Purchase College Was Founded to Make Quality Arts Education Possible
Graduate arts students have access to generous financial support and paid teaching opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and New York City’s vibrant cultural scene.
The MFA in Visual Arts at Purchase College, SUNY, is a small and selective interdisciplinary program that fosters the artistic, intellectual, and professional growth of students through independent studio work and rigorous academic studies. State-of-the-art facilities include photography, video, and digital labs; wood and metal shops; sound art studios; and printmaking and letterpress studios. Nearby, the vast art communities in New York City play a crucial role in curricular and extracurricular activities. The 2026 thesis show will take place at PS 122 in Manhattan’s East Village.
The MA in Art History focuses on modern and contemporary art. Our unique program, focused on art's relation to urgent social and political questions, prepares students for further academic study at the doctoral level as well as a wide variety of careers: curator, art writer/critic, museum educator, collections manager/registrar, and museum designer.
For students interested in developing teaching skills, we offer paid opportunities to teach undergraduates and to develop and offer courses based on individual expertise.
Dual Degree Program
The three-year MFA/MA dual degree combines the MFA degree with an MA in Visual Art and Modern and Contemporary Art, Criticism and Theory, with the art history requirements completed in the third year of study.
Students have access to the Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase College’s campus museum and the eighth largest university museum in the country; a renowned Performing Arts Center; and opportunities for community engagement throughout the United States.
Housing Fellowships and Scholarships
Our in-state tuition is $13,256 ($25,506 out of state), with considerable scholarships and full housing aid to qualified students, along with teaching stipends.
A Vibrant Community of Makers and Thinkers
Graduate students are mentored by renowned working artists in diverse disciplines, from traditional materials to cutting-edge technology. Faculty include Sharon Horvath, Rob Swainston, Kate Gilmore, Cynthia Lin, Liz Flood, Stella Ebner, Hakan Topal, Rachel Owens, Joshua Lutz, Lachell Workman, Katie Murray, Adam Pape, Timothy Briner, Amanda Thackray, Brooke Singer, Max Ferro, Georgina Arroyo, Dave Walsh, Virginia Wagner, Esteban Cabeza de Baca, Travis Fairclough, and Tova Snyder; and art historians Jonah Westerman, Paul Kaplan, Jane Kromm, and Sarah Warren.
Students also receive frequent critiques as part of a robust visiting artist and curator lecture series. Recent visitors include Elle Pérez, Fred Wilson, Katherine Bradford, James Welling, Hank Willis Thomas, Latoya Hobbs, Tomashi Jackson, Guadalupe Maravilla, Clarity Haynes, Mark Dion, and Chie Fueki.
Contact admissions@purchase.edu for application information and apply online at purchase.edu.
For further details about the MFA, please contact Julian Kreimer, MFA Chair at julian.kreimer@purchase.edu
For further details about the MA in Art History, please contact Jonah Westerman, MA ARH Chair at jonah.westerman@purchase.edu
Contact either professor for details about the dual MFA/MA program.
