Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture)

Hours: 60 On-Campus

About

Through the Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) program, students learn fine arts and fabrication techniques. As part of a top-ranked graduate sculpture program, students benefit from dedicated studio space and full access to a state-of-the-art sculpture facility.

Students also gain access to a dedicated core faculty, with the curriculum encouraging exploration across visual arts disciplines. High-level students from other top sculpture programs apply to Fort Hays State University because of the facility's strength in foundry practices.

Why pursue a Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) at Fort Hays State University?

The Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) from Fort Hays State University is a top choice for students focusing on traditional and contemporary sculpture practices. Students have hands-on access to one of the nation's most extensive university iron casting operations, with state-of-the-art fabrication shops that allow real-world experience in everything from 3D printing to advanced blacksmithing.

What differentiates Fort Hays State University’s Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) program is its unique integration with the Department of Applied Technology, providing students exposure to advanced CNC machining, digital drafting, and plastic fabrication processes. Compared to other graduate sculpture programs, our curriculum fosters the development of technical expertise, creative exploration, and a critical understanding of visual arts and contemporary art.

Who is this program for?

The Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) program is available for highly motivated artists who wish to expand their sculptural practices at a professional level. It is ideal for individuals passionate about mastering materials and processes while developing a strong conceptual foundation. Those seeking careers in fine arts, education, fabrication industries, or public art programs will find the program particularly beneficial:

Artists committed to advanced sculpture techniques
Educators seeking qualifications for university-level teaching
Professionals aiming for leadership in arts organizations
Creative individuals focused on international exhibition opportunities
Sculptors interested in the fabrication and foundry industries

Learning Outcomes

The Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) program at Fort Hays State University prepares students to become accomplished professionals in the visual arts. We strongly emphasize combining technical expertise with conceptual development, ensuring that graduates are technically proficient and capable of critical thinking and self-reflection.

Assemble a Professional Portfolio

Students construct a work catalog demonstrating professional, creative, and technical proficiency in sculpture. Each portfolio must be thematically united for professional exhibitions and academic job applications.

Construct Master-Level Creative Work

Graduates construct creative works demonstrating mastery over selected media, showing technical excellence and conceptual depth. Their final thesis body of work must withstand critical scrutiny at professional exhibitions.

Evaluate Historical and Contemporary Art

Students critically evaluate their own work and that of others within historical and contemporary art contexts. Through this process, they develop an understanding of how their creative practices relate to broader artistic traditions and current trends in the visual arts.

Develop Studio Management and Teaching Expertise

Students lead workshops, manage shared studio spaces, and develop curriculum plans, ensuring readiness to teach sculpture in higher education and independently operate professional art studios.

Real-World Applications

Graduates pursuing the Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) gain experience in dynamic real-world settings. The curriculum blends studio practice with industry collaboration, preparing students to work confidently in art foundries, independent studios, public art programs, and fabrication facilities.

Partnerships with companies such as Art Castings of Colorado provide students with valuable hands-on experience in professional settings. At the same time, outreach programs allow students to build leadership skills, organize exhibitions, and directly manage sculpture projects for diverse audiences.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

The Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) curriculum reflects the latest advancements in traditional and digital fabrication techniques. Students learn CNC cutting, 3D printing, digital sculpting, and integrating new materials alongside timeless practices like foundry casting and blacksmithing.

Regular curriculum updates, based on current market demands and innovative fabrication methods, prepare students to meet and set new industry standards in sculpture and fine arts.

Hands-on Activities

Experiential learning forms a central part of the Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) program, offering students immersive opportunities to apply theory to practice. Activities like operating an iron casting furnace, building blacksmithing tools, and designing gallery installations challenge students to engage deeply with materials, techniques, and creative problem-solving.

On a regional level, the traveling foundry and blacksmith shop allows students to lead community workshops, gaining valuable leadership, teaching, and organizational skills that significantly boost professional readiness upon graduation.

What You’ll Learn:

Master fabrication techniques and processes
Develop creative work and critical ideas
Understand contemporary art and history
Engage in group critiques and studio visits
Gain teaching and studio management skills

How You’ll Learn:

Hands-on studio projects and critiques
Direct mentorship from core faculty
Access to visiting and guest artists
Real-world foundry and blacksmithing practices
Participation in international art residencies

Courses

The core curriculum of the Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) program combines foundational studio coursework with applied project-based learning, offering an in-depth focus on the creative process, material experimentation, and technical mastery. Students engage in research-driven projects, intensive studio critiques, and interdisciplinary studies that deepen their conceptual and technical understanding of sculpture as a contemporary art form.

Integration with the Department of Applied Technology ensures that graduates possess expertise in historical and cutting-edge fabrication techniques and are ready for professional careers or further specialization within higher education.

ART 835: Problems: Sculpture II

Research and experimentation in sculpture as a major or minor concentration.

ART 875: Graduate Topics in Art: Figurative Sculpture

Subjects in art that are not dealt with in the regular curriculum. Graduate-level work expected.

ART 870: Graduate Workshop: Blacksmithing

Investigation of materials, projects, and methods for the classroom with emphasis on experimentation. Graduate-level work expected.

Discover the full Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

The Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) program provides a solid professional foundation for various career paths within the fine arts and creative industries. Graduates possess the technical expertise, conceptual depth, and leadership skills necessary for success in an evolving job market.

Studio Artist

Graduates often pursue independent studio practices, creating and exhibiting original sculpture works. Artists manage their studios, market their works to galleries, take commissions from public and private clients, and participate in exhibitions nationally and internationally.

