Artists and designers of unusual promise
and strong motivation are provided an
educational context in which they can
explore the potential of their own talents
in the midst of an intense critical dialogue.
This dialogue is generated by their peers, by
distinguished visitors, and by a faculty comprised
of professional artists of acknowledged
accomplishment.
The graduate student's primary educational
experience at Yale is centered on the
student's own studio activity. Supporting
this enterprise are the experience,
knowledge, and skills gained from rigorous,
structured courses such as drawing,
filmmaking, the relativity of color, and
the rich academic offerings found throughout
Yale. Each student is routinely exposed to
many aesthetic positions through encounters
with faculty members and visitors. The
School is devoted not only to the refinement
of visual skills, but also to the
cultivation of the mind. Students must
bring creative force and imagination to
their own development, for these qualities
cannot be taught—they can only be stimulated
and appreciated.
The School of Art offers an undergraduate
art major for students in Yale College (see
the bulletin Yale College Programs of
Study). In addition, the School's courses
are open to students in the Graduate School
of Arts and Sciences and other professional
schools of the University, and School of Art
students may enroll in elective courses in
the Graduate School and other professional
schools as well as in the College with
permission.
The degree of Master of Fine Arts is the only degree offered by the School of Art. It is conferred by the University upon recommendation of the faculty after successful completion of all course work in residence and after a thesis presentation that has been approved by the faculty. It implies distinctive achievement on the part of students in studies in the professional area of their choice and demonstrated capacity for independent work. The minimum residence requirement is two years. All candidates' work is reviewed by faculty at the end of each term. If the work is not considered satisfactory, the student may not be invited back to complete the program (see section on Review and Awards under Academic Regulations in the chapter General Information). All degree candidates are expected to be present at the Commencement exercises in May unless excused by the dean. Course work for the Master of Fine Arts degree carries a minimum of sixty credits. The disposition of these credits varies according to the area of study and is agreed upon at the time of registration between the student and the student's faculty adviser.
The Yale Arts Apprenticeship Program is an initiative that connects Yale undergraduates, particularly those on financial aid, with professional arts practitioners of any discipline. As an option within Yale's Summer Experience Award (SEA) funding model, the Arts Apprenticeship must fulfill the same basic requirements. Additional details, as well as those specific to the Arts Apprenticeship are included below. Yale faculty, alumni, or other arts practitioners interested in featuring positions through the program should contact Yale's Creative Careers advisor. Which Opportunities are Eligible? Must be at least 30 hours/week, for at least 8-weeks over the summer months. Those 8-weeks do not have to be continuous if the mentoring Arts Practitioner agrees on a different schedule. The time commitment need not all be in direct contact with the Arts Practitioner. Independent projects, tasks, research, etc. can comprise much of the experience, as long as the Arts Practitioner is checking in regularly with the student to provide oversight and career-based context. The opportunity cannot be with a for- profit organization. The engagement for an Arts Apprenticeship should be directly with an individual Arts Practitioner and not with a company. The only exception to this would be if the company overseeing the apprenticeship were a registered non-profit organization.