Master of Fine Arts (Inter-Media)
Hours: 62 On-Campus Online
About
The Master of Fine Arts (Inter-Media) program at Fort Hays State University offers a flexible and innovative curriculum that emphasizes blending media and disciplines. Students engage with various studio areas, including sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, drawing, painting, and digital media.
Rather than focusing on a single medium, the program fosters a cohesive approach by combining various forms of visual art. It supports individual artistic growth through personalized mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and critical dialogue, enabling students to explore traditional and emerging creative expression modes.
Why pursue a Master of Fine Arts (Inter-Media) at Fort Hays State University?
Its exceptional flexibility and interdisciplinary approach distinguishes the Master of Fine Arts (Inter-Media) program. It offers a fully customizable curriculum integrating graphic design, drawing and painting, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, photography, and new media, fostering artistic innovation and cross-disciplinary exploration.
Students benefit from the guidance of experienced faculty who mentor across multiple disciplines, cultivating a collaborative and cross-medium learning environment. Additionally, the program’s unique option to enroll in courses from other graduate programs within and beyond the art and design fields provides a personalized educational experience, setting it apart from others.
Who is this program for?
This program is designed for visual artists looking to expand their creative practices across disciplines. It suits those interested in combining media and exploring new forms while advancing a professional art career or preparing for higher education roles. Artists passionate about interdisciplinary creation and value concepts and techniques will find this program especially rewarding.
- Practicing artists seeking advanced study
- Educators pursuing professional development
- Designers expanding into performance or video art
- Creative professionals seeking to teach at the university level
- Individuals interested in digital and time-based media
Real-World Applications
The program prepares students for professional careers by offering a curriculum emphasizing studio art alongside extensive development, research, and public presentation. Students engage in real-world opportunities to showcase their work and receive professional feedback through exhibitions, internships, and participation in national conferences.
Students learn through the entire artistic process, from conceptual development to execution and critique, culminating in a solo thesis exhibition. The program also provides professional practice training, including artist statement writing, gallery relations, studio management, and teaching assistantships, supporting students’ growth as practicing artists.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Staying relevant in a rapidly evolving creative field requires continuous engagement with emerging tools, technologies, and ideas. Fort Hays State University integrates the latest digital media, time-based media, and experimental processes into the curriculum to ensure students remain at the forefront of contemporary art practice.
Workshops, guest lectures by visiting artists, and opportunities to attend national conferences in digital and performance art offer students more profound insight into current artistic trends. The year-long thesis process encourages in-depth research and production, allowing students to experiment with new forms and methods while critically responding to contemporary issues in the visual arts.
Hands-on Activities
Hands-on, immersive experiences are central to the Master of Fine Arts (Inter-Media). Students actively engage in visual arts production through advanced studio courses and interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering technical skills and conceptual development. Access to 24-hour studio facilities supports continuous exploration across various media, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, video art, and installation.
The program simulates professional art environments through design workshops, critiques, and exhibitions, allowing students to refine their practice in real-world contexts. Graduate students may also assist faculty, lead workshops, and teach undergraduate courses, gaining valuable experience for future educational or academic roles. The program’s structure ensures that each student is fully involved in all aspects of art making, from research and experimentation to public presentation.
What You’ll Learn:
- Integration of traditional and digital media
- Development of a cohesive artistic vision
- Mastery in research-based art production
- Theory and practice in contemporary art forms
- Professional preparation in visual arts careers
- Presentation and critique of creative work
How You’ll Learn:
- Collaborative interdisciplinary studio projects
- Access to 24/7 digital and fine arts labs
- Portfolio and exhibition-based evaluations
- Real-world project and conference engagement
- Applied courses in teaching and leadership
- Faculty mentorship in thesis and research
The program’s core curriculum is intentionally broad, encouraging integration across multiple artistic disciplines. Students complete 37 credit hours in their chosen concentration(s), allowing for focused exploration of form, material, and technique. An additional 12 credit hours in Art History and Aesthetics provide essential theoretical and contextual grounding.
Core areas of study include painting, printmaking, photography, digital media, and performance art, emphasizing developing technical skills and conceptual depth. The final thesis, comprising a solo exhibition, written analysis, and oral defense, demonstrates students' ability to synthesize diverse methods and ideas.
As they progress through the program, students may customize their experience with electives in specialized areas such as ceramics or sculpture, aligning their coursework with individual artistic goals.
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 865: Problems: Ceramics II
Research and experimentation in ceramics as a major or minor concentration.
ART 889: Concepts of Art
In-depth study of philosophical concepts of art and the development of a concise view of creativity.
Discover the full Master of Fine Arts (Inter-Media) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Graduates can pursue careers that value creativity, interdisciplinary knowledge, and visual communication. Their ability to work across media makes them adaptable professionals, well-suited for traditional and emerging roles in the arts and creative industries.
