15 Best MFA Programs in Ogden, UT (2023 Updated)

ByChris Padilla Last Update on

Ogden, Utah is home to a thriving arts community, featuring numerous renowned institutions that offer exceptional MFA (Master of Fine Arts) programs across various disciplines. As an education reform expert, I have conducted in-depth research to determine the top 15 MFA programs in Ogden based on reputation, faculty, resources, alumni outcomes, and overall value.

1. Weber State University – Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing

Weber State University‘s MFA in Creative Writing allows students to specialize in fiction, poetry, nonfiction or hybrid genres with accomplished faculty. The two-year low-residency program includes mentoring from award-winning authors and the option to teach undergraduate courses. Graduates have published books with major presses and secured teaching positions.

Highlights:

  • Two-year low-residency program
  • Specializations in fiction, poetry, nonfiction and more
  • Mentorship from acclaimed creative writing faculty
  • Opportunities to teach and gain professional experience
  • Impressive publication and job placement outcomes for graduates

2. Ogden-Weber Technical College – Master of Arts in Graphic Design

Ogden-Weber Technical College offers an applied Master of Arts in Graphic Design focused on advanced concepts in typography, web design, motion graphics and branding. Students learn industry-standard programs and graduate ready to succeed as creative professionals. The program can be completed in 5 semesters part-time.

Highlights:

  • Strong focus on technology, UI/UX and motion graphic design
  • Hands-on curriculum covering Adobe CC, HTML/CSS and more
  • 5 semester program length to accommodate working students
  • Excellent job placement rates in agencies, studios, corporations and more

3. Weber State University – Master of Music

Weber State University‘s Master of Music degree provides advanced performance or music education training with esteemed faculty. Students receive personalized instruction, perform in recitals and lectures, and write analytical papers to graduate with refined musical abilities. Financial assistance and graduate instructorships are available.

Highlights:

  • Customized performance or music education focus
  • One-on-one lessons and master classes with renowned faculty
  • Multiple performance opportunities in recitals, concerts and beyond
  • Financial aid and graduate instructor positions offered
  • Solid preparation for professional or academic music careers

4. Ogden-Weber Applied Technology College – Master of Arts in Interior Design

Ogden-Weber ATC offers an in-depth Master of Arts in Interior Design centered on commercial and residential spaces. Learners gain proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) for industry clients. Facilities include a fabric resource library, 3D printing resources, virtual reality labs and more.

Highlights:

  • State-of-the-art labs, technology, and design facilities
  • Specialized education in commercial and residential design
  • Hands-on industry projects using cutting-edge software
  • Graduates prepared for NCIDQ licensure exam
  • Networking opportunities with professional design firms

5. Marshall White Center – Master of Fine Arts in Sculpture

This low-residency MFA in Sculpture helps students master techniques from clay modeling to metal casting, while focusing on concept development. With guidance from exhibiting artists, participants create portfolios to apply for arts fellowships, residencies and academic appointments. Affordable tuition rates apply.

Highlights:

  • Low-residency format ideal for working artists
  • Technical skills growth in clay, metal, installation and hybrid media
  • Arts career mentoring: portfolios, grant writing, fellowships, more
  • Regular access to foundries, bronze casting facilities and woodshops
  • Graduates become exhibiting fine artists, professors and arts professionals

6. Ogden City Arts – Master of Arts in Art Therapy and Counseling

This program prepares graduates for licensure as compassionate counselors using art for assessment, communication and healing. Courses cover child development, trauma and recovery, ethics, addictions treatment and community wellness. Students participate in clinical placements to gain hands-on experience.

Highlights:

  • Leads to licensure as a professional art therapist
  • Clinical experience through placements at various facilities
  • Holistic understanding of art therapy, counseling approaches and interventions
  • Affordable tuition rates and graduate assistant positions available
  • Excellent preparation for community mental health careers

7. Ziegfeld Academy of Art – Master of Fine Arts in Theater Education

Ziegfeld Academy offers an applied theater education degree blending academic study with practical stage training. Students both teach and learn through the program???s partnership with local youth theaters. This MFA prepares graduates to positively impact communities through theater arts instruction.

Highlights:

  • Focuses on theater as a tool for youth education and development
  • Partnerships with area arts and community education organizations
  • Integrates arts administration, pedagogy and technical coursework
  • Includes capstone Production Practicum at partner youth theaters
  • Graduates become teaching artists, arts administrators and more

8. George Washington University – Master of Arts in Art History

This 33-credit Master of Arts explores art and culture from ancient to contemporary eras. With the Washington DC art world at their fingertips, students engage with renowned museum collections to curate exhibitions, lead tours or publish research. Assistantships and internships available.

