background, area(s) of specialty, and the intended direction of your work (provides context for your art and design)
- Must be submitted through SlideRoom in conjunction with the portfolio
- Personal Portfolio (see your specialization for details)
- Self-certification form (for students who are in the final term of their bachelor’s degree)
- Current Liberty undergraduate students seeking preliminary acceptance into a graduate program must complete a degree completion application through their ASIST account
Have Questions?
We’ll make sure you have the information you need to take your next step.