The University of Iowa Center for the Book is proud to announce the offering of an MFA degree in the book arts, beginning Fall 2011. This interdisciplinary program will study the art of the book, both as a hands-on practice and as a historical and cultural phenomenon. It builds on the current graduate certificate offered through the UI Center for the Book, which is part of the Graduate College.

After completing a set of core courses, students will work with a faculty advisor to specialize in an emphasis area, resulting in an MFA thesis. Emphasis areas will include papermaking, printing, digital bookwork, calligraphy, bookbinding, artist bookwork and supporting coursework in the history of the book.

The Center for the Book has longstanding ties to the School of Art and Art History, Nonfiction Writing Program, Writers' Workshop, departments of English and history (all in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences) and the School of Library and Information Science (in the Graduate College). The new program will enable faculty, many of whom have joint appointments in these disciplines, to integrate their creativity and research in promoting enriched course offerings to undergraduate and graduate students in the arts and humanities.