This year the School of Art and Design opened a new graduate program, the Master of Arts in Studio Art. This studio-based degree takes an individualized approach to help students deepen their artistic practices and synthesize their skills and interests. The goal is for students to finish the program with a researched body of artwork that explores deeper concepts, diverse media and advanced techniques.   

The M.A. in Studio Art is designed for working adults and delivered mostly online over two fall and spring terms, with required studio hours either on campus or elsewhere, and one in-person summer intensive on campus. This is ideal for art educators who are teaching in public schools and want to enhance their credentials. The program also has a graduate certificate option for people who already have a master’s degree but need more graduate-level coursework to teach concurrent or dual enrolled art classes.

Program Coordinator Lauren Eisen asked a current M.A. student, Erin Loy, about her experiences in the program so far: 

Tell us more about yourself and what led you to the M.A. in Studio Art from UNC? 

I grew up in St. Louis, a city known for its rich cultural history and vibrant arts scene, which sparked my early interest in the arts. After earning my B.F.A. from the University of Missouri in Columbia, I moved to Colorado and pursued my Art Education Certification from Colorado State University. Currently, I’m an art teacher at Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, where I teach Ceramics, Jewelry and Studio Art History. I chose this M.A. because it provides the opportunity to focus on my creative development while continuing to teach. The flexibility of the hybrid program, combined with the wealth of resources available at UNC, provides the perfect balance for me to continue growing as an artist and teacher. 

How do you assess the balance between cost and the quality of the education and experiences provided?

I’m fortunate to have received a scholarship through the Dean of the College of Performing and Visual Arts, which has been helpful. The quality provided—in terms of faculty expertise and access to resources — far outweighs the financial commitment. The personal attention and mentorship I’m receiving, along with the chance to interact with other passionate artists, makes the value of this experience clear.

The program offers a unique combination of hands-on studio practice, critical thinking and professional development, which will have a long-lasting impact on my artistic career.

How have you been able to find your own personal artistic identity and voice?   

The diversity within the curriculum has inspired me to incorporate broader cultural influences into my practice, expanding technical and conceptual aspects of my work. The guidance from professors and the engaging discussions with peers have encouraged me to move beyond my comfort zone, to take risks in my artmaking, and to refine conceptual underpinnings of my work. The faculty has been instrumental in pushing me to think deeply about how my art can communicate complex ideas. 

Can you speak to a specific professor or mentor who has had a significant impact on your artistic journey?   

Donna Goodwin, the Director of the School of Art and Design, has been an especially influential mentor. She’s truly an inspirational role model, offering both personal and professional guidance that has helped me approach my work with renewed confidence and clarity. I’m also excited to work with Bri Murphy in Sculpture. Their expertise in Ceramics and Sculpture has had a profound impact on the direction of my work. Bri’s thoughtful and engaging teaching style has expanded my understanding of form, materiality and the technical aspects of sculpture.   

Tell us more about your professional goals and how UNC is helping you accomplish them. 

The M.A. in Studio Art program at UNC is not only allowing me to grow as an artist, but it’s also opening new avenues for me to expand my career in education, positioning me to teach dual enrollment classes at my current school. This will enhance the art offerings at Rocky Mountain High School and provide students with a deeper, college-level art education, which I believe will be a tremendous benefit to them.