Information for Prospective Graduate Students:
MFA Inquiry Form
**What students are saying about the graduate program**
The graduate program at GMU is small and personal, so there is a real sense of community among the graduate students. The professors are extraordinarily dedicated; and unlike some programs where there is a distinct drive for a certain kind of work, the faculty are gifted at recognizing each student's uniqueness and meeting students where they are, so that each student develops work in line with their personal style and vision. I began the program at GMU hoping to marry my academic inclinations with my desire to paint, and with the help of the fabulous student community and the personal attention of instructors, I've achieved my goal. I am creating work that I am proud of intellectually and artistically, and I have a good sense of where I'd like to go professionally. --Jessica Clements (Painting) www.jessicaclements.com
When you enter the MFA program at George Mason, you join a thriving community. Students and faculty alike continue to impress me with their curiosity, passion, and ability to work together. I have worked with faculty in every concentration, and I've found them consistently attentive, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about their field. Fantastic program.--Deborah Lash (Interarts) www.deborahlash.com.
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Art and Visual Technology, Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
The MFA is a terminal degree that prepares students to become professional artsists, work in technology or arts- related fields, and teach at the university level. It requires 60 credits, during which time students fulfill 45 credits of core and studio requirements plus an additional 15 credits of comprehensive experience. MFA students may choose an emphasis in new media, painting, photography, printmaking, or interarts. The latter offers students the opportunity to combine art forms in interdisciplinary projects that may include installation, performance, publishing, time-based or writing-based, and to combine creative and critical approaches in their work. While it is anticipated that students will move through the MFA as described in this catalog, individuals with extensive professional accomplishment may, upon recommendation of the AVT Graduate Committee and with prior approval of the CVPA dean, craft an individualized program that meets curricular requirements.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general university requirements for admission for graduate study, candidates for the MFA must hold a BA or BFA degree. Upon applying, they must submit a portfolio, statement of intent and professional goals, and three letters of reference.
Diversity among students accepted for study is another consideration. Applicants with degrees in areas other than art are welcome, although they may be required to complete undergraduate core courses.
Portfolio Guidelines
The applicant’s portfolio is a major selection criterion for graduate admission, and should represent the applicant’s most accomplished work. Portfolio requirements are different for each graduate area of emphasis. All portfolios must include a written image or slide information sheet with the corresponding number, title, date, medium, and size of each work. If included, slides must be labeled with slide number, applicant’s name, title of work, and date. Incomplete portfolios will not be considered. Applicants’ portfolio items are considered part of the application for admission and thus, cannot be returned. Please do not send original materials. The portfolio and all other application materials should be submitted to the Office of Graduate Admissions. For more information, contact the AVT department at 703-993-8898.
Portfolio Requirements by Area of Emphasis
New Media: 20 images on an Apple Macintosh platform compatible CD. All images must be numbered according to the printed list. Videos (no more than four minutes for each selection) must be playable from an Apple compatible CD or DVD, or mastered DVD for play in a commercial DVD player. Only the relevant parts of the video should be marked for viewing, with the applicant’s role clearly stated. New Media applicants should not submit slides.
Photography and Printmaking: 20 images on an Apple compatible CD, or slides. All images must be numbered according to the printed list. Printmaking also requires a print portfolio of 12 prints.
Painting: 20 slides only. All slides must be numbered and labeled according to the printed list.
InterArts: Total of 20 images (on an Apple compatible CD or slides), videos, or writing-based materials. All submissions must be numbered according to the printed list. If videos are included, they must contain no more than four minutes for each selection. Also, they must be an Apple compatible CD or DVD, mastered DVD for play in a commercial DVD player, or if videotape, VHS in NTSC format. Only the relevant parts of the video should be marked for viewing, with the applicant’s role clearly stated. If writing-based materials are submitted, they should be submitted in printed form.
Supplementary material for all applicants, such as CDs (Apple compatible only), videos (DVD, VHS in NTSC format), web addresses, press clippings, or reviews of exhibitions may be submitted but will be reviewed only at the discretion of the AVT graduate application reviewers. Supplementary material should be clearly marked as such.
See George Mason University Catalog 2008-2009
Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education (MAT)
This preservice degree program prepares students with a BFA degree for PK-12 art licensure by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Using a studio-based approach to art education and working closely with area public school systems, the MAT degree consists of 30 credits of graduate art education, school practicum experience, and independent studio work prior to pre-service teaching internship and seminar.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general university admission requirements for graduate study, admission to this program is contingent on completion of a BFA in art or approved equivalent. Also, candidates must have a minimum 3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA; any exceptions will be considered on an individual basis. Eligibility for the MAT program may demand additional course work to establish proficiency in visual arts. Students lacking a background in the visual arts or pedagogy will be required to satisfy prerequisite courses prior to the required graduate courses. Candidates will be selected by a department committee composed of the art education program director and faculty. Meeting minimum criteria does not guarantee admittance to the program. Applications will be accepted twice a year.
If you have further questions, please contact Mary Del Popolo, the art education advisor at mdelpopo@gmu.edu.
APPLICATION INFORMATION: FUTURE DEADLINES
The next deadline for admission to the MAT in Art Education Program for Spring 2009 is October 15, 2008 and for Fall 2009 is March 15, 2009.
Each applicant must provide the following materials:
*Completed application form
*Certified copies of all undergraduate transcripts and any graduate transcripts
*Statement of intent and professional goals for entering the field
*Three letters of reference from faculty members or individuals who have firsthand knowledge of the applicant’s academic or professional capabilities
*Proof of passing score on Praxis I or equivalent
*TOEFL score, if required by Mason policies
*Portfolio that reflects artistic breadth and depth, including drawing skills. All portfolios must include a written image or slide information sheet with the corresponding number, title, date, medium, and size of each work. If included, slides must be labeled with slide number, applicant’s name, title of work, and date. Incomplete portfolios will not be considered.
*In-person portfolio review and oral interview
Diversity among students is another consideration for acceptance into the program. Applicants with degrees in areas other than art are welcome, although they may be required to complete undergraduate core and studio courses.
See George Mason University Catalog 2008-2009
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Information for Current Graduate Students:
* Graduate Student Handbook
*Forms for Download from Graduate Student Handbook
Graduate Transfer of Credit Form
Graduate Re-Enrollment Form
Course Substitution Form
Graduate Request for Undergraduate Course Registration
Individualized Section Form
Course Overload Form
Change in Catalog Year Form
Intent to take Semester Leave
InterArts Graduate Student Degree Plan
Painting Graduate Student Degree Plan
Photography Graduate Student Degree Plan
Printmaking Graduate Student Degree Plan
New Media Graduate Student Degree Plan
Graduate Student Declaration of Program of Study Form
MFA Student Formation of Thesis Project Committee Form
Cover Sheet for MFA Student Thesis Project Proposal
MFA Student Progress Tracking Form
Thesis Guidelines and Samples
Thesis/Dissertation/Project Transmittal Sheet
Dissertation/Thesis/Project Guide
Format and Appearance Worksheet
Dissertation Checklist
Thesis Checklist