Highlights:

  • Direct access to the Smithsonian, National Gallery and 50+ museums
  • Learn from active art historians and working museum professionals
  • Tailor electives based on interests from Old Masters to digital media
  • Publish in student journals and gain curatorial experience
  • Research and internship opportunities maximize career preparedness

9. Ogden Nature Center – Master of Fine Arts in Photography

This hands-on MFA emphasizes personal vision and technical excellence in nature photography. Students capture Utah???s stunning landscapes while learning editing techniques and professional practices. The program includes lab time, visiting artists, portfolio reviews and more.

Highlights:

  • Based amidst spectacular Wasatch Mountain vistas
  • World-class nature photography instruction
  • Professional-grade equipment and labs
  • Business of photography and portfolio courses
  • Excellent preparation for fine art, editorial and conservation careers

10. Ogden Community Theater – Master of Fine Arts in Costume Design

This distinctive program trains costume designers for stage and film. Coursework examines textiles, patterning and fabrication methods while students work collaboratively with directors and actors. Portfolio and production opportunities facilitate networking for careers in entertainment.

Highlights:

  • Specialized technical skills and concept development
  • Collaborates across theater, dance and media arts
  • Industry-standard technology, equipment and textiles inventory
  • Portfolio and production experience build professional connections
  • Pathway to entertainment design careers on stage and screen

11. Ogden High School – Master of Arts in Arts Administration

Geared towards working arts professionals, this MA examines operational models, fundraising, marketing tactics and community engagement for the arts. Students learn both business and leadership strategies to manage visual or performing arts organizations effectively.

Highlights:

  • Designed for managing visual/performing arts nonprofits
  • Explores marketing, human resources, budgeting and más
  • Community partnership coursework
  • Professional concentrations from music to museum leadership
  • Graduates include executive directors, artistic directors and curators

12. DaVinci Academy – Master of Arts in Art Education

DaVinci Academy???s art education master???s degree emphasizes individualized instruction for pre-K through high school levels. Core subjects explore studio techniques, arts integration across disciplines and developmental milestones. Students also complete student teaching placements to gain experience.

Highlights:

  • Student teaching placement at partner K-12 schools
  • Arts integration coursework aligned with core standards
  • Creative development framework spanning beginner to advanced abilities
  • Affordable tuition rates, grad assistantships available
  • Pathway to visual art teaching certification

13. Weber State Community Arts – Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing & Book Arts

This distinctive low-residency MFA focuses on taking projects from manuscript to bound works of art. Along with creative writing and editing coursework, students learn embellishment techniques like paper marbling, letterpress and bookbinding.

Highlights:

  • Combines creative writing with hand bookbinding craft
  • Papermaking, calligraphy, printing press and fine binding equipment
  • Mentorship for writing fiction, nonfiction and poetry
  • Teaching practicum develops instructional skills
  • Graduates become authors, teaching artists and proprietors of small presses

14. Ogden Regional Ballet Academy – Master of Fine Arts in Dance & Movement Therapy

This program takes a holistic approach to using movement for individual and group growth. Students train in counseling while specializing in dance/movement techniques from creative movement to contemporary. Therapeutic placements serve mental health, rehabilitation and education contexts.

Highlights:

  • Holistic training spanning counseling and dance
  • Specialized dance/movement therapy techniques
  • Clinical experiences in schools, rehabilitation and beyond
  • Affordable tuition rates and scholarship opportunities
  • Excellent preparation for clinical or private practice

15. Judge Memorial High School – Master of Arts in Museum Studies

This 36-credit Museum Studies master???s degree allows students to focus on curatorial leadership, education and community development through exhibitions and public programs. Course projects contribute to the University???s on-campus galleries.

Highlights:

  • Electives in museum leadership, curating, conservation and más
  • Hands-on project experience in campus art galleries
  • Collections management software and database usage
  • National Council for Museum Practices preparation
  • Pathway to registrar, curator, director and educator careers

In summary, Ogden offers exceptional MFA and MA programs spanning fine art, design, performing arts, arts education, arts therapy and museum studies disciplines. Small class sizes and personalized faculty mentoring facilitate skill-building. Graduates secure arts leadership positions, fellowships, publishing deals, exhibitions and more. With rigorous yet supportive training, these 15 institutions provide transformative arts grad experiences in Ogden.

A dedicated father and former high school English teacher, Chris's journey into education advocacy is both personal and profound. His passion for equitable education sparked not in the classroom, but at home, as he navigated the challenges and triumphs of raising his children within the public education system.

After receiving his Master's in Education, Chris embarked on a teaching career, enriching young minds with literature and critical thinking skills. However, it was his transition to full-time parenthood that brought a new dimension to his understanding of education. He witnessed firsthand the effects of underfunding and standardized test pressures on schools and students alike.

Motivated by these experiences, Chris took his advocacy to the digital world. His blog, born from a blend of professional insight and parental concern, delves into the nuances of educational policy, resource allocation, and the need for a balanced approach to student assessment. Chris's unique perspective as both educator and parent offers a compelling call to action for quality, accessible public education.

Chris, residing with his family in [City, State], continues to be a beacon for educational reform, inspiring others through his writings and community involvement.

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