The deadline for applications to the MFA program is January 5, 2024.
Requirements and Application Process
Michigan State University has an online application system through the Office of Admissions. To be considered for admission to the Master of Fine Arts Degree Program in Studio Art, an applicant must submit materials digitally to MSU’s Graduate Admissions System and Slideroom.
If you have additional questions after reading this, please consult our FAQs.
Required Application Documents
- Statement of Intent / Artist Statement: This brief statement provides the applicant an opportunity to discuss their work, the issues they find most compelling that drive this work, and address sources that inform their work. Please address reasons/goals for pursuing the MFA degree track in the Department of Art, Art History, and Design at Michigan State University.
- The personal statement is an opportunity to share biographical information relevant to the review committee to know, but that doesn’t necessarily fit within the statement of intent/artist statement. Consider biographical information, interests, hardships, your past education experience, and future educational goals, and professional goals.
- Transcripts from your undergraduate institution(s) must be official transcripts (generally sent directly from the institution). A cumulative 3.0 GPA is a requirement of the Department of Art, Art History, and Design at Michigan State University for regular admittance. We will accept transcripts sent from the student if they are stamped and or signed officially on the back by the institution.
- Current resume/CV should include academic honors, scholarships, exhibition record, special skills and expertise, and prior teaching experience
- Three letters of recommendation from faculty members or others who are familiar with the applicant’s creative research. Your recommenders will be notified that you have added them as a reference and they will be able to upload their recommendations directly to the admissions platform.
- Portfolio of 15-20 images – must be submitted digitally using slideroom.
- TOEFL / IELTS – International Students are required to take an English Language Proficiency exam. For more information on minimum scores and eligible tests, please visit the Graduate School’s website.
For more information, please contact artgrad@msu.edu.
Want to Learn More? Register for one of two Virtual Open Houses!
Friday October 13, 2023 @ 10:00-11:30am Eastern on Zoom
https://msu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYkdeGvrz8tHNAGKs3q47Z2drIwHyVlveQf
Thursday October 26, 2023 @ 6:00-7:30pm Eastern on Zoom
https://msu.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMtc-yppjMuGtQIWI3IPNXKC6jS3OP3vWbE