At Cornell, the study of art is an education in creating objects, images, spaces, and experiences that reflect intellectual judgment, philosophical understanding, knowledge of the history and traditions of the visual arts, and ethical principles that engage the often bewildering complexity of contemporary culture.
Students develop the conceptual, technical, formal, and craft skills specific to the practice of art in addition to the understanding that there are more general skills necessary to critically engage with culture, society, and the world.
As artist-educators, we assume a unique and critical role in connecting some of the most complex aspects of art practice to pedagogy. We do this, understanding that the next generation of artists live in a world that is both fraught with compounded crises and full of opportunities for engagement, intervention, and for making lasting change.
Paul RamÃrez Jonas, Professor and Chair of the Department of Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Applied and Engaged Art Practice
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) program is comparable to a small, intensive art school curriculum but comes with the benefits of being situated in a leading R1 university. The program combines the department’s studio culture with open access to elective classes across Cornell. We focus on individualized direction, close faculty mentorship, and trans-disciplinary relationships to prepare a close community of artists to engage the world as creative and intellectual leaders.
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Visual Arts
New Imaginaries and Critical Practices
The two-year Master of Fine Arts in Creative Visual Arts (M.F.A. CVA) program is an intensive, intimate, and diverse community that supports interdisciplinary and medium-specific practices augmented by access to the breadth of fields of study across the university. The college provides private studios, assistantship opportunities, and competitive tuition support.
Master of Fine Arts in Image Text
Expanded and Integrated Creative Practices
The Master of Fine Arts in Image Text (M.F.A. IT) is a unique low-residency program that builds a rigorous, supportive community around expanded creative and critical practices in writing, visual media, and design for print and digital publication.
