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Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA)

PURPOSE

The DFA program at Midwest University is designed to elevate artists, researchers, and leaders in the fine arts by achieving the following purposes:

• Cultivate Advanced Artistic Skills: Enhancing high-level proficiency across art forms to push creative boundaries.
• Foster Innovative Research in Fine Arts: Stimulating original research that blends traditional techniques with contemporary practices, expanding the arts.
• Prepare Leaders in the Arts Community: Developing leadership and entrepreneurial skills for significant impact on the art world, locally and globally.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completing this degree, students will be able to:

• Mastery of Artistic Mediums: Students will achieve advanced mastery in their chosen medium, producing impactful work.
• Mastery of Artistic Mediums: Students will achieve advanced mastery in their chosen medium, producing impactful work.
• Professional Development: Acquisition of skills for collegiate teaching, professional exhibiting, and artistic collaboration.
• Global and Cultural Awareness: Understanding the global and cultural contexts of art, appreciating diversity in artistic expression.

PHILOSOPHY

The DFA program is built on four foundational pillars:

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Valuing interdisciplinary collaboration to foster a comprehensive understanding of the arts.
• Commitment to Innovation: Promoting a culture where experimentation and innovation in fine arts are encouraged.
• Ethical Artistic Practice: Advocating for integrity, responsibility, and respect for diverse perspectives in artistic creation.
• Community Engagement: Emphasizing art's role in communication, social change, and cultural enrichment within communities.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The DFA curriculum is meticulously designed to offer a blend of advanced artistic training, rigorous research, and leadership development tailored for the arts community. With an emphasis on both the mastery of specific artistic mediums and the exploration of new artistic horizons, the program prepares students for a range of roles, including university teaching positions, professional artists, and community arts leaders. Students will complete a mix of studio work, scholarly research, and practical applications of their studies, culminating in a significant final project or dissertation that demonstrates their contribution to the field of fine arts. Through this comprehensive approach, the DFA program aims to produce well-rounded professionals equipped to influence and innovate within the dynamic landscape of the arts.

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