Admissions, MFA in Visual Arts

Master of Fine Arts

A Distinctive and Unique Integrative Interdisciplinary Program that offers concentrations in Fine Arts, Media Arts and Design Arts.

Master of Fine Arts Admissions Requirements:

Students accepted for admission into the MFA in Visual Arts program must have successfully completed at least a Bachelor of Arts program in studio arts from an accredited four year institution with a minimum of 45 credits in studio arts, 12 credits in art history or art criticism including at least 3 credits in contemporary or twentieth century art, and a grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

In certain cases where an applicant has a Bachelors degree and a number of years of professional art activity, admittance can be granted by the committee based on the quality of the work and the sponsorship of a faculty member. 

Tuition

New Jersey resident: $621.00 per credit; out-of-state residents, $964.00 per credit.
See webpage for the Bursar’s Office.  http://www.wpunj.edu/studentaccounts/tuition-and-fees/graduate.html

How to Apply to the University

Graduate application forms and a graduate course catalog may be obtained by contacting the Office of Graduate Admissions & Enrollment Services at 973-720-3641, or  apply online at: http://www.wpunj.edu/admissions/graduate/. The Graduate School Application must be sent to the Office of Graduate Studies and Research, William Paterson University, 300 Pompton Road, Wayne, New Jersey, 07470. Completed applications must include a one-time application fee of $50.00, all official undergraduate transcripts, and two letters of recommendation.

The Portfolio Package

Portfolio is to be submitted directly to the Visual Arts Graduate Program Director at the time of application.

In addition to the above requirements, applicants for a Masters of Fine Arts in Visual Art are required to submit a digital portfolio of twenty images via Dropbox. Please send Dropbox link to gradart@wpunj.edu. Please include a description of each image with the title, medium, date, size (where appropriate). Also submit your statement of intent, a resume, and an Art Department Information form directly to the your Dropbox link at the time of application. Portfolio submission deadlines are the same as application deadlines.

Application deadlines:

August 1st: Fall semester
*Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a space availability basis

Financial Aid

Scholarship and financial aid information may be obtained by contacting the William Paterson University Financial Aid Center at 973-720-2202 Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Financial Aid office website: http://www.wpunj.edu/financial-aid/index.html.

Graduate Assistantships

Graduate Assistantships, offering a $6,000 stipend and tuition waiver are also available. Interested students may contact the Office of the Provost; Lissette DeJesus 973-720-3093.

More information about assistantships can be found at http://www.wpunj.edu/admissions/graduate/prospective-students/graduate-assistantships.html