How to Apply
Eligibility
The Master of Fine Arts degree program is open to highly qualified individuals who hold an undergraduate degree or the equivalent from a recognized college or university. Participants are selected on the basis of work that displays artistic achievement and promise; academic eligibility, and compatibility with Department research and facilities in the following areas of concentration: Ceramics, Drawing, Experimental and Media Arts, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture.
Applications
DEADLINE: All applications and supporting materials must be completed and received by JANUARY 5.
This is not a postmark deadline. Please use delivery confirmation if you are concerned about your materials arriving on time to the Department of Art. Materials sent via facsimile (fax) are not acceptable. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Notes:
GRE and GMAT exams are not required.
TOEFL scores will be required of International applicants. The University of Minnesota also accepts scores from the International English Language Testing
System (IELTS)
Procedure
Please read carefully - we use a two part application:
1. Application to the Graduate School.
The application fee is $75 for US citizens and $95 for international applicants.
Applying to the Graduate School requires completion of the Online Graduate School Application. The Graduate School requires official transcripts to be sent to them.
Notes:
Do NOT upload ANY attachments to the FINAL section of the online application. Instead, you will send your personal statement of artistic and academic intent to the Department of Art as outlined below.
Do NOT use the online letters of recommendation system.
AND
2. Application to the Department of Art.
Send in a single envelope the following items listed below, directly to:
Director of Graduate Studies
Department of Art
E201 Regis Center for Art
405 21st Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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PORTFOLIO
Digital File Portfolio for DRAWING & PAINTING, CERAMICS, PRINTMAKING, PHOTOGRAPHY, and SCULPTURE:
Digital file portfolios must be formatted for Macintosh computers. Up to twenty (20) images may be submitted on a single CD. You must submit a duplicate CD as well. Both CDs should be sent to us with your name on the CDs, the sleeves and the envelope. Digital, still images in RGB color, can be no larger than 5 Megabytes each. We recommend a longest pixel dimension of 1600 at a resolution of 140 ppi. Save files as TIF or highest level JPEG formats. The admissions committee will NOT review CDs with image files larger than 5 megabytes, web sites, or files in presentation software, such as Powerpoint or PDF.
Name and number all files with your LastnameFirstname00.tif or LastnameFirstname00.jpeg (e.g., SmythLee13.jpeg). Number your images in the order you wish to have them viewed. Include with your digital submission a printed, hard-copy image inventory page headed with your name and the media area of study to which you are applying. The inventory page should indicate, by corresponding number, the date and media of each work.
NOTE: Printmaking applicants must submit a minimum of four original prints (shipped flat) in addition to the digital portfolio. Include RETURN POSTAGE AND MAILING LABEL for the return of your printmaking portfolio if you wish for it to be returned.
NOTE: EXPERIMENTAL AND MEDIA ARTS applicants
must submit a portfolio in the medium appropriate to the work being submitted for review. Formats may include 35mm slides, DVD, CD, URL, or a ten minute (maximum) VHS or mini DV videotape cued to the beginning of the selection.
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STATEMENT OF ARTISTIC AND ACADEMIC INTENT
The applicant must submit a carefully crafted description (one-page, typed) detailing his or her preparation for, interest and purpose in pursuing graduate study. Explain why this Department is a suitable place for you to pursue your studies.
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ORIGINAL LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
Letters written by three persons who can judge your artistic and academic performance and your promise as a graduate student. Ask your recommenders to sign the sealed envelopes containing their letters and include them with the application materials you are sending to the Department of Art by January 5. If sent directly by your recommenders, letters must arrive by Jan. 5th.
Note: Do NOT use the Graduate School application online recommendation system.
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DEPARTMENT OF ART APPLICATION FORM
Print out and submit this DEPARTMENT OF ART APPLICATION (pdf) and attach supporting materials as described on the form.
A SET OF TRANSCRIPTS (unofficial is acceptable)
Transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended. These transcript copies are in addition to the official transcripts you have sent to the Graduate School as part of your online application.
Notification of Admission
The Graduate School will send notification of admissions through the online application system in mid-March. Admitted candidates will be invited to a 2-day open house event in March.
Letters of financial offer will be mailed by the Department of Art shortly after notification by the Graduate School.
Offers of admission and financial aid are valid only for the year in which they are made. Enrollment may not be deferred.
International Students
International students must be in compliance with government and University rules and regulations, and are responsible for understanding the information available on the following Web sites. The International Student and Scholar Services Office (ISSS) administers visa issues. Please check their Web site periodically for updates.
