Master of Fine Arts in Glass

Join a nationally ranked graduate program of interdisciplinary thought and practice through the Master of Fine Arts in Glass at the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. Tyler’s Glass MFA has been consistently recognized as one of the top programs in the discipline by U.S. News & World Report.

Graduate students work in an intensive studio setting and closely with diverse and highly accomplished faculty. The 60-credit curriculum comprises rigorous studio practice, research, seminars and peer reviews with other disciplines. Visiting artists and curators regularly give lectures and demonstrations and critique student work, widening students’ artistic network.

As an MFA student, you’ll interact with undergraduates both in the shop and in the studios, developing and strengthening your teaching experience. Our graduate students benefit from the Glass MFA program’s strong record of placing alumni in faculty positions and arts practices across the country.

The school’s location in Philadelphia, a vibrant arts center with a strong glass tradition, allows students to gain further experience in their discipline. Tyler’s proximity to New York City’s arts resources allows students to grow their creative practices and businesses as well as earn teaching positions in higher education at leading institutions. Students can also engage in the contemporary art and glass scene.

Visiting Artists and Lecturers

The Laurie Wagman Visiting Artist and Artist-in-residence Series in Glass and other visiting artist programs bring leading national and international artists, art collectives, and curators of diverse backgrounds and practices to enrich the Tyler Glass experience and join MFA students for one-on-one time in their studios. Past recipients include Related Tactics, Janine Antoni, Anna Mlasowsky, and Silvia Levenson. Learn more about visiting artists and lecturers at Tyler.

An image of a student placing glass in oven

Program Format & Curriculum

With core courses aligned over two weekdays, Glass MFA have considerable flexibility and choice when selecting art history, elective and seminar classes, either within Tyler’s graduate curriculum or across the university. Courses in critique and critical discourse are a foundational to the first year of study. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students also participate in directed studio research and an MFA thesis gallery exhibition in their final semester of study.

Tyler's Glass graduate curriculum places a strong value on collaboration, attention to detail and expertise when handling state-of-the-art studio equipment. Students are provided opportunities to enhance their understanding of the full range of glass processes: glass blowing, hot casting, kiln casting, flame working, neon, performance and more.

Some of the courses you’ll take as a Glass MFA student include the following.

  • Critique and Critical Discourse I and II
  • Graduate Projects, Glass
  • Directed Studio Practice
  • Art History Seminar (5000, 8000 or 9000 level)
  • Master of Fine Arts Thesis

Learn more about the coursework for the Glass MFA.

Related Graduate Certificates 

Careers  

The MFA Glass program prepares graduates for careers as professional artists, crafts persons, designers, and educators. Other professional opportunities include the following.  

  • Curator  

  • Exhibition designer  

  • Museum educator/researcher 

  • Professional artist   

  • Tableware designer  

  • Youth program and workshop educator 

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2023–2024 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,266.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,682.00 per credit

You can view the full Cost of Attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

TA-GLSS-MFA

Additional Program Information