MFA > Frequently Asked Questions: about applying to the MFA Studio Art Program

Q: When can I apply to the MFA Studio Art Program at the University of South Florida?

A: The MFA studio art program accepts applications for fall admissions only. Applications must be postmarked January 15th of each year for fall admission.

 

Q: What is the emphasis of the MFA program is at USF?

A: The MFA program is idea centered and interdisciplinary projects are encouraged. Discipline-specific artists are equally valued.  Students develop an understanding of current art practices as well as theoretical and cultural issues. 

 

Q: What criteria does the School of Art and Art History set for applicants to the MFA Studio Art Program at USF?

A:

• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a regionally accredited university or art school.
• Fulfillment of one of the following: 
• A graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or
• A “B” (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) average or better in all upper division studies as a baccalaureate student

 

Q: Am I required to take the GRE in order to apply to the MFA Studio Art program at USF?

A: No, the GRE is not required for entrance into the MFA Studio Art program. 

 

Q: What is the best way to submit my application for the MFA Studio Art program at USF?

A: A complete application, which includes all of the required materials in one packet, is the easiest to process and the best for the applicant since it eliminates concerns about items arriving late or not at all.  

Important Tip: Simple is better!  Do not submit fancy portfolio cases, no paper or plastic binders, any plastic sleeves, etc. All application materials should be able to fit in a letter size (8-½" x 11”) file folder.    

Send all application materials (i.e. application, application fee, residency form, two official transcripts, portfolio (see below for further clarification of what to submit), image list printed on 8-½" x 11” paper, three letters of recommendation for graduate study, artist statement, a return self-addressed mailing envelope with sufficient postage (stamps only) if you want your portfolio returned directly to the School of Art and Art History at the following address: 

          

Graduate Studies Coordinator
School of Art and Art History
University of South Florida, FAH 110
4202 East Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL  33620-7350
(813) 974-2360

*Please note: The School of Art and Art History at the University of South Florida is a Direct Receipt Program.

 

Q: What does a complete application to the MFA Studio Art Program at USF include? 

A:

• Completed application and residency form (Please Note:  If no application or fee has been submitted then there is no application.) 

• Non-refundable application fee of $30.00 ( in US currency) check or money order made out to USF —  DO NOT SEND CASH!

• Two Official transcripts from every institution of higher learning where a bachelor’s or higher degree was awarded.  (These should be in sealed envelope from each institution where the degree was awarded.)  Two official transcripts are necessary because one remains in your application file and the other is sent to graduate admissions.

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (Email address required)

• Three Letters of Recommendation for graduate study in sealed envelopes signed by letter-writer on the outside (from art professors who have taught you and are familiar with your work and classroom participation.)

• An Artist’s Statement (Not longer than one 8 ½ x 11” page)

• Portfolio (See: details below)

• Image List on one 8-½" x 11” page

• A return self-addressed mailing envelope with adequate postage (stamps only), if you want your portfolio returned

• Send all application materials to the following address:

Graduate Studies Coordinator
School of Art and Art History
University of South Florida, FAH 110
4202 East Fowler Avenue
Tampa, FL  33620-7350
See: Next question for further clarification of what to submit as a portfolio

 

Q: What should I submit as a portfolio to the MFA Studio Art Program? 

A: Materials submitted for viewing on the computer will be viewed on Mac OS X systems.  It is recommended that you test your files for compatibility before submitting. Incompatible submissions will not be reviewed.

Please include viewing instructions with each media type.  Put your name on EVERYTHING.

• 2-D and/or 3-D artwork: A maximum of 20 images:  35mm slides or digital images

Please include a corresponding 8-½” x 11” sheet that lists the works and relevant information including dimensions, materials, date, etc. A sentence or two providing additional information is acceptable.

• SLIDES: Numbered and labeled with artist’s name, title of work, date, dimensions, materials and arrow indicating top of slide.

