Masters of Fine Arts Ranking - USA

The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a prestigious postgraduate degree designed to help students refine their creative practices, master technical skills, and develop their artistic voices. For those pursuing a career in the arts, an MFA is often seen as a crucial stepping stone that offers not only in-depth artistic training but also a network of like-minded peers, renowned faculty, and opportunities to engage with the broader art community. The ranking of MFA programs can significantly influence both the trajectory of a student’s career and their artistic development. According to the US News 2009 rankings, the top MFA programs in the United States provide a combination of artistic rigor, intellectual engagement, and professional preparation.

At the top of the list is the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), widely recognized as one of the most influential art schools in the world. Known for its rigorous curriculum and long-standing tradition of producing highly successful artists, RISD’s MFA program offers an intellectually and artistically stimulating environment for its students. With a strong emphasis on individual expression and innovation, RISD encourages its students to push the boundaries of their artistic practices while grounding their work in solid technical skills. The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, a diverse faculty composed of accomplished artists and scholars, and a rich artistic community that fosters both collaborative and independent work. The program at RISD is also notable for its holistic approach to art education, where students not only develop their skills in their chosen medium but are also encouraged to critically engage with the theoretical and conceptual aspects of contemporary art. The location in Providence, Rhode Island, provides students with a supportive community of artists and easy access to the art world in nearby New York City.

Following closely behind in second place is Yale University, whose MFA program has become a beacon of artistic excellence. Yale’s School of Art is known for its competitive admission process and its ability to cultivate highly creative and intellectually rigorous artists. The MFA program at Yale is deeply embedded in the broader academic culture of the university, and students benefit from exposure to a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, literature, and political science. The interdisciplinary nature of Yale’s MFA program allows students to explore diverse perspectives and incorporate these ideas into their own work, making it an intellectually stimulating environment. Yale also provides its students with extensive resources, from funding opportunities for exhibitions and residencies to access to an expansive network of alumni who have achieved great success in the art world. Yale’s prestigious reputation and its emphasis on artistic experimentation make it one of the most sought-after MFA programs in the world.

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) ranks third in the US News 2009 list. With a legacy that spans over 150 years, SAIC has become a leader in contemporary art education. Its MFA program is known for its dynamic and flexible curriculum, which encourages students to work across various mediums and disciplines. SAIC’s emphasis on the integration of theory and practice allows students to explore both the conceptual and technical aspects of their work. The school offers a highly personalized approach to education, where faculty work closely with students to help them define their artistic vision and refine their technical skills. SAIC’s location in Chicago, a city with a rich cultural history and a vibrant contemporary art scene, also provides students with an ideal setting for their artistic growth. With close ties to the city’s numerous galleries, museums, and artist collectives, SAIC students have ample opportunities to engage with the broader art community.

In fourth place are three distinguished institutions: Cranbrook Academy of Art, Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Each of these schools is known for its commitment to artistic excellence, its strong faculty, and its unique approach to MFA education.

Cranbrook Academy of Art, located in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, has long been regarded as a leader in graduate-level art education. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary study and encourages students to explore a wide range of artistic practices, from fine art to design to architecture. Cranbrook’s unique structure, which pairs each student with a mentor or artist-in-residence, allows for close personal interaction with faculty members and provides students with an environment that fosters independent creative exploration. The school’s small size and intimate setting contribute to a tight-knit community of artists who collaborate and inspire each other. Cranbrook has a long history of producing influential artists, and its alumni include renowned figures in the fields of art, design, and architecture.

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) in Baltimore is another prominent institution tied for fourth place. MICA’s MFA program is known for its emphasis on both artistic experimentation and professional development. Students at MICA are encouraged to push the boundaries of their work while also preparing for careers in the art world. The program is highly interdisciplinary, with students given the opportunity to work in a variety of mediums and formats. MICA’s strong connections to the vibrant Baltimore art scene and its proximity to major East Coast cities like Washington, D.C., and New York City give students ample opportunities to network, exhibit their work, and engage with the broader art community. The college is also recognized for its focus on socially engaged art, with students encouraged to create work that addresses pressing cultural, political, and environmental issues.

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) in Richmond, Virginia, rounds out the fourth-place rankings with its highly regarded MFA program. VCU has built a reputation for its innovative and progressive approach to art education, with a strong emphasis on both creative expression and technical proficiency. The school’s MFA program offers a broad range of concentrations, including painting, sculpture, photography, and new media, allowing students to tailor their education to their individual interests and career goals. VCU’s location in Richmond, a city with a burgeoning arts scene, provides students with numerous opportunities for exhibitions and collaborations, while the program’s connections to national and international art networks give students a global perspective on the art world.

The California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), tied for seventh place, is one of the most renowned institutions for arts education in the United States. Located in Valencia, California, CalArts is known for its avant-garde approach to art education and its emphasis on experimental practices. The MFA program at CalArts is interdisciplinary, encouraging students to engage with new technologies, performance art, and innovative forms of media. The program’s focus on artistic risk-taking and pushing the boundaries of traditional art forms makes it particularly appealing to students who are interested in exploring the intersections of art, technology, and culture. The school’s location in Southern California, a hub for the entertainment and creative industries, offers students valuable opportunities for collaboration and exposure to leading professionals in the arts.

Tied for seventh place are Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), both of which offer MFA programs that are highly regarded for their quality and intellectual rigor. CMU’s program emphasizes the integration of new media and technology with traditional art forms, preparing students for careers in the ever-evolving contemporary art world. UCLA’s MFA program is equally prestigious, offering students access to cutting-edge facilities and a faculty of renowned artists and scholars. UCLA is also known for its strong ties to the entertainment industry, providing students with opportunities to engage with professionals in fields like film, digital media, and design.

Rounding out the top ten is Alfred University, which offers a highly respected MFA program with a strong emphasis on fine arts and ceramics. Alfred’s program is known for its commitment to technical excellence, artistic innovation, and personal expression, providing students with a balanced approach to both the creative and practical aspects of art education.

In conclusion, the MFA programs ranked among the top ten by US News in 2009 represent a diverse range of institutions, each offering unique strengths and approaches to graduate-level art education. Whether through interdisciplinary study, strong faculty mentorship, or connections to vibrant art communities, these schools provide their students with the tools and resources necessary to succeed as professional artists. For aspiring artists, these programs represent the pinnacle of artistic training, equipping graduates with the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to make a lasting impact on the contemporary art world.

Top 10 Masters of Fine Arts Program Ranking:

1 Rhode Island School of Design
2 Yale
3 School of the Art Institute of Chicago
4 Cranbrook Academy
4 Maryland Institute
4 Virginia Commonwealth University
7 California Institute
7 CMU
7 UCLA
10 Alfred University

Source: US News 2009