MFA FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the MFA Program in Art

DO YOU HAVE FALL AND SPRING ADMISSIONS FOR THE MFA PROGRAM?

Applications are accepted only for entry into the fall term of each year.

ARE GRE SCORES REQUIRED?

Graduate Record Examinations (GREs) are not required for the School of Art MFA program.

ARE TOEFL SCORES REQUIRED?

TOEFL scores are required for any applicants for whom English is not a first language.

DO I NEED A DEGREE IN ART TO APPLY?

A bachelor's degree, which may be in any field, is required.

HOW CAN I ARRANGE A TOUR OF THE SCHOOL?

Contact Keni Jefferson, the Student Affairs Assistant for the School of Art, at (412) 268-8001, or kjgreenandrew.cmu.edu. She can provide a tour of our facilities and answer any questions you may have.

WHAT IF I'D LIKE TO MEET WITH SOME OF THE FACULTY AND CURRENT STUDENTS?

Either Keni or Mark Cato, the Office Associate for the School of Art, can provide contact information for our faculty and graduate students. If you are interested in meeting with faculty in a particular area of concentration, just let them know. Mark can be reached at (412) 268-2409, or mdcatoandrew.cmu.edu.

CAN I ATTEND THE PROGRAM PART TIME?

Full-time enrollment is required for the MFA program.

CAN I MAINTAIN MY CURRENT JOB WHILE IN THE PROGRAM?

Because of the commitments required by the program, students should not plan to be regularly employed during the academic year.

HOW MUCH FINANCIAL AID IS THE SCHOOL OF ART ABLE TO PROVIDE?

Admission to the program guarantees financial support totaling about 77% of tuition costs. Renewal of financial support for the second and third years of the program is contingent upon quality performance in course work, end-of-the-year reviews and assistantships. Total three-year financial support for each student entering in fall is more than $57,000.

IS ADDITIONAL FEDERAL AID AVAILABLE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS?

Unfortunately, international students are ineligible for federal student aid.

ARE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION REQUIRED?

Names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references are required. No letters of recommendation are required.

IS HEALTH INSURANCE AVAILABLE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS?

The university offers several health insurance plans for graduate students. These plans, designed with input from graduate students, provide catastrophic, moderate and comprehensive levels of coverage depending on the chosen plan. For more information, click here.

Image Credit: Tak Noguchi and Mark Dixon (MFA Class of 2003) display newspaper coverage of 2002 graduate student public projects in Schwabische Hall, Germany. Back to Top