Rhode Island School of Design ranks No. 1 in fine arts programs, as stated in the 2008 "U.S. News & World Report" ranking of the field. The school offers, among other options, a Master of Fine Arts degree in photography. The program's objectives center around general courses, yet allow the student to pursue individual interests through outside fieldwork. The connection between established photography techniques and modern media interaction is also emphasized. The program lasts for two years, during which graduate seminar students may take classes simultaneously at Brown University. Students interested in gaining teaching experience may do so during their second-year through RISD's Teaching Assistant program.
Rhode Island School of Design
30 North Main Street
Providence, RI 02903 USA
401-454-6122
risd.edu
Yale University offers the second-best fine arts program in the United States. Students interested in pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree may do so in photography, graphic design, sculpture or painting and printmaking. Each genre has its own requirements, but painting and printmaking involves traditional painting assessments from professors and outside reviewers. The program consists of 42 credits and includes general course work in addition to studio options. Competition for all the programs exists, but painting and printmaking is extremely competitive, as it enrolls only slightly more than 20 students on a yearly basis.
Yale University
1156 Chapel St.
New Haven, CT
203-432-2600
yale.edu
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is ranked as the No. 3 program in fine arts, as designated by the 2008 ranking of "U.S. News & World Report." SAIC offers a number of bachelor's degrees in fine arts, including the BFA with an emphasis in art education and the BFA with an emphasis in writing. The BFA with an emphasis in writing involves a comprehensive focus on writing proficiency, as well as English, through traditional course work and workshop opportunities. Students also participate in a capstone project, which lasts three semesters and covers a number of themes and reading subjects.
Art Institute of Chicago
37 South Wabash Ave.
Chicago, IL 60603
312-629-6100
saic.edu
Cranbook Academy of Art offers a number of master's programs in fine arts fields including design, photography and ceramics. The MFA in ceramics program allows its students to work in the ceramics study at any time of day, with group meetings just twice a week. Critiques are an integral part of the program, as are visiting artists and excursions to locations worldwide. The academy is listed as the No. 4 program in the 2008 ranking of "U.S. News & World Report."
Cranbrook Academy of Art
39221 Woodward Ave.
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
248-645-3300
cranbrookart.edu