Foundry Specialist

Industrial and artistic foundries employ sculptors trained in foundry processes, the primary activities of which are metal casting, mold making, and large-scale fabrication. Technical mastery of these processes opens high-demand positions in specialized fabrication environments.

Art Educator

Many graduates secure positions as professors or instructors in community colleges, universities, or art centers. Teaching sculpture and related courses, mentoring students, and contributing to academic research and exhibitions are key components of this career path.

Public Art Coordinator

Graduates can lead public art initiatives for municipalities, arts organizations, or nonprofits. Responsibilities include managing the commissioning process, overseeing fabrication and installation projects, liaising with artists and contractors, and promoting public engagement with artworks.

Community Arts Leader

Graduates often take leadership roles at community art centers or nonprofits, directing educational programs, managing studios, curating exhibitions, and coordinating outreach activities. These roles enable them to foster art appreciation and creativity within diverse communities.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must possess a bachelor’s degree in art from an accredited institution with at least 36 credit hours in art coursework. Students must complete at least 10 hours in a studio concentration.

GPA Requirement

Students must show a 3.0 GPA or higher in the final 60 hours of undergraduate coursework. Applicants falling short may require prerequisite coursework before full admission.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit an official undergraduate transcript, an application to the Graduate School, three letters of recommendation, a statement of purpose outlining artistic goals, and a resume.

Portfolio Submission

Applicants must present 20 images of the original work in a PDF slideshow format, properly labeled with the title, medium, size, and date. They must also include an image identification sheet.

Review Process

The MFA Admissions Committee will review all materials and may recommend remedial coursework if undergraduate deficiencies exist. The Graduate Dean makes final admission decisions.

Submission Deadline

Applicants must submit all application materials by February 1 for Summer/Fall semester entry consideration.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $2,559.42* (on-campus) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the Graduate resident/regional tuition rate ($284.38/credit hour) for on-campus courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

Apply

Related Programs

Students interested in the Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) may also wish to explore other related programs at Fort Hays State University. These options can expand technical expertise, professional opportunities, and creative horizons:

FAQ

How competitive is the Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) program?

Acceptance is highly selective, with only four graduate students admitted once, ensuring personalized attention and professional-level training.

Are international opportunities available for Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) students?

Graduates can participate in international residencies, particularly in Germany, where they engage with the European art community and exhibit their work.

What scholarships or financial aid options exist for sculpture students?

Competitive Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) positions and scholarships are available, providing financial assistance and valuable teaching experience.

Can graduates gain certification in technical skills during the Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture)?

Students learn welding and fabrication techniques, including opportunities for certification through collaboration with the Department of Applied Technology.

What facilities and resources are available specifically to Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture) students?

A 12,000-square-foot sculpture building with a woodshop, foundry, blacksmithing shop, spray booth, installation gallery, and advanced 3D printing technologies is available for sculpture students.

Information about the School of Visual and Performing Arts

At FHSU’s School of Visual and Performing Arts, creativity thrives in a supportive and passionate community. Our programs in Art, Design, Music, and Theatre offer students the opportunity to develop their talents and prepare for rewarding careers in the arts. Whether you aspire to create visual masterpieces, perform on stage, or educate the next generation, our expert faculty provides hands-on learning experiences that inspire and challenge you.

With access to state-of-the-art facilities and personalized mentorship, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in your chosen field. From local exhibitions and major performances to internships and professional development opportunities, our programs equip you with the tools to make your mark in the world of visual and performing arts.

Student Organizations

While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.

American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA): Connect with industry professionals and fellow graphic design students, attend conferences, and expand your network.
Arts for Social Change: Use art as a catalyst for positive social change through lectures, workshops, and public events.
Ceramica Clay Club (CCC): Participate in ceramic workshops, art events, and interdisciplinary projects that spread art into the community.
FHSU Theater: Dive into acting, writing, and directing through performances and peer education programs.
Fe Sculpture Club: Explore metalworking and host art events both on campus and in the community.
Interior Design Student Organization (IDSA): Prepare for a career in interior design through networking, field trips, and professional development.
Creative Arts Society (CAS): Enhance diversity and culture through guest-artist lectures, workshops, and community art projects.
Collaborative Art Project (CAP): The Collaborative Art Project is a collaboration between Amy Schmierbach, professor of art at Fort Hays State University, students of FHSU, and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas. Schmierbach and students are providing workshops to the DSNWK individuals to provide structured art experiences centered around weaving, drawing, and photography. The goal of this project is to expand the arts in the Hays community to help reach more individuals, specifically creating more opportunities in the arts.
Art Eaters Art History Club: The Art Eaters Art History Club is a community dedicated to fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of art across cultures and throughout history. Open to all, regardless of expertise, the club provides opportunities for members to explore art movements, artists, and forms through lectures, gallery visits, workshops, and discussions. With a mission to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love of the arts, the club also connects members with key figures in the art world and helps develop valuable skills like curation. Through collaboration and dialogue, we cultivate a deeper understanding of art’s cultural significance.
Tiger Marching Band: This group is open to all students who enjoy marching band and want to be a part of the Tiger Marching Band tradition.
Pep Band: The FHSU pep band provides musical entertainment for FHSU Basketball games. Open to all students.
Collegiate National Association for Music Education (CNAfME): This student organization is dedicated to developing music education professionals, including workshops, training, field experiences, and annual participation in the Kansas Music Educators Association state conference in Wichita.
Student National Association of Teachers of Singing (S-NATS): Vocalists participate in workshops, trainings, and attendance at the regional NATS workshop and competition each fall.
Music Theatre: Participate in a fully-realized stage production produced each year, from a stage role to back-stage positions and technical support.

Sculpture

Bachelor's
Master's

On-Campus

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