Art, M.F.A.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

This is a specialized degree requiring creative achievement in one or more fields of the practice of art. The M.F.A. program’s objective is to prepare individuals for careers as practicing artists.

Admissions Requirements. Applicants for admission to graduate study in art leading to the M.F.A. degree must:

Meet the general admission requirements of Claremont Graduate University;
Have completed an undergraduate college major in art emphasizing the practice of art,or demonstrate competence equivalent to an art major; and
Submit a portfolio of representative work for evaluation by the admission committee in art. The portfolio should consist of 15 clearly labeled slides with dots on lower left-hand corners, packaged in a slide sheet and accompanied by a slide inventory list. Applicants are welcome to submit videotapes and/or CDs, indicative portions of works and/or details of works. All portfolios must include self-addressed, stamped envelopes for return. Portfolios should be submitted to the Art Department, Claremont Graduate University, 251 E. Tenth Street, Claremont, CA 91711.

A personal interview as well as department and campus tours with members of the art faculty or administrative staff are recommended.

Major deadlines for admission reviews are February 1 and May 1 for the following fall, and November 1 for the following spring. Department fellowships are awarded at all admission reviews. However, most will be awarded at the February 1 review.

Applications can be obtained from the Art Department, 251 E. 10th Street, Claremont, CA 91711-6163, online at www.cgu.edu/apply, or from the University’s Office of Admission and Records, 160 E. 10th Street. Completed applications should be sent to Admissions. Portfolios should be sent to the Art Department.

Tuition Deposits. Applicants who accept an offer of admission are required to make a $200 nonrefundable deposit that will be credited toward tuition at registration. There is also a $300 studio restoration deposit due 30 days before the start of classes. This deposit will be refunded at the time of the student’s departure from the program, pending final satisfactory inspection by the studio occupant and the program’s shop supervisor. No partial refunds will be given.

Private Studio. Only students enrolled for a full load of 15 units per semester will be entitled to studio space.

Program Requirements

Candidates for the M.F.A. degree must:

Complete a minimum of 60 semester units of graduate study in art, which include a minimum of 24 units of studio work in a major area of concentration and any credit granted for project work. Students who request the split major must submit a proposal to faculty for approval and have a minimum of 16 units in each major. For example: installation/painting or painting/photography.
Complete a minimum of 20 units of art history and non-studio coursework, which must include 8 units of art history, 8 units of Seminar in Critical Theory (ART 345 ), and 4 units of Written Statement (ART 395 ).
Pass an oral qualifying examination for advancement to candidacy. The examination is based on the evaluation and interpretation of the student’s previous creative work and written project proposal. It is held after the completion of approximately 30 units of work.
Present a final exhibition of work. Following advancement to candidacy, the student, in conference with his or her M.F.A. committee, carries out an applied project in a particular field or fields. The project is intended to be a major creative activity in preparation for an exhibition. A written report must accompany the applied project. At this time, an evaluation by the committee is scheduled as a final project review, and the candidate is required to submit a final paper, the form of which is determined by the art department faculty. Final documentation of the M.F.A. project must include a title page including name, date of final review, and names of committee members; 15 slides plus a name slide; announcement for final show; final paper; and a copy of the student’s advancement paper. Registration is required during the semester in which the project is exhibited and all program requirements should be met or will be met by the end of the semester. When the art department faculty has approved the project, the candidate is recommended for the Master of Fine Arts degree. At the time of the exhibition, an evaluation by the committee is scheduled as a final project review.

Transfer Credits. As many as 15 units of graduate transfer credit may be allowed as credit toward the student’s degree, with the permission of the department core faculty and department chair.

Other Requirements. For residence and other general requirements, see the “Degree Regulations ” section in this Bulletin.

Time Requirement/Limit. All requirements for the M.F.A. degree must be completed within a period of five years. The student must be enrolled continuously, either for credit or for continuous registration, until the degree is earned.

Minimum enrollment. The lowest number of units required for a student to continue with active full-time status in the art program is 8. Eight to 14 units is considered full time (but does not guarantee studio space.) Students who are considered part time will not be guaranteed studio space.