What should I address in my Statement of Purpose?
Describe your purpose in undertaking graduate work. Address the work you submitted in your portfolio and contextualize your current artistic production and research. Discuss future directions or goals for your work, and describe how the Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art at Tulane is particularly suited to your professional goals.
Is there a recommended length for the Statement of Purpose?
In the application, you are directed to attach a document (word or PDF). Please make sure this document is not more than a few pages of writing. 1-2 pages is normal.
If admitted, will I get a stipend and/or tuition waiver?
All MFA students are accepted with full scholarships comprised of a tuition waiver and an additional assistantship stipend. The tuition waiver covers the full cost of tuition for both years of the MFA program. The additional stipend is divided up into 20 bimonthly payments each year, beginning at the end of August and ending in May.
Do I need to have a BFA in order to apply?
No. Although an undergraduate degree is required, it is not required that is was undertaken as an art major.
Is it possible to apply to the graduate program and receive funding as an international student?
Yes.
Is TOEFL required for students from non-English speaking countries?
All applicants must present satisfactory evidence of sufficient competence to read, write, speak and understand spoken English. If you are from a non-English speaking country you are required to submit a TOEFL score unless you have received a degree from a U.S. University or a University in which courses were taught in English. TOEFL scores should also be sent to Tulane School of Liberal Arts, code: 6183.
What if I took the GRE, should I send my scores although they are not required?
No. Do not send your GRE scores.
Is there an admission deadline in the fall to begin the program in the spring?
No. There is only one annual deadline for admission to the MFA program: January 10th of every year. All incoming MFA students start the program in the fall.
Do you accept students for part-time study?
No.
Is teaching a part of the MFA program?
All MFA students TA for a professor in their area both semesters of their first year, and have the opportunity to teach their own undergraduate course both semesters of their second year.
What if I work across various media, which area should I apply to?
Although the faculty are fully supportive of interdisciplinary work, you need to specify which area you are applying to (Ceramics, Digital Arts, Glass, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture). Feel free to email professors in the areas that you're interested in to try and assess which area would make the most sense for your potential admittance. Matriculating students are welcome to make work across various media during their time in the MFA program, but every MFA student assists and teaches in their area of admittance.
Who should write my recommendation letters?
Ideally, your professors of art (or related fields) should be asked because they often write the most applicable letters of recommendation. Fellow arts professionals can best evaluate how the applicant has performed in the past and will be able to handle entering the intensive environment of a graduate level Studio Art program. However, anyone who can speak to the applicant's intellectual abilities, level of maturity, and artistic ability would be a good person to ask.
Is it possible to receive an application fee waiver?
An application fee waiver is ONLY available to verified McNair Scholars. If you are a McNair Scholar please contact the Graduate Programs office: aschumac@tulane.edu for the fee waiver code. All other applications cannot be submitted without payment of the $30 application fee in full. Payments must be made online with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover card).
[3.06.2023]