Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art with Specialization in Painting and Drawing

at State University of New York at New Paltz USA

This program designed specifically for college graduates holding an appropriate liberal arts degree in Biology, Chemistry, English, Geology, History, or Mathematics who have not had a formal background in education and who wish to prepare for a teaching career in adolescence education grades 7-12.

Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will be recommended to the New York State Education Department for Initial/Professional Certification.

The nationally accredited MFA program offers varied and extensive opportunities for graduate study in a unique setting. Our location is just 90 minutes north of New York City in the historic Hudson River Valley, allowing access to cutting-edge artists, historians, critics, and curators. The campus features expansive facilities, private and semi-private secure studios, and extensive computer labs and digital fabrication technologies. Additional exhibition spaces complement the prestigious Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art.

Printmaking - Specialization
The Printmaking program views the field expansively, honoring tradition while moving the medium ever forward through the use of digital, sculptural means to create two and three-dimensional and installation-based works. The program encourages students to formulate and articulate their philosophical and personal concepts and translate them into visual works, meeting these objectives by offering a mix of intensive studio experience with critical and theoretical dialogue. The printmaking studios are state-of-the-art facilities containing a full range of new and top-of-the-line equipment and presses. In our 10,000 square foot studio spaces students have the capability of working with intaglio, lithography, silkscreen, monotype, woodcut, and hand-papermaking as well as contemporary photography, digital, and mixed media printmaking processes. Access to the Art Department’s stellar Wood Studio and Digital Fabrication labs round out the offerings within the printmaking area.

The Department of Physics & Astronomy offers majors in both physics and astronomy, serves a variety of other majors in the sciences and education, and offers general education courses to a wide range of students.

The Physics major provides a broad base of fundamentals, yet gives you the opportunity to get specialized training.  First, you take two-semester introductory courses that survey physics, chemistry, and calculus.  Then, you follow up with courses covering classical and modern physics, computational physics, and applied mathematics.  The capstone experience is a senior project.  If you would like, you can pursue topics of interest to you through independent study.  An adviser works closely with you to plan what's best for your situation.

Communication Studies with concentrations in Interpersonal/Intercultural Communication, Organizational Communication, and Public Relations. The program, which leads to either the bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) degree, blends technical and theoretical courses that can prepare students for graduate study or a variety of careers. Because communication is closely linked to the technological, social, and cultural forces that are rapidly changing our world, its study affords students a number of ways to pursue their interests and goals. A minor in Communication Studies is also offered.

Students who select a concentration in Public Relations take a combination of theoretical and practical courses in journalism, ethics, persuasion, media and advertising, as well as public relations. The concentration prepares public relations practitioners to become communication experts within corporate, non-profit and government organizations, and public relations agencies. Students learn how to write and design public relations materials and how to plan public relations campaigns and special events. Both oral and written communication skills are emphasized. Learning how to conduct research is also an important component.

Bachelor of Science programs in Accounting, Business Analytics, Finance, General Business, International Business, Marketing, and Management are offered.

It is expected that students who complete the program will possess skills in critical thinking, oral and written communication, teamwork and ethics. Follow the links below to learn more about the curriculum for each major, as well as for the minors in Business and Business Analytics.

A major program is offered in French language, literature and culture for students in liberal arts or elementary and secondary education programs. Students are admitted to the major upon completion of Intermediate French or placement.

Philosophy is the 'love of wisdom.'  It involves a relentless probing of the most profound and difficult questions concerning human beings and their place in the universe.  It is therefore the most comprehensive study.  The Department of Philosophy offers a program designed to acquaint students with the major divisions of philosophy and with the principal historical and contemporary figures and schools.  The study of philosophy is excellent preparation for a variety of vocations and professions, as well as for graduate study in medicine, law, government, business, and journalism.

The Department of Music at SUNY New Paltz offers a master’s degree in Music Therapy. Music Therapy applicants pursue a program of study leading to candidacy for licensure as a creative arts therapist (LCAT) through the New York State Education Department Office of the Professions.

This program designed specifically for college graduates holding an appropriate liberal arts degree in Biology, Chemistry, English, Geology, History, or Mathematics who have not had a formal background in education and who wish to prepare for a teaching career in adolescence education grades 7-12.

Upon successful completion of the program, candidates will be recommended to the New York State Education Department for Initial/Professional Certification.

The Department of Digital Media & Journalism represents disciplines that combine methods from both the humanities and social sciences in the study of how people share and represent ideas through the mass media. Building upon a solid liberal-arts foundation, students in our programs develop theoretical and practical knowledge through challenging and engaging coursework and hands-on experiences that will support their intellectual and professional growth and prepare them for careers and graduate study.

The Department offers three academic majors, each leading to either the bachelor of arts (B.A.) or bachelor of science (B.S.) degree: Digital Media Production, Digital Media Programming & Management, and Journalism.