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How to Apply

MFA students displaying their artwork

Requirements and Application Process

An applicant must satisfy the minimum admission requirements of the Graduate College (see Graduate Admission Regulations in the Boise State University Graduate Catalog). Admission is competitive and the achievement of minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance to the program. Applicants must:

  1. Hold a B.A., B.F.A., or M.A. degree in visual art from an accredited institution of higher learning.
  2. Have and maintain at least a 3.00 grade point average on a 4.00 scale.
  3. Have completed twelve credits of undergraduate art history prior to taking courses for graduate credit. Undergraduate coursework in modern and/or contemporary art history is highly desirable.
  4. Be accepted to the Boise State University Graduate College

Application Procedure

Application to the MFA, Visual Arts degree program is a two-part process:

I. Admission to the Graduate College

Visit the Graduate College website to learn more about applying

Applicants are required to submit the following through the Graduate College on-line system prior to applying to the MFA, Visual Arts degree program:

  1. Graduate Admission Application
  2. Three letters of recommendation from professionals in the field
  3. Official transcripts
  4. Application Letter: A statement of purpose that addresses why you want to pursue an MFA in Visual Arts at Boise State University.
  5. A resume or CV that lists educational background, exhibition record, awards, grants, reviews, publications, and any other pertinent information.
  6. Supporting statement if applying for a Graduate Assistantship  that outlines your interest in and qualifications for the position.

II. Admission to the MFA, Visual Arts degree program

In addition to the Graduate College application, a portfolio and the below listed documents must be submitted to the Department of Arts, Design, and Visual Studies.

Submit Portfolio and Additional Materials Here

The following items are required in the portfolio submission:

  1. A portfolio of Twenty (20) digital images of a recent body of work
  2. An artist statement that directly addresses the portfolio submitted
  3. Copy or Verification of your Graduate College Application Submission

Applications are open from October 15 through the Priority Admission Review Deadline of January 31 of each year for application submission. Applications are for fall semester admission only.

Fee:

The Graduate College application fee is $65 for residents or $95 (USD) for international students.  When submitting an application, you must pay the fee as a credit card payment at the same time, or the application will not be processed.

MFA Application Deadline:

Priority Admission Review Deadline January 31.

Graduate Assistantship Application Deadline:

Priority Admission Review Deadline January 31.