The graduate curriculum in visual arts is a full-time program with no midyear admissions. Admission to the master of fine arts (M.F.A.) program is based on four criteria:
1. transcripts of previous educational experience;
2. three letters of recommendation;
3. a personal statement of 300-500 words about the applicant's academic and career objectives and his or her creative focus;
4. a portfolio consisting of either a CD formatted in PowerPoint containing JPEG images, slides, or media documentation.
The last item, the portfolio, is extremely important. It should consist of a CD containing 10 JPEG images in a PowerPoint slide show. Each image should be captioned with the applicant's name and the image number with its 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 x 11-inch sheet of paper with the applicant's name and for each piece: an image number, title, dimensions, materials, and date. No other digital formats are acceptable. Presentations must be under 50 MBs.
Applicants in time-based work (video, film, and performance) must submit a videotape in NTSC or DVD format of no more than 10 minutes in length. The tape or DVD should be labeled with the applicant's name and contact details. This should be accompanied by an 8.5 x11-inch sheet of paper with the artist's name and the title(s), duration, media, credits, and date; or a CD-R containing no more than 10 minutes of time-based work in QuickTime format. The CD-R should be labeled with the applicant's name and contact details. It should be accompanied by an 8.5 x 11-inch sheet of paper with the artist's name and the title(s), duration, media, credits, and date.
The slide portfolio should consist of 10 35 mm slides, plastic mounted (no glass mounts), numbered and labeled on the front with the applicant's name and 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 x 11-inch clear slide sheet, numbered in order of progression for viewing. Include a slide list on an 8.5 x 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 of their credentials by the deadline listed on the admissions website to the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions. Applications are reviewed by the graduate faculty.
For general information contact the Office of Graduate and Professional Admissions at gradadm@rci.rutgers.edu or 732-932-7711. Apply online at http://gradstudy.rutgers.edu.
