Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Jewelry & Metal Arts
San Francisco, USA
Master degree
DURATION
6 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
USD 1,615 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus, Distance Learning
* per unit for international students / USD 1,407 per unit for domestic students
Key Summary
About: The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Jewelry & Metal Arts focuses on advanced studio coursework, fabrication, casting, CAD and 3D modeling, digital techniques, cross-cultural themes, and thesis concept development. Students refine metalsmithing, prototyping, and portfolio skills through Directed Study, ending with a powerful, cohesive professional portfolio for exhibitions and industry practice.
Career Outcomes: Graduates pursue roles as CAD jewelry designers, casting specialists, technical designers, studio jewelers, curators, and instructors. They work in studios, production, galleries, and education, applying prototyping, CNC, 3D printing, alloy selection, and curation skills to careers in jewelry design, metalsmithing, manufacturing, retail, and arts education.
The MFA Jewelry & Metal Arts program emphasizes advanced studio coursework and thesis concept development. Students focus on mastering fabrication and casting skills, learning digital techniques, and exploring cross-cultural themes before embarking on individual Directed Study/thesis paths leading to a visually powerful and conceptually cohesive professional portfolio.
Unit Requirements
Degree Requirements
- Successful completion of Final Thesis Project
- A minimum grade of C in all required 63 units
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and the following Academic Study requirements:
- 1 Art Historical Awareness & Aesthetic course
- 1 Cross-Cultural Understanding course
Curriculum
Semester 1
- FA 601: Drawing (Major)
- JEM 608: Wax Model Making and Introduction to Casting (Major)
- JEM 610: Jewelry & Metal Arts: Design & Fabrication (Major)
Semester 2
- GLA 602: The Art & Ideology of the 20th Century (Graduate Liberal Arts)
Recommended for summer - JEM 605: Forging & Forming (Major)
- JEM 620: Jewelry & Metal Arts: Advanced Design & Fabrication (Major)
- JEM 643: Papermaking/Mixed Media (Major)
Recommended for summer - JEM 668: Digital Design: Laser Cutting and Milling (Major)
Semester 3
- JEM 630: Innovations in Materials and Processes (Major)
- JEM 644: Project Development (Major)
- JEM 649: Modular Casting for Jewelry and Sculpture (Major)
Semester 4
- GLA 606: Crossing Borders: Art & Culture in a Global Society (Graduate Liberal Arts)
- JEM 624: Exploring Textile Techniques in Metal (Elective)
Recommended for summer - JEM 800: Directed Study (Directed Studies)
Semester 5
- JEM 635: Modern & Contemporary Design & Techniques (Elective)
- JEM 800: Directed Study (Directed Studies)
Semester 6
- GLA 674: Professional Practices for Fine Artists (Graduate Liberal Arts)
- JEM 800: Directed Study (Directed Studies)
- JEM 810: Group Directed Study (Directed Studies)
Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:
MFA Thesis Project
- Present an original thesis concept worthy of the MFA degree.
- Demonstrate the feasibility of the thesis project.
- Produce a cohesive body of work demonstrating personal vision and professional level achievement in concept and execution.
Visual Communication
- Work with advanced level skills in chosen mediums and techniques.
Research and Concept Development
- Explore ideas, articulate concepts, and conceive solutions.
- Apply project-related research to design solutions.
Critical Analysis
- Critically discuss work using objective criteria: describing facts, analyzing techniques, interpreting content, and evaluating results
- Discuss work within the context of historical movements and contemporary trends in the thesis proposal, final paper, and directed study journals.
Presentation Skills
- Give clear, concise presentations supported by appropriate visual materials.
Professional Readiness
- Professionally present and exhibit artwork.
- Manage workload to meet deadlines.
- Produce a portfolio and collateral materials suitable for your chosen career path.
Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:
- Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
- Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
- Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
- Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
- Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
- Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
- Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.
Academy of Art University offers some of the best training and hands-on experience to help you pursue jewelry careers. We pride ourselves in doing an exceptional job preparing you to excel in your future jewelry careers. Our degree programs are designed to equip aspiring professionals with a comprehensive toolbox of marketable skills that lead to success in the industry.
CAD Jewelry Designer
Create jewelry designs using software for 3D modeling and printing. Realize designs using printed wax and plastic models, CNC machines, milling, and laser cutting for use with modern jewelry production techniques. Work side by side with production teams to ensure manufacturing consistency in this dynamic career path.
Casting Specialist
Work with a variety of clients during the design, prototype, and final production stages. Utilize your expertise to provide solutions for intricate designs and challenging concepts. Stay updated on the newest metal alloys and technologies to ensure the best possible metal castings.
Gallery/Museum Curator
Apply your knowledge of the jewelry profession to curate exciting and thought-provoking exhibitions in a gallery or boutique-style space. Inspire and educate the general public about the jewelry and artwork you represent. Introduce collectors and connoisseurs to new and emerging artists from around the world.
Jewelry & Metal Arts Instructor
Teach students to apply traditional hand techniques and modern technology in the production of jewelry and metal arts while encouraging creativity and self-expression. Instruct the next generation of artists and designers in the latest fabrication methods, materials, and aesthetics used by leading jewelers and metalsmiths. Provide a historical context for the student's artistic exploration and practice.
Studio Jeweler/Gallery Artist
Focus on developing a conceptual and technically sound body of work for collectors and exhibitions within a museum or gallery setting. Explore historical, political, or personal narratives while creating one-of-a-kind and limited edition works in your studio. Engage in a dialog with viewers and collectors about the many techniques incorporated into your pieces and the underlying themes represented.
Technical Designer
As a technical jewelry designer, you are a part of the design team creating drawings and digital files for use in production. Plan, iterate, and create maquettes for rapid prototyping in this exciting career path.