Each year the MFA program selects a cohort of students who embody the program’s four shared values: diversity and inclusion; reciprocity between students and faculty; demonstrated ability to forge an individual path as a learner; and potential for integrating the course of study with the wider campus. Please refer to the mission and curriculum for further information.
Application Process
The application process for Fall 2025 is now open. The process for Fall 2025 will close January 5, 2025.
Graduate Application Management System
Please submit the following materials through MSU’s Graduate Admissions System
- Statement of Intent / Artist Statement This brief statement (one page, single-spaced, 12pt font) provides you the opportunity to discuss your creative work, including descriptions of the issues that drive your creative practice and the sources that inform your work.
- Personal Statement The personal statement (two pages, single-spaced, 12pt font) should detail your reasons and/or goals for pursuing the MFA degree track in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design at Michigan State University. You can also share biographical information, background and interests, and/or include discussion of your past educational experience and future educational and professional goals.
- Current resume/CV Your CV should include academic honors, scholarships, exhibition record, special skills and expertise, and prior teaching experience.
- Portfolio of no more 20 than examples of original work. Must be submitted digitally using MSU’s Graduate Admissions System.
- Three letters of recommendation Consider requesting letters from faculty members or others who are familiar with your creative research. These can be sent directly to the department or uploaded into the online application directly by the recommender, without any specific cover letter.
- Transcripts These must be official transcripts, which are typically sent directly from the institution. A cumulative 3.0 GPA is a requirement of Department of Art, Art History, and Design at Michigan State. We will accept transcripts sent from you if they are stamped and or signed officially on the back by the institution.
- TOEFL / IELTS International Students are required to take an English Language Proficiency exam. More information below.
International Students
All international applicants are required to be proficient in English as a condition for regular admission to Michigan State University. Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate their proficiency by meeting certain minimum standards which can be found in the following link: MSU English Language Competency Requirements
- English language tests for international students
Due to cancellations of many international English language proficiency tests, MSU will be temporarily accepting the following tests for international students applying through Fall 2025: Duolingo English Test, the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition and the IELTS Indicator tests
Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) is the center for international student involvement at MSU. The office provides new student orientation, as well as other social and cultural programming throughout the year to assist students in fulfilling their educational objectives. From their website you will find information on the international student orientation, visas, traveling, maintaining legal status, and financial aid.
Language exemptions are not granted prior to the admissions process. Under extreme circumstances we will consider a language exemption with a video recorded interview and evaluation of the applicant’s written documents. Receiving a language exemption does not exempt the student from the need to take the speak test in order to teach. Students who take tests other than the TOEFL may also have to take the speak test upon arrival to campus prior to being able to teach.