Frequently Asked Questions about admissions to MSU’s MFA Program:
- Can the application fee be waived?
- Yes, we do offer application fee waivers for applicants experiencing financial hardship. Please contact artgrad@msu.edu to discuss your need and situation.
- Do I need an official, sealed transcript to apply?
- You may apply by submitting a digital copy of an unofficial transcript, but to be admitted to the University, you must submit an official transcript to MSU’s admissions office.
- Please note that “official transcript” means that the institution has sealed the transcript in a physical envelope and directly mailed it to the department and/or the institution has directly emailed the transcript to Michigan State University. An unsealed transcript submitted or uploaded by the student directly invalidates the “official” status of that transcript.
- Is there anything specific you are looking for in the portfolio?
- While we are not looking for specific kinds of projects or specific uses of media, we are interested in how applicants demonstrate the relationship between form and content. In the “description” section of each piece in Slideroom, please consider providing more than just materials and dimensions. Use that space to describe how the work connects to the ideas and subject matter it is addressing. Consider describing also how the work relates to the research interests you articulate in your statements.
- My previous degree is not in art. Can I still apply?
- Yes, you can. We value a diversity of disciplinary perspectives and welcome applications from artists who do not have a BFA or BA in the visual arts.
- Can I have the English Language Competency Requirement waived?
- In certain cases, this is possible. For specific information about this, please visit the Graduate School’s English Language Competency website.
- What English Language Competency tests are accepted by MSU and what are the minimum scores for each that are accepted?
- A full list of accepted tests and minimum scores for each, broken down by section, can be found on the Graduate School’s English Language Competency website.
- How do I provide the required documents, such as my statements or transcripts?
- The online application system will prompt you for documents, most of which will be form-field entry and/or PDF uploads. Just remember that you need to use Slideroom for your portfolio.
- Do I need to know which faculty I would like to work with? And do I have to contact them in advance of applying?
- You do not need to know precisely with whom you would like to work, nor do you need to contact faculty in advance of applying to our program. However, it is important to get some sense of the institution and you should indicate in your application faculty from whom you would be interested in learning.
- Since our program is explicitly committed to broader campus engagement, you should also indicate other individuals, faculty, facilities, or academic programs on campus that you would like to learn more about. Consider how these individuals, facilities, centers, etc., would help you engage the research interests you articulate in your statements.
- Do I have to apply separately for a teaching assistantship?
- No. All our MFA students teach and the teaching assistantship is part of the program.
- Can I apply for spring admission?
- No. Our program is structured such that admissions are only for the fall semester.
- Can I visit your campus?
- Absolutely. Please reach out to artgrad@msu.edu to schedule a campus tour.