Admission Requirements

Portland State University’s Department of Art offers a two-year program leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree in Contemporary Art Practice with a concentration in either Studio Practice or Art and Social Practice. Application for admission to the program must be made by February 1 prior to the fall term in which the student intends to begin work towards the degree. Accepted students are expected to be in full-time residence for two years.

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, 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.

Art and Social Practice

Applicants to the Art and Social Practice concentration must have a B.A., B.S. or B.F.A. degree in art or a related field. Exceptions may be made for those with a degree in another field who have significant related experience.

Application Process

Application is a dual process between the Department of Art and the Office of Admissions. The Art Department accepts only online applications using Slideroom. Applications mailed in will not be accepted or reviewed.

Step 1: Complete Graduate Admission application

The applicant also must contact PSU Office of Admissions for a graduate admission application. On-line applications may be made at www.pdx.edu/admissions/graduate.html. 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.

Step 2: Complete Art Department Application Requirements online

• Digital portfolio of creative work (15-20 images) 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. You will be required to supply Title, Dimensions, Medium, and Description.
  
• Statement of intent (500 words max). Please state your purpose in applying to the MFA program, including relevant aspects of your background, significant past experience and achievements, your future plans and any additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating your aptitude for graduate study.
  
• Curriculum vitae
• Transcripts from each degree-granting institution (unofficial acceptable)
• Names and contact information of three references. Short-listed applicants will be asked to have letters of reference emailed to the PSU Art Department office by February 22.
  

   For Social Practice applicants, in addition to the above:

• An alternative 1 page Curriculum Vitae for Social Practice Art. This is not a standard resume and should include the following information: What things have you done that would help you in socially engaged work?  What life experiences do you have that you think would be an asset in this approach to art making? Include – objectives, skills, assets, experiences, or anything else that has prepared you for being a social practice artist.
  
  
• 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.

Grant information is available online at http://www.gsr.pdx.edu/ogs_funding_scholarships.html.

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.

Apply online