• DIGITAL IMAGES: Save images as High Quality in JPG format. Images should be between 700 and 1200 pixels in both height and width. Images on CD-ROMs will be viewed using Mac OS X. Confirm compatibility of files on Mac OS X before sending.

• Film, video, kinetic sculpture, installation and/or performance artwork:  DVD or VHS NTSC Only
• The Admissions Panel will review the first 5 minutes of each tape or DVD and continue to review further material if quality deems additional review is merited.  Applicants are therefore STRONGLY encouraged to put excerpts of your strongest work at the beginning of the program and follow this with longer segments or completed works. Include an 8½” x11" sheet of paper with a listing of the works on the tape, running times and a short description to assist in understanding the submitted works. Note whether video is intended as the primary medium of expression or is merely being used as documentation of work in another medium.

• DVD formatted to play on standard NTSC DVD players.
• Video-cassette recorded at the highest quality possible in SP mode. Cue videotapes to the viewing point.

• Digital Media including Interactive, Web-based work and/or Computer Animation should be submitted on a Mac formatted CD or DVD-R, as self-contained documents. [HTML (must be web archive, nothing streaming), Shockwave, Flash Player, Director Projector, QuickTime are acceptable.]
• “Web Archive” documents must work in Safari or Firefox browser.  Please indicate preferred browser.An accompanying 8½” x11" sheet of paper with alisting of the works submitted and any additional information orcomments is acceptable.
• Submitting URLs is ONLY acceptable for work that is created as web art as its primary means of expression.  URLs are NOT acceptable for submission of documentation of work in any other medium. Please note that web art will ONLY be reviewed on a Mac OS  X computer using the latest version of Safari or Firefox browsers. Please indicate which of these is the preferred browser for your work.

• Audio: on Audio CD (aif), or MP3 files on CD-ROM or DVD-R.

Q: What are some of the most important things I should do when applying to graduate school in the School of Art and Art History at USF?

A:

• Follow directions when submitting your application, send exactly what has been requested by the program. 

• Make sure your name is on everything (i.e. slide sheets, DVD’s, CD’s, paper work etc.)! 

• It is best to plan ahead and not wait until the last possible moment to submit the application in order to meet the postmark deadline. 

• Attain an e-mail address if you don’t already have one.  Most correspondence is by e-mail. 

Q: How many transcripts do I need to apply to your MFA Studio Art program at USF? 

A: USF requires two official transcripts received in sealed envelopes (one for your application file and one to be given to grad admissions by our offices) from all institutions of higher learning where a bachelors or higher degrees were granted. 

For example, if you attended a community college before the university where you were awarded your bachelor’s degree, then you would only have to submit two official transcripts from the university and none from the community college (The transfer credits from the community college show up on the transcript from the institution where you received your bachelors.).

Exceptions:  Transcripts are not required from former USF degree-seeking students.

 

Q: Who should I ask to write letters of recommendation when applying to graduate school?

A: It is always best to have college professors (preferably studio art professors) who have taught you write your letters of recommendation for graduate study.  They are most qualified to discuss your academic and artistic development.  If this isn’t possible, then ask other individuals who can attest to your artistic and academic abilities.

 

Q: What should I discuss in my artist statement? 

A: An artist statement is where you discuss clearly and concisely the content, evolution, and influences of the work submitted as your portfolio.  It is usually a paragraph to page in length.

 

Q: Who do I contact in the School of Art and Art History at USF who can send me application materials or additional information not found on the website? 

A: You may contact Deb Dennison in the School of Art and Art History at:

• (813) 974-2360

• ddennis3@arts.usf.edu

 

Q: Are there any helpful web pages at USF that I should know of concerning admissions, housing, financial aid, etc.? 

