MFA students in painting come from all over the US. They work in diverse personal directions from non-objective to extreme representation. Graduate painting students are encouraged to be inventive and produce professional quality work.

Most graduate students have the opportunity to receive a GTA at some point in their three years. This teaching experience offers a valuable experience for future employment.Full GTA's consist of teaching 2 courses per semester, including a tuition waiver and a salary of $3,750 per semester. Other teaching opportunities become available on occasion.

Some of the alums of the program are Barbara Waterman-Peters, Bryon Bruening, Lisa Houha, Sally Thomas, and Brad Finson, all professional working artists.