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APPLIED ARTS & ICONOGRAPHY

🎓 MFA in Applied Arts and Iconography (Online Program)


Program Overview

The MFA in Applied Arts and Iconography is a two-year (or 60-credit) online postgraduate degree exploring the intersection of artistic creation, visual culture, and sacred/secular symbolism. It combines studio-based artistic practice with academic study of iconography, aesthetics, and material culture.

Students develop advanced skills in visual storytelling, icon design, sacred art theory, and digital applications of iconographic traditions, culminating in a thesis exhibition and research project.

🧭 Program Structure

Duration: 2 years (Full-time) or 3–4 years (Part-time)

Delivery Mode: 100% Online (with optional in-person residency)

Total Credits: 60 (U.S.) / 120 (ECTS equivalent)

Language: English

Degree Awarded: Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Applied Arts and Iconography

🏛️ Program Objectives

  1. Integrate historical and theological foundations of iconography with modern art practice.
  2. Develop technical mastery in traditional and digital media for icon creation.
  3. Encourage critical engagement with cultural, religious, and aesthetic frameworks.
  4. Equip graduates for careers in art education, sacred art, curation, and visual design.
  5. Foster research-based artistic practice that contributes to the global discourse on art and symbolism.

🧩 Curriculum Outline

Year 1 – Foundations of Iconography and Practice (30 credits)

Semester 1

  • AAR501 — History of Iconography and Sacred Art (6 cr.)
  • AAR502 — Studio Practice I: Traditional Techniques and Materials (6 cr.)
  • AAR503 — Visual Semiotics and Symbol Systems (3 cr.)
  • AAR504 — Art and Theology: The Image as Revelation (3 cr.)

Semester 2

  • AAR505 — Studio Practice II: Composition and Narrative (6 cr.)
  • AAR506 — Digital Iconography and Visual Design Tools (3 cr.)
  • AAR507 — Research Methods in Visual Arts (3 cr.)

Year 2 – Advanced Studies and Creative Research (30 credits)

Semester 3

  • AAR601 — Iconographic Traditions: East and West (6 cr.)
  • AAR602 — Contemporary Iconography and Visual Culture (3 cr.)
  • AAR603 — Professional Practice and Ethics in Applied Arts (3 cr.)
  • AAR604 — Studio Practice III: Independent Project (6 cr.)

Semester 4

  • AAR699 — MFA Thesis Project and Exhibition (12 cr.)
     Students produce a body of original work supported by a written critical reflection (10,000–15,000 words), presented virtually through an online exhibition platform.

💻 Online Learning Format

  • Virtual Studios: Weekly live sessions with mentors, critiques, and demonstrations.
  • Digital Portfolio System: Continuous assessment through e-portfolios.
  • Learning Platform: Moodle / Canvas with video lectures, readings, and interactive galleries.
  • Collaborative Labs: Peer review and group exhibitions via virtual galleries (e.g., ArtSteps, Mozilla Hubs, or Spatial.io).
  • Optional Residency: 1–2 week summer intensive (icon-painting or material arts) at partner institutions.

🎨 Faculty Profile

  • Program Director: PhD or MFA in Visual Arts / Theology of Art
  • Core Faculty: Practicing artists, art historians, theologians, and curators specializing in iconography, semiotics, and digital design.
  • Guest Lecturers: International artists, conservators, and museum specialists.

📚 Assessment Methods

  • Studio projects and visual portfolios (50%)
  • Written research essays and visual analyses (30%)
  • Thesis exhibition and oral defense (20%)

🧑‍🎓 Admissions Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Art History, Design, or related field
  • Portfolio of 10–15 works (traditional or digital)
  • Statement of Purpose (500–800 words)
  • Interview (online)
  • English proficiency (IELTS 6.5 / TOEFL 90 or equivalent)

🌍 Career Outcomes

Graduates may pursue roles such as:

  • Sacred or liturgical artist / iconographer
  • Art educator or lecturer
  • Museum / gallery curator
  • Visual culture researcher
  • Digital media and symbolism designer
  • Cultural heritage consultant

🏅 Capstone Outcome

The program culminates in:

  • A publicly accessible online exhibition
  • A critical research document
  • A professional digital portfolio