Graduate Program Admissions FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about admissions to MSU’s MFA Program: 

  • Can the application fee be waived?
    • Yes, we do offer application fee waivers for applicants experiencing financial hardship. Please contact tdunn28@msu.edu to discuss your need and situation. While we aim to support all students to remove financial barriers we cannot guarantee a fee waiver will be approved.
  • Do I need an official, sealed transcript to apply?
    • You may apply by submitting a digital copy of an unofficial transcript, but to be admitted to the University, you must submit an official transcript to MSU’s admissions office.  
    • Please note that “official transcript” means that the institution has sealed the transcript in a physical envelope and directly mailed it to the department and/or the institution has directly emailed the transcript to Michigan State University. An unsealed transcript submitted or uploaded by the student directly invalidates the “official” status of that transcript. 
  • Is there anything specific you are looking for in the portfolio?
    • While we are not looking for specific kinds of projects or specific uses of media, we are interested in how applicants demonstrate the relationship between form, materiality, and content. In the “description” section of each piece in Slideroom, please consider providing more than just materials and dimensions. Use that space to describe how the work connects to the ideas and subject matter it is addressing. Consider describing also how the work relates to the research interests you articulate in your statements. 
  • My previous degree is not in art. Can I still apply?
    • Yes, you can. We value a diversity of disciplinary perspectives and welcome applications from artists who do not have a BFA or BA in the visual arts. However, the quality of the image portfolio must be strong and show potential for success in an MFA environment through quality of the work itself and conceptual vision. We recommend your skills sets demonstrate proficiency in some visual or creative media that is equivalent to the experience gained in a BA or BFA degree.
  • Can I have the English Language Competency Requirement waived?
    • In certain cases, this is possible. For specific information about this, please visit the Graduate School’s English Language Competency website.  
    • Our department does not consider waiving the language requirement before applications are reviewed. We may require a video interview prior to considering and offer of admission and before requesting a language proficiency waiver.
    • Refer to MSU’s List of English Speaking Countries for more clarity.
  • What English Language Competency tests are accepted by MSU and what are the minimum scores for each that are accepted?
  • How do I provide the required documents, such as my statements or transcripts?
    • The online application system will prompt you for documents, most of which will be form-field entry and/or PDF uploads. Just remember that you need to use Slideroom for your portfolio.  
  • Do I need to know which faculty I would like to work with? And do I have to contact them in advance of applying?
    • You do not need to know precisely with whom you would like to work, nor do you need to contact faculty in advance of applying to our program. However, it is important to get some sense of the institution and you should indicate in your application faculty from whom you would be interested in learning.  
    • Since our program is explicitly committed to broader campus engagement, you should also indicate other individuals, faculty, facilities, or academic programs on campus that you would like to learn more about. Consider how these individuals, facilities, centers, etc., would help you engage the research interests you articulate in your statements. 
    • Our faculty and staff cannot advise you on your application portfolio, please contact a trusted mentor for this important activity.
  • Do I have to apply separately for a teaching assistantship?
    • No. All our MFA students teach and the teaching assistantship is part of the program.  
  • Can I apply for spring admission?
    • No. Our program is structured such that admissions are only for the fall semester. 
  • The application deadline has passed, can I still apply?
    • No. We do not accept late applications, there are no exceptions. please consider applying next year.
  • Can I visit your campus?
    • Absolutely. Please reach out to artgrad@msu.edu to schedule a campus tour. Tours happen in the fall for prospective applicants and are scheduled in the spring for students who have been offered admission. 
    • Individual tours cannot be guaranteed. Group tour dates and virtual information session dates will be published in the early fall.
  • How many students do you admit each year?
    • We admit 5-6 graduate students each year and received over 120 domestic and international applications in the 2024 admission season
    • Our total cohort is maintained at approximately 15 graduate students
  • How much is the bi-weekly stipend for teaching?
  • When will I heard back about my admission status?
    • Generally the first round of admissions offers will go out in late January to early February. Those students have until April 15 to make their decision.
    • Waitlisted students are informed of their status in early-mid February. It could be until mid-late April before we can update your on your status. We ask for your patience.
    • If you are on the waitlist and do not receive an offer, we will give final status updates by the end of April or beginning of May.
    • Students who are declined admission without being on the waitlist will be informed of their status beginning in mid February. It takes time to update the status in our system so this process can extend into March. We ask for your patience.
  • I have been waitlisted, can I find out my place in line? When will I hear back?
    • We are not able to share what place in line you are in the waitlist. While we aim to give updates as soon as we are able, it is possible you may not hear about a possible offer into mid or late April.
  • My application has not been recommended for admission, can you tell me why or give me feedback on how to improve my portfolio?
    • We do not offer advice on portfolios either prior to or following the end of the admissions process. We recommend you contact a trusted mentor for advice on your application materials or seek input from a peer who has recently been accepted into graduate school for feedback on your materials.