Graduate Admissions
The application process requires both an online application & submission of materials to the School of Fine Arts. Please read the complete information below.
Application Deadlines for Fall 2012 admission:
January 17, 2012 for Domestic Students
December 1, 2011 for International Students
Applying Online
The MFA program requires an electronic application in addition to the supporting materials. All application materials must be submitted and on-file by January 17, 2012.
The School of Fine Arts accepts applications for fall admission only. Students choose one area of concentration when applying to the program. The application process is self-managed by the applicant. Due to the volume of mail, the School cannot notify applicants of missing documents or confirm the receipt of materials. Students should send all materials by certified mail for this purpose. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not a requirement.
Click HERE to download the Application Checklist for the MFA program in the Hope School of Fine Arts.
Click HERE to begin the online application process.
Please note that Online Recommendation Requests are sent to recommenders AFTER submission of the application.
Application Materials
The following materials must be on file at the School of Fine Arts by the January 16, 2012 deadline:
Portfolio
Digital Art & Photography:
Submit 20 digital images or other documentation that best represents your work such as DVD or VHS tapes. Macintosh platform is preferred.
Graphic Design:
Submit 20 digital images or other documentation that best represents your work. Macintosh platform is required. Please do not send printed material or original works.
Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design:
Submit a CD with 20 digital images and image information in a PowerPoint presentation. Details may be included. Also include an image list and five photocopies of design sketches of jewelry/metalwork.
Printmaking:
Submit 20–30 digital images (or slides) that best represent your work.
Sculpture:
Submit 15–20 digital images, 3 of which should be drawings.
All other areas:
Submit 15–20 digital images on a CD or DVD.
Do not send binders, folders or pages in plastic sleeves; these materials will be discarded. Do not send original work. All portfolio materials will be handled with great care; however, the School of Fine Arts does not take responsibility for loss or damage. Application materials will remain on file for all applicants for two years.
Official Transcripts
Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and/or graduate study indicating satisfactory completion or anticipated completion of a degree program from an accredited college or university. Individual transcripts are required if applicant attended more than one institution, regardless of transfer of credit.
Three letters of recommendation
Letters can be mailed by the recommender, submitted electronically via the online application or gathered by the applicant and mailed with the portfolio (do not include if letters are submitted online). Letters should be written by professors, instructors, or professional people with whom you have recently worked or studied, and be sent in a sealed envelope with the signature of the recommender across the back.
Please note that Online Recommendation Requests are sent to recommenders AFTER submission of the online application.
Image list
Include a slide list or reference sheet with your name and area to which you are applying. List the title, date, medium, and dimensions of each slide or image in order. The School recommends that applicants make duplicates of slides prior to submission.
Resume
Submit a resume or time line of activities including exhibitions, awards, employment and other related professional pursuits.
Statement of intent/artist statement
Submit a written statement (500–700 words) outlining your artistic goals and interest in pursuing graduate study. This statement can be submitted electronically at the end of the online application or can be sent with the portfolio.
Domestic students should mail all application materials to:
(International students should follow special instructions below.)
Graduate Services Coordinator
School of Fine Arts – Studio Art
1201 E. 7th Street, Rm. 123
Bloomington, IN 47405-3501
International Students
The priority deadline for international applications is December 1 to allow additional time for the review of international transcripts. However, international applications will be accepted up until the domestic application deadline of January 15.
International students are required to submit a minimum TOEFL score to be considered for admission if their native language is not English. Minimum recommended scores for admission are:
550 on TOEFL paper test
213 on TOEFL computer test
79 TOEFL iBT
Students who do not hold a green card or I-485 receipt are considered international students and must provide a TOEFL score, regardless of whether they have lived in the U.S. for several years or earned a bachelor’s degree from an American university.
The IU Office of International Admissions processes all international applications and facilitates the issuing of visas. Contact their office at (812) 855-4306. Upon admission, students must provide financial documents to show they can meet all expenses for one academic year.
Students whose native language is not English will be required to take the IU English Proficiency Test, regardless of citizenship, upon arriving on campus. Based on test results, they may be required to enroll in language improvement courses. Prior to becoming an Associate Instructor (AI), international students will also be required to pass the Test of English Proficiency for AI Candidates.
Please note that international students must mail application materials to two different locations.
Mail transcripts and financial documents to:
Office of International Admissions
300 North Jordan Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405-1106
Mail statement, portfolio, slide list, letters of recommendation, resume and SASE to:
Graduate Services Coordinator
School of Fine Arts – Studio Art
1201 E. 7th Street, Rm. 123
Bloomington, IN 47405-3501
Questions? Contact the Graduate Services Coordinator at (812) 855-0188 or email at sofagrad@indiana.edu
