The SUNY New Paltz Master of Fine Arts Program ranked 83rd in U.S. News & World Report’s list of the best graduate schools for fine arts.
New Paltz was one of four schools in the SUNY system to be recognized in the top 100 on the list, moving up 11 places from its previous rank in 2008.
“We are so proud of this recognition of our arts programs and the creativity and level of accomplishment of our students, faculty and staff,” President Donald Christian said on the university’s website. “The acclaim given to our fine arts graduate program is yet another reflection of the vibrancy of the Hudson Valley arts community that is so important to our region’s culture, history and economy.”
L. David Eaton, vice president of enrollment management, said the distinction confirms what he already knew about the quality of the program.
“We must be good to be at the top,” Eaton said. “We are continuously recognized for being good and remaining committed to continual improvement.”
Eaton said more applications could be received as a result of the listing. However, the MFA program is already competitive with high admission standards.
Jennie Hirsch, a second-year art history major and volunteer at The Dorsky, said students would be attracted by both the ranking and the artistic environment of the school.
“I think that moving up on a list shows that the school has a high standard, and that’ll attract attention,” Hirsch said. “I think that especially at the graduate level it’s the quality of work that’s being produced that pushes people to actually study here. There are a lot of really talented people at New Paltz right now.”
Eaton said the goal of the institution is to continue moving forward and improving the quality of the educational environment.
The U.S. News & World Report MFA Program rankings are based on the results of a peer assessment survey, according to the publication’s website. Respondents to the survey, conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs, rated the academic quality of programs on a scale of one to five.
In 2012, New Paltz was also ranked as sixth among the best public universities and 30th among public and private universities in the north by the publication.