Art Portfolios and Requirements

Undergraduate

No portfolio is required for entrance into the undergraduate program for art. However, each art faculty advisor will be available to comment on your portfolio, if you wish to bring it. Transfer students must present a portfolio before credit can be received for any studio work done elsewhere.

Graduate

New Deadline

For the 2010-11 school year and following, all admission materials for School of Fine Arts graduate programs, including application, graduate audition, and any program-specific requirements, should be submitted by the following dates prior to the start of the intended semester of enrollment:

  • For fall enrollment: April 1
  • For spring enrollment: October 15

In each program, a portfolio of your work must be submitted in advance and should be in slide or digital format. Please include an inventory sheet or clearly label each example in the portfolio indicating medium, size, purpose, and date of completion. A single PDF or PowerPoint presentation file is preferred. Three dimensional material should not be sent.

Portfolios

Graphic Design, MA

  • It is preferred that you have an undergraduate degree in graphic design. The portfolio should demonstrate proficiency in graphic design as a problem solving process, exhibit a good understanding and effective use of typography, show the ability to carry a design through multiple pieces (campaign), and represent your proficiency with industry standard design software.
  • The portfolio should include 20 examples of work in the area of concentration.

Illustration, MA

  • It is preferred that you have an undergraduate degree in studio art or illustration. The portfolio should demonstrate an interest in and a commitment to the use of illustration as a means of communication. The portfolio should include work in different media and a variety of applications. You should demonstrate good drawing skills and should include sketchbook/research examples within the portfolio. The portfolio should indicate which examples (if any) are digital or digitally manipulated.
  • The portfolio should include 20 examples of work in the area of concentration.

Studio Art, MA

  • It is preferred that you have an undergraduate degree in studio art. The portfolio should demonstrate intellectual and artistic maturity and should evidence an ability to develop a concept through a series of works. A thorough understanding of composition and basic skills should be evident. The portfolio should give good indication of your current artistic direction. Please include an explanation of any specific media or techniques used. An accompanying written statement summarizing your artistic goals for graduate study should accompany the portfolio.
  • The portfolio should include 20 examples of work in the area of concentration.

Note: If you are not accepted, you must wait at least one year before reapplying, at which time you must submit a new portfolio as well.

Questions

Further information on the portfolio requirements may be secured from Mr. Jay Bopp, Chairman of the Division of Art and Design.