Program Overview

Master of Fine Arts in the Field of Fine Arts

The master of fine arts (MFA) program at GW comprises a two-year commitment for emerging artists who wish to expand the material and intellectual dimensions of their work. The interdisciplinary nature of the program creates an environment where cross-pollination among fields flourishes. At the same time, graduate students enter into vibrant communities of peers, faculty, and visiting artists, where intensive studio visits and critiques facilitate the re-imagination of the boundaries of art practice.

The MFA program in the Studio Arts Program is a 60 credit, full-time program. Students register for 15 credits per semester, per the standard recommended for a terminal degree by the College Art Association.

Overview of the Program

• The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in fine arts, with a focus on studio practice and creative research.
• The program is interdisciplinary, allowing students to explore a wide range of artistic mediums and techniques.
• The program is full-time, with students registering for 15 credits per semester.

Admissions

• Admission deadlines:
  • Fall: April 1 (February 1 for priority fellowship consideration)
  • Spring: October 1
• Standardized Test Scores:
  • GRE is not required.
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the academic International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or the PTE Academic is required of all applicants except those who hold a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from a college or university in the United States or from an institution located in a country in which English is the official language, provided English was the language of instruction.
  • Minimum scores for the program are:
    • Academic IELTS: an overall band score of 6.0 with no individual score below 5.0
    • TOEFL: 550 on paper-based or 80 on Internet-based
    • PTE Academic: 53
• Recommendations required: Two (2) recommendations
• Prerequisite requirements: A bachelor’s degree in the field of fine arts or related field, and/or a strong portfolio and statement of purpose.
• Prior academic records: Transcripts are required from all colleges and universities attended, whether or not credit was earned, the program was completed, or the credit appears as transfer credit on another transcript.
• Statement of purpose: A 250-500 word Statement of Purpose describing your artistic intent, conceptual foundation, research interests, and impetus to complete an MFA degree.
• Additional requirements: Digital Portfolio with Image List; 20 images of artwork and/or up to 10 minutes of time-based work.

Requirements

• The following requirements must be fulfilled:
  • The general requirements stated under Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, Graduate Programs.
  • 60 credits, including 36 credits in required courses, 18 credits in elective courses, and 6 credits in thesis, including a thesis exhibition.
• Course List:
  • Required:
    • CSA 6015: Social and Contextual Art Practices Seminar
    • CSA 6091: Contemporary Art and Theory for Artists
    • CSA 6093: Professional Practices
    • CSA 6094: Writing in Practice
    • CSA 6095: Master of Fine Arts Studio and Creative Research (taken for a total of 12 credits)
    • CSA 6096: Studio Visits (taken for a total of 12 credits)
    • Thesis exhibition
    • CSA 6999: Thesis Research (taken twice for a total of 6 credits)
  • Electives:
    • 9 credits in CSA studio electives. Courses should be relevant to student's practice and goals and selected in consultation with the director of graduate studies.
    • 9 credits in open electives. Courses should be relevant to the student's practice and can be taken in any studio or academic program. Specific courses are selected in consultation with the director of graduate studies and faculty in the unit offering the course.