SUNY Purchase College offers a unique opportunity for graduate arts students to pursue their passion in a supportive and vibrant environment. With access to generous financial support, paid teaching opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and the bustling cultural scene of New York City, students can truly thrive in their artistic endeavors.
The MFA in Visual Arts program at SUNY Purchase is a small and selective interdisciplinary program that focuses on fostering artistic, intellectual, and professional growth through independent studio work and rigorous academic studies. The program boasts state-of-the-art facilities including photography, video, and digital labs, wood and metal shops, sound art studios, and printmaking and letterpress studios. Students also benefit from the rich art communities in New York City, which play a crucial role in both curricular and extracurricular activities. The 2026 thesis show is scheduled to take place at PS 122 in Manhattan’s East Village.
On the other hand, the MA in Art History program at SUNY Purchase focuses on modern and contemporary art, with an emphasis on art’s relation to urgent social and political questions. This unique program prepares students for further academic study at the doctoral level as well as a variety of careers in the art world, such as curator, art writer/critic, museum educator, collections manager/registrar, and museum designer.
For students interested in developing teaching skills, SUNY Purchase offers paid opportunities to teach undergraduates and develop and offer courses based on individual expertise. Additionally, the three-year MFA/MA dual degree program combines the MFA degree with an MA in Visual Art and Modern and Contemporary Art, Criticism and Theory, with art history requirements completed in the third year of study.
Students at SUNY Purchase have access to the Neuberger Museum of Art, the Purchase College campus museum, the Performing Arts Center, and opportunities for community engagement throughout the United States. In-state tuition is $13,256 ($25,506 for out-of-state students), with scholarships and full housing aid available to qualified students, along with teaching stipends.
The graduate students at SUNY Purchase are mentored by renowned working artists in diverse disciplines, from traditional materials to cutting-edge technology. Faculty members include a roster of talented artists and art historians who provide frequent critiques as part of a robust visiting artist and curator lecture series. Recent visitors include Elle Pérez, Fred Wilson, Katherine Bradford, James Welling, and many more.
For application information and to apply online, interested students can contact admissions@purchase.edu or visit purchase.edu. For more details about the MFA program, students can reach out to Julian Kreimer, MFA Chair at julian.kreimer@purchase.edu. For information about the MA in Art History program, students can contact Jonah Westerman, MA ARH Chair at jonah.westerman@purchase.edu. Don’t hesitate to reach out to either professor for details about the dual MFA/MA program.
Overall, SUNY Purchase College provides a vibrant and supportive community for graduate arts students to explore their creativity and develop their skills in a dynamic and engaging environment.
