The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design M.F.A. Program

The Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design, of the College of the Arts at Georgia State University, features an internationally active faculty and a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for professional careers in art and design. The programs foster critical thinking and dynamic artistic production within an interdisciplinary environment. The school offers an MA in Art History, MA in Art Education, MAT and MAEd in Art Education, and an MFA in Studio Art with concentrations in Ceramics, Drawing and Painting, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and Textiles.

Each year, our M.F.A.’s graduate with a final thesis exhibition. In light of this year’s safety concerns, we have postponed their exhibitions. Please stay tuned for an updated exhibition opening date to come. 

More information about our graduate programs can be found here.

More about the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design at Georgia State University

The School of Art & Design offers an accessible, affordable, and transformative education to one of the nation’s most diverse student populations. It is part of the newly-stated College of the Arts and features an internationally active faculty and a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for professional careers in art, design, art history, and art education. The programs foster critical thinking and dynamic artistic production within an interdisciplinary environment. We offer an accessible and transformative education to one of nation’s most diverse student populations.

– NASAD accredited

– Enrolls approximately 900 undergraduates & 68 graduates

– Offers the graduate Welch Fellow Scholarship, waived graduate tuition, undergraduate scholarships, and student assistantships

– Year-round exhibitions in the Welch School Galleries & student-run galleries

– Hosts The Visiting Artist & Scholar Lecture Series

– Is part of a Research 1 institution

Situated at the cultural and educational heart of Atlanta, the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design assumes a key role in the life of the metropolitan arts community.  The School’s downtown location encourages connections with local art networks. The campus is in proximity to prestigious art institutions such as the High Museum of Art, Atlanta Contemporary, MOCA GA, and a solid network of commercial galleries, alternative spaces, and grassroots artist organizations. 

Alumni, faculty, and students are very involved in the expanding and ever-evolving scene of the international hub, having founded a number of artist-run organizations, nonprofits and creative publications. This dynamic setting stimulates students and faculty to grow as artists and scholars, and provides them with innumerable opportunities for professional development.

The College of the Arts at GSU

Georgia State University’s newest college, the College of the Arts, is a destination for students who want to unlock and enhance their creativity with a serious arts education in a vibrant downtown setting. Offering top degree programs in art, music, film, theatre and more, the College of the Arts connects students with Atlanta’s thriving arts scene and booming film and music industries. Through the college’s partnerships with the city’s cultural organizations, students combine their craft with training in entrepreneurship to ensure dynamic, successful careers.

Established in 2016, the college includes the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design; School of Film, Media & Theatre; School of Music and its Center for Educational Partnerships; Center for Collaborative & International Arts (CENCIA);and in-part with the Creative Media Industries Institute (CMII).

Stay in Touch!

Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and sign up for our newsletter. This is the best way to follow what is going on in our department and around Atlanta. We share upcoming events, national alumni news, and opportunities for artists!