The MFA in Visual Arts at York University's School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design is a studio-centered, graduate-level program aimed at fostering independent artistic practice. Guided by faculty advisors in a context of critical engagement—including seminars, guest lectures, and critiques—the program’s structure does not privilege any medium, supporting work in painting, sculpture, installation, video, performance, printmaking, and digital media. Students undergo rigorous coursework in contemporary theory, criticism, and practice-based research, develop their studio projects, and are assigned dedicated personal studio space. The program culminates in a solo thesis exhibition or performance, supported by a written paper (20-50 pages) and an oral defense.