With a master’s degree in Visual Arts, students get to learn various techniques and how to use them on different materials to create unique artistic pieces. Many visual artists hold exhibitions of their collections and sell them to different appreciators. Visual Arts is a vast field including all sorts of artists such as, potters, painters, illustrators and sculptors etc. Some visual artists specialize in creating art that is functional. Such artists venture into the industrial side and work for textiles, fashion industry, glassware, jewelry, bags and so on.
What Is Visual Art?
Visual Arts is a broad field that includes a huge number of sub-categories. All types of contemporary, fine and functional arts combine to form the field of visual arts. As discussed earlier, it includes all types of decorative and useable arts like, clothes jewelry, bags, shoes and pottery etc. Whereas, categories from fine arts like, sculpting, painting, drawing, graphic designing, calligraphy, illustrations and so on also come under the umbrella of this field.
What Can You Do with a Master’s of Visual Arts?
Graduates of a master’s degree in Visual Arts may work at advanced positions in various places like, art studios, museums, libraries and galleries etc. as restorers or creators of art. As per the data reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2018-19, Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators had the following salary and career outlook.
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Median Annual Salary, 2019: $50,550
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Average Annual Mean Salary, 2019: $63,030
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Projected Growth Rate, 2018-2028: 1%
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State with the Highest Salary, 2019: New York - $97,360 per year
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State with the Highest Employment Rate, 2019: California - 2,220
Note: These figures have been obtained from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics
What to Expect with a Master’s in Visual Arts?
As mentioned earlier, Visual Arts has a lot of branches and you can choose to specialize in your area of interest. Each sub-category and specialization has different types of courses which is why the curriculum of universities often vary. For instance, the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) offered at the University of Washington allows students to choose 1 of 3 different specializations that are;
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Photo or Media
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Painting and Drawing
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3D4M: Ceramics, Glass and Sculpture
The curriculum of all 3 categories is different and if you are interested in any of these categories, visit the official website of the university for details.
How to Choose a Master’s of Visual Arts?
While browsing through master’s degree in Visual Arts, you should focus on features such as whether the degree has a relevant accreditation. Check the scope of the degree, range of faculty, campus facilities, admission and graduation requirements etc. For instance, Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art (MFA) offered at the Florida Atlantic University requires students to complete 60 credit hours. Similarly, students of Master of Fine Arts (MFA) offered at the University of Michigan must complete 60 credit hours to graduate.
What Are the Admission Requirements of a Master’s of Visual Arts?
Typically, a large number of universities in the US allow students to apply through their online application portals. Usually, students are required to submit their previous transcripts, artistic portfolios, a statement of purpose and 2 or more recommendation letters etc. If you want to apply for a master’s degree in Visual Arts, kindly visit the official website of the university you would like to apply in.