A: The following URL’s are helpful: 

School of Art and Art History:  www.art.usf.edu

Graduate Admissions Forms-USF:  http://admissions.grad.usf.edu/forms.html

Financial Aid-USF:  http://usfweb.usf.edu/finaid/

Grad Studies sources of funding, etc:  http://www.grad.usf.edu/fellowship.asp

Minority fellowship Nomination & Application Guidelines:  http://download.grad.usf.edu/2004_Minnority_Fellowship_Application.pdf   

Financial Aid Checklist with links to Other USF Scholarship information:  http://isis.fastmail.usf.edu/finaid/05-06/bookmark_ol.htm

Complete University Graduate Policies and Procedures:  http://catalog.grad.usf.edu/

Graduate Studies:  http://www.grad.usf.edu/

 

Q: How do I apply for student loans or other university financial aid? 

A: The School of Art and Art History does not determine financial assistance for student loans, grants, general funding sources or other USF scholarships and fellowships.  For specific information regarding student loans and other funding sources, you must directly contact the Financial Aid Department at the University of South Florida.  The following web site for financial aid at USF is a helpful starting point: 

http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/

 

See these other helpful funding source websites below: 

Financial Aid Checklist:  http://usfweb2.usf.edu/finaid/06-07/0607_bookmark.htm

Grad Studies sources of funding, etc.:  http://www.grad.usf.edu/fellowship.asp 

Financial Aid Checklist with links to Other USF Scholarship Information:  http://isis.fastmail.usf.edu/finaid/05-06/bookmark_ol.htm

Minority Fellowship Nomination & Application Guidelines:  http://download.grad.usf.edu/2004_Minnority_Fellowship_Application.pdf 

 

Q: What is a graduate assistantship in studio art?

A: A graduate assistantship in studio art carries a semester-long stipend and provides the recipient with a tuition waiver for each semester.  The graduate student works an average of ten hours a week for the department.   If awarded an assistantship during the first year of attendance a graduate student usually assists a program (i.e. ceramics, photo, sculpture, etc.), faculty member or adjunct. Graduate students granted an assistantship during the second and third year usually gain some experience teaching in the classroom. 

 

Q: How many hours of tuition waiver come with a graduate assistantship? 

A: Tuition waivers cover between 9 and 12 credits each regular term as per University guidelines.  Upon acceptance, a letter will be issued to you describing the specific stipulations of the waivers.

 

Q: How long after the postmark deadline will it be before I receive written notice of being accepted or denied into the MFA Studio Art Program?

A: The portfolio review of applicant’s materials takes place usually within 4-6 weeks after the postmark deadline and formal letters of acceptance or denialare usually sent to applicants within 2-3 weeks after the review.  Accepted students are also contacted by telephone and e-mail. 

 

Q: Will there be any feedback from the faculty at USF regarding my portfolio and application after the portfolio review? 

A: If you are not accepted into the MFA program, don’t expect a response from the studio art faculty regarding your portfolio.  This is an application process and not a class or a critique.  Rejection only means that your credentials may not be competitive at this time at this particular institution. 

The faculty suggest that if you want to know how to improve your portfolio and vision that you continue taking art classes as a non-degree seeking student or seek out a past mentor or teacher who can give you more advice, insight or direction.  They may even know of other schools that you can apply to in the future that may be more receptive to your work. 

 

Q: If I have included a SASE with sufficient postage (stamps only), when will my portfolio (slides, etc.) be returned? 

A: Portfolios (slides, DVDs, CDs, etc.) are usually returned in late March.  If, no SASE with adequate postage (stamps only) is included portfolios are kept for one year and then discarded.  Applicants accepted to the MFA Studio Art Program may pick up their portfolios during the fall semester that they enroll for classes.    

 

Q: If I am accepted into the MFA Studio Art Program at USF, is there an orientation and when do I register for classes?

A:

• Mandatory Attendance:

• New grad students must attend an orientation held in the School of Art and Art History in the mid August and registration takes place after it.  The graduate advisor, Richard Olinger, will contact you in a letter or via e-mail regarding the date and time.  

• Optional:

• The University of South Florida holds an optional orientation for new grad students usually the weekend prior to the mandatory orientation held in the School of Art and Art History. 

This orientation is strongly recommended for students wanting to experience the full range of graduate student opportunities.