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MFA Admissions Requirements

MFA Admission Requirements

Application for admission to the MFA Contemporary Art Practice: Studio Practice (2 year full residency) and MFA Contemporary Art Practice: Art and Social Practice (3 year low residency) programs must be made by February 1 prior to the fall term in which the student intends to begin work towards the degree.  To apply, click on the link below:

https://pdx.slideroom.com/

1.   Complete Office of Graduate Admissions application

Application is a dual process between the Department of Art and the Office of Admissions. The applicant must contact the PSU Office of Admissions for a graduate admission application. On-line applications may be made at http://www.pdx.edu/admissions/graduate-applicant.

In addition to the PSU application form, the applicant must send an application fee and sealed, official transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended by the applicant. The Office of Admissions can be reached directly at 1-800-547-8887 ext. 3511, or 503-725-3511 if living in Oregon.

2.    Complete Art Department Application Requirements online.

         The Art Department accepts only online applications. Applications mailed will not be accepted or reviewed.

Studio Practice:
Applicants to the Studio Practice concentration must have a B.A., B.S. or B.F.A. degree with an emphasis in any of the following: drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, installation, photography, video, new genre, or intermedia. Exceptions may be made for those with a degree in another field who have significant related experience and a solid art history background.

  • Digital portfolio of applicant's work. 15-20 images, video, audio or text based examples. Images (jpg, gif, png) up to 5 MB each, Videos (flv, wmv, mov) up to 60 MB each, Audio (mp3) up to 10 MB each, Documents (pdf) up to 10 MB each.

  • Statement of intent (500 words max). Applicant's reasons for applying to the Studio Practice program, including relevant background, significant past experience and achievements, future plans and any additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating aptitude for graduate study.

  • Curriculum Vitae. 

  • Transcripts from all degree-granting institutions the applicant attended. We prefer applicants to upload pdfs for transcripts in the media section of the Slideroom. If this is not possible, applicants should mail transcripts to the Department of Art. Unofficial copies are acceptable for the Departmental applicat
    Note:     This is in addition to the requirement of the university's Graduate Office of Admissions (see section 2. above).

  • Names and contact information of three references. Short-listed applicants will be asked to have letters of reference mailed to the PSU Art Department by February 22.  

Social Practice:
Applicants to the Art and Social Practice concentration must have a B.A., B.S. or B.F.A. degree.

  • Digital portfolio of applicant's work (Maximum 15 images, video, audio or text based examples). These may include proposals for future projects. Do not submit studio based work samples. Guidelines:
    Images (jpg, gif, png) up to 5 MB each, Videos (flv, wmv, mov) up to 60 MB each, Audio (mp3) up to 10 mb         each, Documents (pdf) up to 10 MB each. It is a requirement to supply a description for each work sample. 
  • Statement of intent (500 words max). Include applicant's reasons for applying to the MFA program, including relevant aspects from significant past experience and achievements, future plans and any additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating aptitude for graduate study.
  • Curriculum Vitae. 
  • Transcripts from all degree-granting institutions the applicant attended in the past (unofficial transcripts acceptable). 
  • Names and contact information of three references. Short-listed applicants may be asked to have letters of reference emailed by February 22.

  • An alternative one page Curriculum Vitae specifically for Social Practice. Format should be modeled after a standard CV, but instead of traditional content (formal education, exhibitions, etc.) this CV should focus on less orthodox but equally important aspects from applicant's life of experiences and research that have prepared the applicant for being a social practice MFA student.
  • Three Video assignments (upload to Slideroom):

1. Tour of the highlights in your neighborhood. Create a short video (3 min maximum) of what you consider to be the highlights of your neighborhood. Video quality is not an issue, Cell phone/web cam videos are acceptable.

2.  Ask a stranger the significance of the clothes they are wearing. Create a short video (3 min maximum) of you having a stranger describe for you the significance of the clothes they are wearing. Video quality is not an issue. Cell phone/web cam videos are acceptable.

3.  Demonstrate a talent. Create a short video (3 min maximum) where you demonstrate a talent. Video quality is not an issue. Cell phone/web cam videos are acceptable.

    Office of Graduate Studies and Research
    Information about funding resources for graduate students may be found on the Graduate Studies web site.

    Financial Aid & Grants

    A financial aid packet may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office, www.pdx.edu/finaid/, phone: 1-800-547-8887, ext. 3461, or 503-725-3461.

    Scholarship info

    www.pdx.edu/scholarships

    Questions

    If you have any further questions, please contact the Department of Art at askmfa@pdx.edu or phone 1-800-547-8887, ext. 3515, or 503-725-3515.

    For Technical assistance with the Online Portfolio process, please email support@slideroom.com.

    Click here to apply