In addition to meeting university criteria, applicants must submit the following to artportfolio@govst.edu (Email with attached files not to exceed 10MB):
A digital portfolio of 20 artworks completed in the last 5 years, highlighting technical proficiency, independent research, and artistic voice. Pdf, Jpeg, Jpg., or PowerPoint accepted. A link to personal portfolio website may also be included.
A 1000-word written proposal that outlines academic and career goals with supporting rationale and plan of study. Students will not be admitted to the major until the portfolio and written proposal, reflecting potential for graduate work, have been approved by the graduate faculty review committee.
An undergraduate degree in Art is highly recommended, BFA preferred. An exceptional portfolio of work or post-baccalaureate certificate can prove proficiency in the field if an undergraduate degree is not held. Supplemental courses to fill in art foundations deficiencies may be required based on Graduate Program Coordinator recommendation. The GRE is not required.
an undergraduate major in Film, Media, Multimedia, Communications, English, or related areas
appropriate prerequisite coursework with a minimum prerequisite GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
International Students must meet the university language requirement for admission to the university. Applicants must take either Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or Pearson Test of English (PTE).
For the IELTS, applicants must meet the minimum acceptable score of 6.0 academic version.
TOEFL Exam scores: Paper - 550; Listening - 55; Reading - 54; Writing - 58; Computer Internet - 213; Listening - 21; Reading - 24; Writing - 21; Internet (iBT) - 80: Listening - 20; Speaking - 20; Reading - 20; Writing - 20.
Pearson Test of English (PTE) Exam score 53: Listening - 53; Speaking - 53; Reading - 53; Writing - 53.
Governors State’s Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Art is a dynamic multidisciplinary terminal studio arts degree designed to further the individual development of artists and to provide them with professional competency in the studio arts. Areas of concentration at GSU include: Ceramics, Drawing, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, and Sculpture.
At GSU, areas of study are taught by faculty who are practicing art professionals with a national exhibition record. Together our exceptional Studio and Art History faculty help make GSU one of the most comprehensive, flexible, and affordable studio art programs in the Chicagoland region.
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Required Courses (36 Hours)
ART - 6820 Graduate Art Seminar 1 (3) *
ART - 7820 Graduate Art Seminar 2 (3) *
ART - 8820 Graduate Art Seminar 3 (3) *
ART - 8990 Graduate Thesis/Project (1-3) *
ART - 6800 Internship (3)
Take 3 courses at 6000 level or higher as an Art History Elective (Total - 9 credit hours)
Take each course twice to earn 6 credit hours for each.
Internship The internship is intended to create a mentoring relationship outside the University at the approval of the student's advisor. Internships can be coordinated with any art related business, gallery, museum, or professional working artist at the discretion of the advisor. The internship can be completed regionally, nationally, or internationally. The student is to seek out their own internship and coordinate with their advisor and their intended mentor as to the obligations and to achieve success within the internship. The internship is to be approximately 90 hours in length.
Thesis Requirement
The final two semesters the student prepares a one-person exhibition of a consistent body of work, in the student's area of interest accompanied by documentation of the work and development within a written thesis.
Thesis Exhibition
Upon recommendation of the Graduate Thesis Committee, the student presents a one-person thesis exhibition of artwork centering on the student's area of concentration and executed during their graduate studies at GSU. The exhibition does not have to be located on campus but it is desired. The exhibition is not a retrospect of every artwork created while a candidate but rather a consistent body of work revolving around an artist statement, research, and singular theme.
Electives (24 Hours)
Select 15 hours from courses within media emphasis and 9 hours outside of media emphasis, preferably 3 as a non-art elective.
Media include: Painting/Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Digital Imaging, Graphic Design, and Ceramics.
Non-Art Elective
The student is requested to take one 3 credit course that is neither an Art or Art History course. The student should consult with their advisor for approval about coursework that would be pertinent to their body of work or development as a professional artist.
Examples could be courses in Writing, Business, Theater, or Psychology.
Total - 60 Hours
Reach your career goals.
The MFA in Studio Art is a terminal degree that will make you a competitive player within the arts. Your graduate degree will prepare you to pursue a career as a professional artist, arts administrator, museum worker, entrepreneur, or educator
