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

Applications are accepted through Admission .  Applicants must meet the general admission requirements of Claremont Graduate University and have completed an undergraduate college major in art emphasizing the practice of art or demonstrate competence 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 November 1 for spring.

Portfolios are accepted through the online service provided by SlideRoom.com, http://claremont.slideroom.com. Portfolios submissions may consist of the following items.

• 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.

Interview. A personal interview is recommended.  At the same time, 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. No partial refunds will be given.

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 for the degree.  See Program Requirements, below, for breakdown of units and other requirements.

Transfer Credit.  With the approval of the department chair and core faculty, a maximum of six units may be accepted as transfer credit.  Guidelines and policies are detailed in the Registration and Degree Information  section of the Bulletin.

University Policies.  University policies detailed in the Registration and Degree Information  section of the Bulletin apply.