University of Tulsa

What you'll study

This master's programme combines sustained studio practice with critical theory, professional practice and exhibition experience. Students typically choose a primary studio concentration—such as painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, photography, ceramics, or digital/new media—and develop a coherent body of work under faculty supervision.

• Studio Practice: Extended studio courses that provide technical instruction, independent studio time and faculty critiques to support the development of a graduate-level portfolio.
• Seminars in Contemporary Art: Critical seminars addressing contemporary theory, art history, curatorial practice and visual culture to contextualise studio work.
• Technical Workshops: Practical workshops on materials and processes relevant to each concentration (e.g. advanced glazing and firing, darkroom and digital photography workflows, printmaking techniques, 3D fabrication, and digital fabrication/CNC/laser cutting where applicable).
• Professional Development: Coursework and workshops on grant writing, artist statements and CVs, exhibition planning, public art proposals, and arts entrepreneurship to prepare students for professional practice.
• Graduate Exhibition/Thesis Project: A culminating exhibition or thesis project accompanied by a written component or artist’s statement, presented in a campus gallery or partner venue.
• Electives and Cross-disciplinary Options: Opportunities to take electives in related areas such as art history, design, film, or technology, and to collaborate with other departments on interdisciplinary projects.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a bachelor's degree in art or a related discipline, though technically qualified candidates from other backgrounds who demonstrate strong creative potential may be considered. Typical application components include:

• Academic transcripts: Undergraduate degree transcripts showing relevant study.
• Portfolio: A high-quality digital portfolio that demonstrates technical skill, conceptual development and readiness for graduate-level work.
• Statement of purpose: A clear statement outlining artistic goals, research interests and reasons for pursuing the programme.
• References: Two or three academic or professional references familiar with the applicant’s creative work.
• Interview or review: Some applicants may be invited to an interview or portfolio review, in person or remotely.

Standardised tests are not typically required for art master’s applicants; international applicants should check language proficiency requirements and provide evidence of English ability if applicable.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of professional paths in the visual arts and creative industries. Common destinations include:

• Practising professional artist, exhibiting nationally and internationally.
• Gallery or museum professional roles including curating, exhibition management and collections work.
• Arts administration, community arts programming and cultural project management.
• Teaching in secondary schools, colleges or tertiary institutions (additional teaching credentials may be required for some roles).
• Creative careers in design, film, photography, illustration or digital media production.
• Further research and academic study, including doctoral programmes in art practice, art history or interdisciplinary fields.

Why study at University of Tulsa

The University of Tulsa offers a focused graduate studio environment with small class sizes and close mentorship from faculty active in regional and national arts communities. Students benefit from well-equipped studio facilities, digital labs and campus exhibition spaces that support the production and public presentation of work.

Located in a city with a lively arts ecosystem, the programme provides opportunities for collaboration and exhibition through partnerships with local museums, galleries and cultural organisations. The combination of hands-on studio training, critical study and connection to the Tulsa arts scene makes the programme suitable for those seeking to deepen their practice and launch professional careers in the arts.