Art, MFA

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Academic Program

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

Admission Requirements

Applicants for admission to graduate study in art leading to the MFA degree must:

1. Meet the general admission requirements of Claremont Graduate University;

2. Have completed an undergraduate college major in art emphasizing the practice of art or demonstrate competence equivalent to an art major; and

3. Submit a portfolio of representative work and additional information for evaluation by the admission committee in art. Portfolios will only be accepted through the online service provided by SlideRoom.com, http://claremont.slideroom.com. Portfolios should consist of 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. Additional information required on SlideRoom includes summary educational information, the names of your three references, and a one-page artist statement.

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

Major deadlines for portfolio reviews are February 1 and July 1 for the following fall, and November 1 for the following spring.

Applications may be obtained online at www.cgu.edu/apply or from the University’s Office of Admission and Records, 160 E. 10th Street. Completed applications and supporting documentation should be sent to the Office of Admissions and Records.

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

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 upon acceptance of admission. 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:

1. Complete a minimum of 60 semester units of graduate study in art or approved electives, including:
- a minimum of 24 units of Studio Art
- a minimum of 20 units of academic coursework, which must include 8 units of Survey of Contemporary Art (two 4-unit courses), 8 units of Ideas in Contemporary Art (two 4-unit courses), and 4 units of Written Statement Seminar (two 2-unit courses).

2. Participate in the first-year group exhibition (during student’s first or second semester); the second-year group exhibition (during student’s third or fourth semester); and at least one student discussion group during each semester of attendance.

3. Pass an oral qualifying examination with the student’s M.F.A. committee for advancement to candidacy. The advancement is based on the evaluation of the student’s creative work and a written statement. It is held during the student’s third semester.

4. Present a final exhibition of work and accompanying written statement. Following advancement to candidacy, the student, in conference with his or her M.F.A. committee, presents a solo exhibition. At this time, an evaluation by the committee is scheduled as a final review. Present a short artist talk during the opening reception of the student’s final M.F.A. exhibition.

5. Submit final documentation of the M.F.A. project, approved by the student’s M.F.A. committee chair, to the art department and the Claremont Colleges Digital Library (CCDL).

Transfer Credits. In very special circumstances, a maximum of 6 academic units of graduate transfer credit may be allowed toward the student’s degree. Permission of the department chair and core faculty is required.

Other Requirements. For 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. Students who are registered in less than 15 units are not guaranteed a studio space. Because the program focuses on studio practice, exceptions to less than 15 units must be approved by the department chair and core faculty.