The Master of Fine Arts degree program in the Department of Art and Design at Purdue University provides a dynamic interdisciplinary environment in which students intensively develop and refine their artistic and/or design aesthetic under the mentorship of actively engaged artist/educators. The three-year curriculum combines theory, art/design history, and studio research courses, allowing students to form study plans according to their specific needs. Much of the coursework is completed during the first half of the program, dedicating the remainder of time to creative research and the completion of a thesis exhibition. Students also have the option of completing a formal thesis in addition to their final exhibition. Teaching assistantships include foundation drawing and design courses, as well as some higher-level courses, and feature excellent mentoring. Full teaching assistantships (teaching two courses per semester) provide a base stipend of approximately 18,000 for ten months, remission of tuition, health benefits, and in-state tuition for spouses.