Master of Fine Arts — Visual Arts
We admit a limited number of talented and creative MFA candidates on a competitive basis. No GRE is required. Criteria are as follows:
- Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in visual arts. Especially well-qualified candidates from other disciplines or degree programs who have exceptionally strong portfolios may be considered.
- Applicants must submit a portfolio documenting their creative work. The portfolio should represent 15 to 20 works, the majority of which should represent the chosen field of study. The portfolio should consist of 20 slides and an accompanying list that identifies the slide, the size of the work and media used. We accept traditional slides and CDs with images in JPG or PDF format. Supplemental materials such as photographs or digital prints of the artwork may also be included. The portfolio is reviewed by an admissions committee that includes members of the Department of Art faculty. We encourage prospective students to schedule a campus interview before or during the application
process. - Applicants must have a minimum grade-point ratio of 3.0 on the last 60 major credit hours of undergraduate work.
- Applicants must provide three letters of recommendation from major professors, producing artists or professional acquaintances who are familiar with the applicant's work and development in the visual arts.
- Applicants should submit a one- to two-page artist statement that provides insight into the development of the work completed to date. The statement should address ideas relative to form and content.
- Applicants must also submit a statement of intent regarding their interest in pursuing the MFA degree.
Deadlines
February 1 — Application materials due for consideration for $5,000 University Recruitment Fellowships awarded to outstanding applicants throughout the University. To be considered for this award, applicants must have a GPR of 3.5 or more and/or a very strong portfolio.
March 15 — Application materials are due by this date to be considered for acceptance and departmental assistantships. Applications received after March 15 will be considered and possibly accepted. However, the later the date, the less likely that an assistantship will be awarded.
For inquiries or to schedule a campus visit, email the Department of Art graduate coordinator, David Detrich, at ddavid@clemson.edu or call (864) 656-3890. For graduate admission information, contact the Office of Admissions, 101 Sikes Hall, Box 345124, Clemson, SC 29634-5124, Telephone: (864) 656-3195 or click here to apply online.
