Master Certificate
Please contact Milena Spasic with questions about the application process: certificate@washingtonstudioschool.org
Master Certificate
Eligibility & Application Process
Eligibility is determined through portfolio review and the application process. Applicants must have strong skills at the intermediate/advanced level in the language and materials of drawing and painting from observation, including the figure, and have demonstrated a high level of commitment to advanced and independent studies in the visual arts.
Applicants to the Master Certificate program must submit:
● A portfolio of 10 drawings and 5 paintings is required for application. Work should be primarily from observation (rather than from photos), and Included should be work that demonstrates an understanding of the structure and gesture of the human figure;
● A statement (1-page) telling us about themselves, their previous art training, and why they are choosing to apply to the Master Certificate at WSS (a resume may be attached);
● 2 letters of recommendation from previous art instructors;
● A $100 application fee is required.
An interview may be scheduled after application materials are reviewed.
Master Certificate Program Structure
Designed to span three full time years- two course intensive academic years and one additional year of independent study to put together a thesis show. The completion timetable is based on achieving a level of mastery determined by faculty review.
Course selection is determined with the help of a faculty advisor, and is unique for each student. Coursework during the first two years:
● Drawing; every term
● Painting; every term
● 3D/Sculpture; minimum 2 terms / every term if electing to focus on 3D work
● Anatomy/Figure Drawing; minimum 3 terms
● Color; minimum 2 terms
● Methods, Tools and Materials; 1 term
● Elements of Abstraction/Design; 1 term
● Working from the Masters; minimum 2 terms
Electives (2 are required) can be selected from classes such as:
Landscape; Printmaking ; Watercolor / Wet Media ; Mixed Media; 3-Dimensionality / Sculpture; Portraiture ; and, Pastel. Some specialized intensive workshops and seminars may qualify towards fulfilling part of the elective course requirements.
Full-time study involves enrollment in a minimum of three classes (9 hours/week ) per term in addition to independent studio work.
Full-time students are expected to spend a minimum of 20 hours a week on independent studio work in addition to coursework. This includes sketchbook/journal, transcriptions, drop-in figure sessions, and independent studio time.
Part-time study is possible with a minimum enrollment in one class per term in addition to independent work. Study should be continuous and not intermittent. Continuous enrollment in the fall, winter and spring terms is required to stay in the program.Independent study with a member of WSS faculty is required in the final year of the program.
Cost
Most 10-week classes at WSS cost $495. There are three 10-week terms per year. The recommended full-time course of study for the Master Certificate involves three classes per term.
There is a $275 certificate fee per term to cover advisor, administrative costs, and critiques.
Full-time study plus certificate fee is approximately $5,280 per year.
Master Certificate students often opt to take advantage of additional workshops and visiting artist master classes to supplement their studies. This is highly encouraged but is outside of the official certificate curriculum and costs are additional. Students may opt to go through the program on a part-time basis by determining a schedule with WSS that will prolong the length of time to completion.
Occasionally students who have completed some of the required classes at WSS before application may place out of these requirements. This will be determined by faculty review. The total duration of the program varies from student to student as the assessment is mastery-based, thus making the overall cost variable. However, students who take a full-time course load and engage in independent studio time should be able to finish in three years.
All art supplies are provided by the student.
FAQs
Please read the FAQ section below for further important information before applying.