Visual Artist
Visual artists work across various media, including painting, video, installation, and performance. Their portfolios showcase a versatile and interdisciplinary practice, preparing them to exhibit in galleries, museums, and alternative art spaces. This broad skill set enables them to navigate commercial and fine art environments confidently and creatively.
College or University Art Instructor
College or university art instructors often bring interdisciplinary expertise that enables them to teach across multiple media areas, including both traditional and contemporary practices. Their broad skill set also supports meaningful contributions to curriculum development, academic mentorship, and the overall educational environment within higher education institutions.
Creative Director
Creative directors lead visual storytelling and brand identity efforts within advertising, film, and digital content industries. Their expertise in conceptualizing and executing ideas across digital and traditional platforms gives them a distinct advantage in these leadership roles.
Multimedia Artist
Multimedia artists blend video, sound, performance, and animation, working in creative agencies, film studios, or as independent creators. They produce dynamic, time-based media that is in high demand across entertainment and digital communication industries.
Gallery Manager or Arts Administrator
Gallery managers or arts administrators often pursue careers in managing galleries, curating exhibitions, overseeing collections, or administering art programs. Their professional training in studio practices and art history provides a solid foundation for leadership roles within both nonprofit and commercial art organizations.
Applicants to the Master of Fine Arts (Inter-Media) program at Fort Hays State University must hold a bachelor's degree in a related field and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 in their last 60 undergraduate credit hours. Academic transcripts must be submitted for verification.
Portfolio Submission
Applicants must submit a digital portfolio featuring 15–20 recent works. The portfolio should demonstrate creative originality, technical skill, and relevance to the Master of Fine Arts (Inter-Media) program.
Statement of Intent
Applicants must submit a one- to two-page statement of intent outlining their goals for graduate study, personal artistic direction, and reasons for choosing the Master of Fine Arts (Inter-Media) program.
Letters of Recommendation
Students must submit two letters of recommendation, with at least one coming from a faculty member familiar with the applicant’s academic or artistic abilities.
Interview (if requested)
An interview with faculty may be requested for some applicants to assess their readiness and suitability for advanced graduate-level study.
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) or $3,139.02* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the Graduate resident/regional tuition rate ($284.38/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate (348.78/credit hour) for online 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.
Related Programs
Students interested in the Master of Fine Arts (Inter-Media) program may also benefit from exploring other graduate and undergraduate programs at Fort Hays State University. Many of these offerings intersect with Inter-Media themes and practices, providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary education in visual arts and related fields.
- Master of Fine Arts (Graphic Design)
- Master of Fine Arts (Ceramics)
- Master of Fine Arts (Sculpture)
- B.A./BFA in Art (Studio Art: Drawing-Painting)
- Certificate in Studio Art
- Certificate in Photography
Students gain access to fine art studios, computer labs, design software, video and photo equipment, and 24-hour studio spaces.
Courses integrate new forms like video art and time-based media, and students attend national design conferences and workshops.
We require a cohesive body of work, a written statement, and an oral defense presented in a solo public exhibition.
Students may serve as graduate teaching assistants (GTAs) and lead workshops in their concentration areas.
Career options include visual artist, university instructor, multimedia designer, gallery manager, creative director, and more.
Information about the School of Visual and Performing Arts
The School of Visual and Performing Arts at FHSU inspires creativity within a supportive and passionate community. Each program in Art and Design, along with Music and Theatre, offers students the opportunity to develop their talents and prepare for rewarding careers in the arts. Whether students aspire to create visual masterpieces, perform on stage, or educate the next generation, expert faculty provide hands-on learning experiences that both inspire and challenge.
With access to state-of-the-art facilities and personalized mentorship, students gain the skills and confidence needed to excel in their chosen fields. From local exhibitions and major performances to internships and professional development opportunities, these programs equip students with the tools to make a lasting impact in the world of visual and performing arts.
While earning a degree remains the primary focus, college life offers much more than classroom learning. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities that foster leadership skills, deepen their understanding of their chosen careers, and provide opportunities to make a positive impact in their communities.
- 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 partnership between Amy Schmierbach, professor of art at Fort Hays State University, FHSU students, and Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas (DSNWK). Schmierbach and the students lead workshops for DSNWK individuals, offering structured art experiences focused on weaving, drawing, and photography. The project aims to expand access to the arts within the Hays community, creating more opportunities for individuals to engage with and benefit from artistic expression.
- 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 students regardless of experience, the club offers opportunities to explore art movements, artists, and various forms through lectures, gallery visits, workshops, and discussions. With a mission to inspire creativity, critical thinking, and a lifelong passion for the arts, the club also connects members with influential figures in the art world and helps develop valuable skills such as curation. Through collaboration and dialogue, the club cultivates 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, training, 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.
- Master's
- On-Campus
- Online
