The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program in art with a concentration in Jewelry Design & Metalsmithing (Metals) is structured to give a strong technical foundation in metals and yet allows sufficient flexibility for students to explore personal directions in their work throughout their tenure at Texas Tech University. A graduate seminar is scheduled once a week throughout the semester for group critiques, slide lectures, technical demonstrations, and discussions of required readings or research materials. In addition, individual critiques are scheduled on a weekly basis or as needed. Students are encouraged to draw from their background, interests, observations, and environment as a basis for developing distinct and personal statements in metal. Generally, the direction of each student's research is determined by the student in consultation with the faculty advisor and the MFA Advisory Committee. To complete the requirements for the MFA degree the student is required to write a report, pass an oral review, and have a public exhibition of thesis work. The faculty member's role is to provide the guidance, expertise, and judgment needed in helping students achieve their artistic goals and to realize their full potential as artists.