The graduate curriculum in visual arts is a full-time program with no mid-year admissions. Admission to the M.F.A. is based on four criteria:

(1) transcripts of previous educational experience;

(2) three letters of recommendation;

(3) a personal statement of 300 to 500 words on the applicant's academic and career objectives and his or her creative focus;

(4) a portfolio either in PowerPoint format on CD, slides, or media documentation.

The last item, the portfolio, is extremely important. It should consist of a CD containing ten images in a PowerPoint slide show. Each image should be captioned with applicant's name, the image number, title, dimensions, materials, and date. The CD should be labeled with the artist's name and contact details. Include a list on an 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of paper with applicant's name, and for each piece, an image number, title, dimensions, materials, and date. No other digital formats are acceptable. 

Applicants in time-based work (video, film, performance) must submit a videotape in NTSC format or DVD format of no more than ten minutes in length. The tape or DVD should be labeled with your name and contact details. This should be accompanied by an 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of paper with the artist's name, the title(s), duration, media, credits, and date, or a CD-R containing no more that ten minutes of time based work in QuickTime format. The CD-R should be labeled with the applicant's name and the contact details. It should be accompanied by an 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of paper with the artist's name, the title(s), duration, media, credits, and date. 

The slide portfolio should consist of ten 35mm slides, plastic mounted (no glass mounts), numbered and labeled on the front with the applicant's name, the title, dimensions, materials and date. A dot should be placed at the lower left corner of the slide and an arrow should indicate which direction is up. Place all slides in one 8.5 by 11 clear slide sheet, numbered in order of progression for viewing. Include a slide list on an 8.5 by 11 inch sheet of paper with your name and for each piece, a slide number, title dimensions, materials, and date. 

Mail the portfolio directly to the Graduate Director, Department of Visual Arts, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 33 Livingston Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1959. Portfolios will not be returned unless they include a self-addressed envelope that has sufficient postage for return mailing. The Department of Visual Arts is not responsible for lost or damaged materials.

Applicants are required to submit all their credentials by the deadline listed on the admissions application or its accompanying literature to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. Applications are reviewed by the graduate faculty.

Application forms and requests for general information should be addressed to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 18 Bishop Place, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8530. In addition, applicants may download application forms or apply online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu. The telephone number is 732-932-7711.