Temple University cherry "T" logo

Temple University

Search Keywords
Metals%20MFA%20Banner%20Image.jpg

Metals, Jewelry, CAD-CAM MFA

Master of Fine Arts in Metals, Jewelry, CAD-CAM

Perfect your creative practice and prepare for careers in design and craft with the STEM-designated Master of Fine Arts in Metals, Jewelry, CAD-CAM in the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. This two-year, research-based, 60-credit graduate program offers students a leading-edge space to learn time-honored techniques and transcend tradition through the latest technologies.

Both Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM) and electroforming were pioneered for use in metals and jewelry at Tyler, and students benefit greatly from the mentorship of a faculty who are practicing artists, expansive, state-of-the-art facilities, and the resources of Temple, a leading R1 public research institution. 

Students explore the unique characteristics of materials to work at the forefront of the field, pioneering new attitudes, technologies, and processes that will lead in new directions. Working closely with faculty, many of whom are leaders in the field, students gain expertise with a variety of materials, from metals and alloys to plastics, to design and create jewelry and other objects that celebrate beauty, utility, individuality, innovation, and aesthetic experience.  

Tyler’s program is not only the largest metals/jewelry program in the nation, but also the only one with an emphasis on CAD-CAM (computer-aided design–computer-aided manufacture) at all degree levels. Students have abundant resources and extensive opportunities to engage in conceptual research that informs their personal vision. Located in Philadelphia, a premier center of jewelry-making, Tyler MJCC students find internships and leverage faculty relationships to connect with the regional and national metal community. 

An image of students creating jewelry in the classroom

Program Format & Curriculum

With core courses aligned over two weekdays, students have considerable flexibility and choice when selecting art history, elective and seminar classes, either within Tyler’s graduate curriculum or across the university. Courses in critique and critical discourse are a foundational to the first year of study. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students also participate in directed studio research and an MFA thesis gallery exhibition in their final semester of study. 

Courses you’ll take as part of the curriculum include the following. 

  • Critique and Critical Discourse I and II 

  • Directed Studio Practice 

  • Graduate Projects, Metals 

  • Art History Seminar (5000, 8000 or 9000 level) 

  • Master of Fine Arts Thesis 

Learn more about the coursework for the Metals, Jewelry, CAD-CAM MFA.

Related Graduate Certificates

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with Temple’s commitment to access and affordability, this Master of Fine Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more. These tuition costs apply to the 2025–2026 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident: $1,361.00 per credit
Out-of-state: $1,810.00 per credit

You can view the full cost of attendance breakdown on the Student Financial Services website.

Our Advisors

Tyler's academic advising team offers every Tyler student one-on-one, personal and academic guidance, beginning at Orientation right through to graduation. Our academic advisors will help you chart your course through your program, and ensure you are on a clear path. 

Advisors are available to discuss registration, study abroad and staying on track to graduate, as well as policy and procedures and navigating other available resources across the university. 

Appointments with the advising team can be made by visiting the Student Tools tab in TUportal. General questions can be submitted to the team's virtual front desk during regular business hours, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Academic Advising Office 
Tyler 212  
2001 N. 13th St. 
Philadelphia, PA 19122 

Program Contact

Doug Bucci, program head 
Phone: 215-777-9129
Office: Tyler 220
Email:  

Student Clubs & Organizations

Enhance your coursework, build meaningful networks and gain leadership experience by participating in student-led clubs and organizations. Below are examples of groups at Tyler that can help you grow academically, creatively and professionally. 

  • Graduate Arts Collective is a graduate, student-led organization that connects Tyler peers with resources, information, social events and other activities, including publication of the annual MFA thesis catalog. 
  • American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is an independent, nonprofit, student-run organization. AIAS provides unmatched programs, information and resources on issues critical to architectural education. 
  • Art History Graduate Organization provides a forum for exchange of ideas that enriches the experience of graduate art history students, including events, guest lectures, interaction with alumni, museum trips and peer gatherings that support new students and aid advisors in recruiting prospective students. 
  • American Society of Landscape Architects, Student Chapter at Temple’s Ambler Campus works to advance landscape architecture through advocacy, education and fellowship. 
Study Away

Exposure to diverse cultures, environments and mindsets is essential for art, architecture and design students. At Tyler, you are encouraged to broaden your perspective and explore unique environments through study away programs. 

Programs to study in Rome, Tokyo and Venice are offered throughout the year. 

For a half-century, Temple Rome has been a center for hands-on, interdisciplinary learning, where the “Eternal City” is the classroom, the studio and the campus. It offers extensive experiences for art and architecture students, with courses in architecture, art history, drawing, liberal arts, painting, photography, printmaking and sculpture.  

Temple University Japan offers a Bachelor of Arts in Art with a Digital Media concentration. Students may also take individual digital photography, art history and architecture courses on the Japan campus. 

The Education Abroad and Overseas Campuses office is available to answer questions. 
Email:  
Phone: 215-204-0720

Accreditation

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s degree programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies. 

Tyler School of Art and Architecture’s architecture and environmental design programs are accredited by the following accrediting bodies. 

Additional Program Information