Graduate Admissions
Applying Online
Deadlines
December 1: International students
January 15: Domestic students
The MFA program requires an electronic application in addition to the supporting materials. All application materials must be submitted or on-file by the dates above.
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 certified mail for this purpose. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not a requirement. Click HERE to begin the application process.
Application Materials
The following materials must be on file by the January 15th deadline:
Portfolio
Digital Art & Photography:
Submit 20 slides or other documentation that best represents your work such as CD-ROM, DVD or VHS tapes. Macintosh platform is preferred.
Graphic Design:
Submit 20 slides or other documentation that best represents your work such as CD-ROM or DVD. Macintosh platform is required.
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 slides, 3 of which should be drawings. CD-ROMs, DVDs and VHS tapes can also be submitted, if necessary.
All other areas:
Submit 15–20 slides or digital images.Slides should be stored in an 8 1/2 x 11 inch plastic slide sheet. Name of applicant and orientation of work must be indicated on each slide. Place a red dot in the lower left-hand corner of the slide to show correct orientation. Please ensure that labels and stickers are adhered properly if used.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. Do not send binders, folders or pages in plastic sleeves; these materials will be discarded. Do not send orginial work. All portfolio materials will be handled with great care; however, the School of Fine Arts does not take responsibility for loss or damage.
Do not send binders, folders or pages in plastic sleeves; these materials will be discarded. Do not send orginial work. All portfolio materials will be handled with great care; however, the School of Fine Arts does not take responsibility for loss or damage.
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). Recommendation forms can be printed at www.gradapp.indiana.edu. 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.
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
Sumbit a resume or timeline 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.
Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) for the return of slides or other portfolio materials. The SASE can be a manila envelope or small padded mailer, but should not exceed 10” x 12”. Do not send checks, money orders, shipping bills for FedEx or UPS, or metered envelopes.If you are admitted to our program, the School of Fine Arts will retain your slides unless otherwise advised by the faculty in your area of application. Processing time of applications will vary.
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 of 550 (paper test) or 213 (computer) to be considered for admission if their native language is not English. 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