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Printmaking MFA

Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking

Join an an interdisciplinary, collaborative environment that blends critical inquiry with creative discovery with a Master of Fine Arts in Printmaking in the Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University. 

Recognized as one of the top programs in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, students receiving an Printmaking MFA engage in research that prepares them to work at the highest levels as professional artists and educators. 

Printmaking MFA students undertake an intensive two-year, 60-credit graduate course of study in which they explore a broad range of approaches to printmaking, including 3-D installation, digital print media, large-scale printmaking, photo processes and the traditional disciplines. The curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinarity and inquiry to enrich practices and create theoretical, philosophical and concrete links between art and society.

Faculty members, all accomplished practicing artists themselves, work closely with graduate students to help develop their unique creative practice and invest significant time in their students’ career progress.   

The program nurtures a close-knit, supportive community of students, with access to world-class facilities and the extensive resources of a large, public research university to nurture their practice. Students take full advantage of the school's location in Philadelphia, a vibrant art center with a strong printmaking tradition. Many Tyler MFA students choose to pursue study abroad opportunities at Temple University Rome, a home base for immersive artistic, academic and cultural exploration for Tyler students since 1966. 

A student wearing a mask and gloves holds a square printing plate in an art studio.

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. The Graduate Projects in Printmaking and Critique and Critical Discourse classes are foundational to the curriculum. Under the mentorship of a faculty member, students also work toward an MFA thesis exhibition in their final semester of study.  

Printmaking MFA students are encouraged to follow their creative research, often incorporating traditional printmaking mediums as well as a broad range of approaches, to print in an expanded field that includes installation, performance, video, animation and other new media practices. Through cross-disciplinary coursework, students are encouraged to enter into other artmaking practices, and engage in emerging topics in the field and the broader art world.  

Examples of Printmaking MFA coursework include the following classes. 

  • Art History Seminar (5000, 8000 or 9000 level) 
  • Critical Thinking and Practice
  • Critique and Critical Discourse I and II 
  • Graduate Projects, Printmaking 
  • Master of Fine Arts Thesis 

​Learn more about the coursework for the Printmaking MFA.

Related Graduate Degrees  

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

Amze Emmons is associate professor and the program head for printmaking.
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

Accrediation

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