MFA in Studio Art

Admission to the Program

University requirements for admission include a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; 3.0 GPA in last 60 hours (90 quarter hours) of undergraduate work; and for international students whose first language is not English, a TOEFL score of 600 (or 100 on the internet based test), a minimum score of 68 on the Pearson Test of English, or a minimum IELTS score of 7.

In addition to meeting the minimum university requirements for graduate study, applicants should hold a Bachelor of Arts (with a major in Fine Arts) or a Bachelor of Fine Arts. Under special circumstances, applicants without a BA or BFA degree or without a major in Fine Arts, but with outstanding artistic or professional qualifications, may be considered for admission.

Admission is based on academic record, two letters of recommendation, and a portfolio of at least twenty images. Send images on a CD, formatted  no smaller than no smaller than 7 x 7 in, 72 dpi, under 4 MB, jpeg. A resume of the applicant’s background should be included in the portfolio. 

Applications are due January 15 for consideration for merit awards. Portfolios should be submitted by February 10 directly to the Department of Art at:

Department of Art
American University
Katzen Arts Center Room 101
4400 Massachusetts Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20016-8004

The department cannot be liable for loss or damage or for any transportation or mailing expense.

Apply online or visit the Graduate Admissions website for additional information.