The School of Art+Design offers a two-year in-residency study program or a three-year low-residency program leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree in Contemporary Art Practice. In residency students choose an emphasis in either Studio Practice or Social Practice and low-residency studens must select Social Practice. These 90-credit programs prepare the student to be a practicing artist within a regional, national, and international arts community.
The student will acquire a strong theoretical foundation in order to analyze and discuss their work and that of others as well as to place their work in a historical and socio-cultural context. In addition, the student cultivates work, process, and research habits required of the self-directed artist. The MFA in Contemporary Art Practices is a small, individualized program that offers the student great accessibility to the MFA faculty on an ongoing basis, providing constant assessment and direction.
Graduate admission requirements
Application for admission to the MFA program must be made by February 1 prior to the fall term in which the student intends to begin work toward the degree.
Applicants must have a B.A., B.S., or B.F.A. degree in Art or a related field. Rare exceptions may be made for related experience and a solid art history background.
The application is a dual process between the School of Art and Design and the Office of Admissions. Therefore the applicant also must contact the PSU Office of Admissions for a graduate admission application.
The school application is submitted on-line. For the most up to date information on the MFA program and its application process please visit our web site http://www.pdx.edu/art-design/mfa-admissions-requirements.