Application
Applicants must hold an undergraduate baccalaureate degree, including the equivalent of 60 credit hours in studio coursework. A portfolio of completed work may be considered in lieu of some studio credits.
In addition to the general application requirements—such as official transcripts and letters of recommendation—M.F.A. applicants must submit a portfolio demonstrating competency in their chosen area of study. All applicants must adhere to the current area-specific requirements outlined on the Graduate Programs page.
The School of Art & Design at the New York State College of Ceramics, Alfred University, offers graduate study in the following four divisional areas:
- Ceramic Art
- Electronic Integrated Arts
- Painting
- Sculpture/Dimensional Studies (with concentrations in glass art or sculpture)
Applicants must clearly indicate the specific M.F.A. program to which they are applying.
All materials must be submitted by January 15 of the application year. (Note: the deadline for Painting M.F.A. applicants is February 15. *Date is subject to change) Only complete applications will be reviewed by the Faculty Review Committee. The intended area of study must be clearly stated, as application materials and portfolios are reviewed solely by the faculty of the designated program.
M.F.A. students are required to enroll in four consecutive semesters and are encouraged to continue research in the summer between academic years. Only fall admits are accepted.
Accepted applicants must submit a $200 enrollment deposit and return a signed contract by the deadline specified in their acceptance notification. Failure to do so will result in the forfeiture of admission.
Financial Support
Studio assistantships/ tuition waivers may only be guaranteed for four continuous fall/spring semesters.
Degree Requirements
To earn the M.F.A. degree, students must:
- Complete 60 hours of continuous graduate coursework over two years of full-time residency.
- Successfully present work to the Graduate Committee at the midpoint and end of each semester.
- Complete a thesis research project and accompanying final presentation & thesis paper.
- Submit documentation of written thesis and exhibition to Scholes Library and School of Art & Design's Dean's Office.