The Department of Art offers a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program that focuses on the creative goals of the individual. Our aim is to guide each student to finding and developing a particular direction and language as demonstrated by a coherent and conceptually unified body of artwork. Through an intense studio-based practice, our graduates develop into professional artists and college level educators who will successfully contribute to the culture on a local, national and global scale through different fields in the visual arts.The University of Missouri SVS Art Program offers an excellent faculty and the space, time, and support for students to push their work to its fullest potential. Many graduate students work in the nearly 8000 square feet of newly renovated studio space on campus. Located in Columbia, Missouri - halfway between two major cultural centers, Kansas City and St. Louis - our three-year MFA program gives developing artists the breathing room to create strong, competitive projects that engage a range of issues in the contemporary discourse.All qualifying MFA students receive teaching or technician assistantships and full tuition waivers. These benefits, combined with our geographical location, help qualified candidates avoid a heavy student-loan burden. The cost of living in Columbia is uniquely affordable given its diverse and progressive cultural advantages. Columbia is home to three colleges, a dynamic live-music scene, numerous cafes and bars, the annual True/False documentary film festival. Additionally, students often take advantage of easy access to two major urban art centers and a network of riverside biking trails that stretches across the community and state.