Portland State University’s Department of Art offers a three-year program leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree in Contemporary Art Practice with a concentration in Art and Social Practice. Application for admission to the program must be made by February 1 prior to the fall term in which the student intends to begin work towards the degree. Accepted students are expected to be in full-time residence for two years.
1. Degree Requirements
Art and Social Practice
Applicants to the Art and Social Practice MFA Program must have a B.A., B.S. or B.F.A. degree.
2. Complete Office of Graduate Admissions application
Application is a dual process between the Department of Art and the Office of Admissions. The applicant must contact the PSU Office of Admissions for a graduate admission application. On-line applications may be made at http://www.pdx.edu/admissions/graduate-applicant.
In addition to the PSU application form, the applicant must send an application fee and sealed, official transcript(s) from each post-secondary institution attended by the applicant. The Office of Admissions can be reached directly at 1-800-547-8887 ext. 3511, or 503-725-3511 if living in Oregon.
3. Complete Art Department Application Requirements online
Statement of intent (500 words max). Include applicant's reasons for applying to the MFA program, relevant aspects from significant past experience and achievements, future plans and any additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating aptitude for graduate study.
Curriculum Vitae.
Transcripts from all degree-granting institutions the applicant attended in the past (unofficial transcripts acceptable).
Names and contact information of three references. Short-listed applicants may be asked to have letters of reference emailed by February 22.
In addition to the above:
An alternative one page Curriculum Vitae specifically for Social Practice. Format should be modeled after a standard CV, but instead of traditional content (formal education, exhibitions, etc.) this CV should focus on less orthodox but equally important aspects from applicant's life of experiences and research that have prepared the applicant for being a social practice MFA student.
Three Video assignments (upload to Slideroom):
1. Tour of the highlights in your neighborhood. Create a short video (3 min maximum) of what you consider to be the highlights of your neighborhood. Video quality is not an issue, Cell phone/web cam videos are acceptable.
2. Ask a stranger the significance of the clothes they are wearing. Create a short video (3 min maximum) of you having a stranger describe for you the significance of the clothes they are wearing. Video quality is not an issue, Cell phone/web cam videos are acceptable.
3. Demonstrate a talent. Create a short video (3 min maximum) where you demonstrate a talent. Video quality is not an issue, Cell phone/web cam videos are acceptable.
To apply see:
