Painting
Explore a broad spectrum of media to express your ideas visually, building on your own unique strengths as an artist to find your personal creative direction.
Discover your community
Gain the knowledge and tools you'll need to become an informed, competent and creative artist by becoming a painting student at USD. Bridging both the technical and conceptual approaches to painting, our program offers you a rigorous and supportive environment that encourages creative thought and personal growth through research, experimentation and critical discussion. You'll learn to develop a thoughtfully executed and skilled body of paintings and to contextualize your work through readings, field trips and research.
Degrees & Offerings
Art: Painting (MFA)
Master'sAs a graduate painting student, you will have opportunities to participate in assistantships, dedicated studio and workstations, and leadership roles within the art community at USD. You will take master-level studio courses that challenge you to dig deeper and grow creatively, with a focus on preparing you for a life as a creative leader and professional artist.
Program Details
Graduate
College
Department
Contact
Departments & Facilities
Art
The Department of Art will provide you with unique and applicable real-world experience and connections that enable you to immerse yourself in an environment built for personal and creative discovery.
Our Facility
Here are some of the facilities and resources available to painting students:
- Large, naturally lit critique spaces
- Large light control system spaces for studio projects and figure painting
- Free-figure model sessions
- Access to video and audio editing equipment and professional-grade digital cameras and light kits
- Well-ventilated spray booths
- Laser cutters
- Undergraduate and graduate individual studios
- Woodshed facilities to create canvas and panel supports
The Best Studio Spaces
Earning your MFA is dedicating time to grow as an artist. At USD, graduate students get dedicated studio space to work. You'll find passionate, accessible faculty and a supportive community of peers for continued inspiration.
Discover Your Community
Everybody is an artist and holds the ability to create art. Find out what it means to be part of a community that comes together to tell an interesting story through art. Learn more about community-based mural making.
Exceptional Student Work
Surprisingly Affordable
Whether you’ve recently completed your undergraduate degree, or you want to kick your career up a notch, graduate school is the next logical step. The good news is there is funding for both online and on-campus students to get you through your program.Graduate Tuition & Costs
Learn more about tuition and fees for undergraduate students and see how your out-of-pocket costs at USD compare to those at other colleges and universities. Visit the Graduate Tuition & Costs Detailed page for program specific costs and fees.
Financial Aid
Navigating options for how to pay for college can be challenging, but you are not alone. The Office of Financial Aid will work with you and your family to explore how you can make your college education even more affordable.
Graduate Assistantships
USD offers opportunities for grad students to earn a reduced tuition rate in exchange for their teaching, research and service efforts to the university.
