The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a specialized degree requiring creative achievement in one or more fields of the practice of art. The program’s objective is to prepare individuals for careers as practicing artists. 

Admission Requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements of Claremont Graduate University, applicants must have completed an undergraduate college major in art that emphasizes the practice of art or must demonstrate a competencency equivalent to an art major.

Portfolio.  A portfolio of representative work and additional information must be submitted for evaluation by the admission committee in art. Deadlines for portfolio reviews are February 1 and July 1 for the fall semester and December 15 for spring.

Portfolios must be submitted online through SlideRoom.com, http://claremont.slideroom.com. Summary educational information, the names of three references, and a one-page artist statement are part of the required portfolio.  In addition, submissions should include applicable evidence of performance in art, such as the following.

• 15 images of recent artwork that represent a cohesive body of work
• Performance and/or video artists may submit work that is no longer than 3 minutes in length

Interview. A personal interview is recommended.  At the time of the interview, department and campus tours with members of the art faculty and/or administrative staff may be available.

Tests.  A GRE is not required for admission to the MFA program.

Deposits. Applicants who accept an offer of admission are required to submit two deposits.

• A $200 nonrefundable deposit is credited toward tuition at registration.
• A $300 studio restoration deposit is due upon acceptance of admission. This deposit is 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. Partial refunds are not made.

Only students enrolled for a full load of 15 or more units per semester are entitled to the use of private studio space.

Degree Requirements

Coursework.  A minimum of 60 units are required and must include a minimum of 24 units of Studio Art and a minimum of 20 academic course units.  The academic course units must consist of the following.

• Survey of Contemporary Art (8 units)
• Ideas in Contemporary Art (8 units)
• Written Statement Seminar (4 Units)

Minimum Enrollment.  Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 15 units each semester to guarantee the use of private studio space.  Approval of the department chair and of the core faculty are required for enrollments of less than 15 units.

Exhibitions.  Students must participate in the first-year group exhibition during either the student’s first or second semester at CGU.  Participation in the second-year group exhibition is required during the student’s third or fouth semester in the program.

Discussion Groups.  Students must participate in at least one student discussion group during each semester of attendance.

Qualifying Exam.  Advancement to candidacy requires successful completion of an oral qualifying exam with the student’s MFA committee.  Students are evaluated based upon their creative work and a written statement.  Qualifying exams are held during the student’s third semester in the program.

Final Exhibition.  Following advancement to candidacy and upon the recommendation of the student’s MFA committee, the student must present a final, solo exhibition of work, along with a written statement.  At the opening session of the final exhibition, the student presents a short artist talk.  Evaluation and a final review by the student’s MFA committee are also scheduled.

MFA Project Documentation.  Final documentation of the student’s MFA project, approved by the student’s cpmmittee chair, must be submitted to the art department and to the Claremont Colleges Digital Library (CCDL).

Transfer Credit.  The University’s policy on transfer credit  apply.  With the approval of the department chair and core faculty, a maximum of six units may be accepted as transfer credit to the MFA Program.

University Policies.  University policies detailed in the Academic Policies  section of the Bulletin apply.