Thesis Information and Requirements

Overview

The MFA Thesis Exhibition is the culminating presentation of a student’s creative work, demonstrating advanced professional competence. Under the guidance of their thesis committee, students select and prepare the work for public exhibition. Alongside the exhibition, students must complete a written document that supports and contextualizes the artwork. This document follows the formatting and submission guidelines of the East Carolina University Graduate School. The exhibition and written documentation are the concluding requirements of the MFA as a terminal degree in Art

MFA Thesis Exhibition

The culminating experience of the School of Art and Design’s Master of Fine Arts program is the thesis exhibition. Presented after three years of concentrated study, the exhibition showcases a cohesive body of work that reflects the candidate’s artistic voice, technical skill, and conceptual development within their creative practice. It serves as a demonstration of the highest level of professional competency in the visual arts and design.

MFA Thesis Exhibitions are hosted at the Wellington B. Gray Gallery, though students may also choose alternative venues. Exhibitions at the Gray Gallery must follow the procedures and policies of the School of Art and Design Galleries, including approval of all promotional materials. Students exhibiting in other venues must coordinate with their venue and thesis committee to ensure that promotional materials are reviewed and approved.

MFA Written Thesis

In addition to the thesis exhibition, MFA candidates must complete a written thesis that supports and contextualizes their creative work. This document should follow the Graduate School’s Manual of Basic Requirements for Theses and Dissertations.

The written thesis provides critical background and context for the exhibition. It should demonstrate the candidate’s understanding of the conceptual, technical, and historical foundations of their field, and situate their work within broader artistic and design practices. The document must reference relevant historical and contemporary artists or designers, addressing their influence and connections to the candidate’s own practice. Proper citation of sources is required.

Agreements, Embargo, Copyright: ECU Non-Exclusive Distribution License needs to be completed and uploaded at the time of Vireo submission.

Elements of Written Thesis

• Abstract
• Blank Page
• Title Page (first page counted but not printed in footer; lower-case Roman numeral i)
• Copyright Page (second page counted but not printed in footer; lower-case Roman numeral ii)
• Signature Page (third page counted but not printed in footer; lower-case Roman numeral iii)
• Table of Contents (next sequential lower-case Roman numeral, but not listed in ToC)
• List of Tables/Figures (as appropriate; next sequential lower-case Roman numeral; listed in ToC)
• List of Plates (as appropriate; next sequential lower-case Roman numeral; listed in ToC)
• List of Symbols/Abbreviations (as appropriate; next sequential lower-case Roman numeral; listed in ToC)
• Preface (optional page with the next sequential lower-case Roman numeral; listed in ToC)
• Body of Thesis (Arabic number; first page of each section is counted but no footer; listed in ToC)
• References (Arabic number; listed in ToC)
• Plates (as appropriate; Arabic number; listed in ToC)
• Appendices (as appropriate; Arabic number; listed in ToC)
• Blank Ending Page

Archive of SoAD Thesis Documents

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