critical & curatorial studies | admissions
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
MARCH 1 - for applications to the MFA in Art with Concentration in Critical & Curatorial Studies
ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
Applicants for admission to the MFA program must meet the general requirements for admission to graduate study, hold a BA or BFA, and have completed one year of Twentieth-Century Art History (students who have not completed this will be required to do so as part of their graduate studies). Application materials must be submitted by March 1.
HOW TO APPLY
Complete the Online Application for Graduate Admissions.
Applications to the MFA in Art with a Concentration in Critical & Curatorial Studies must include the following:
1. Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent should address the seriousness of applicants' intentions, experience, and motivation to enter the Critical & Curatorial Studies program. Applicants must clearly state what they want to study and what their research focus will be. Applicants must further summarize their college and/or professional experience, and conclude with what intellectual and professional contributions they wish to make in their fields of study upon completion of the degree. Length: 1000 words.
2. Writing Sample. The Writing Sample allows the admissions committee to access applicants' ability to craft an argument that is founded upon thorough research of a given topic. It may be a publication; a college paper that reflects excellence in applicants' field of study is also acceptable. Length: variable.
3. Proposed project. Applicants should imagine what a final project might be in their final year of study in the program. While this section of the application is in no way a "contract" for the thesis, it allows the admissions committee to assess the seriousness and preparedness of applicants' research. The proposal could be an exhibition, conference, critical writing pursuit, etc. Length: 1000 words.
4. Three (3) letters of recommendation.
5. One copy of unofficia transcripts from the Undergraduate institution(s) attended by the applicant. Do not send official transcripts. Official transcripts will be requested if and when applicant is admitted and decide to attend UCI.
*Please note that the Personal History Statement is not required; when prompted by the system, enter "Not Required." However, if you are admitted to the program and would like to be considered to receive Recruitment Fellowship funds, a Personal History Statement is necessary.
ALL PARTS OF THE APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 1; NO GRACE PERIOD.
A faculty committee will review all complete applications. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete. The Department will not give notice to applicants with incomplete applications, and any incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Recipients of a BA degree from UCI will not be considered for admission to the MFA program until a minimum of one year after receipt of an undergraduate degree.
GRE is not required.
TOEFL is required for foreign applicants, with exceptions.
QUESTIONS
If you have any questions regarding the application requirements, please send an e-mail to stuart@uci.edu.
If you have any questions regarding the admission process, please send an email to gradadmissionquestions@uci.edu.
CAMPUS VISITS
Applicants are encouraged to arrange a campus visit between October 1 and December 1 to view the facilities, meet with faculty and/or attend a graduate level class. Prospective applicants must contact UAG Associate Director Allyson Unzicker at aunzicke@uci.edu to schedule a visit.
The University of California, Irvine, provides equal opportunity in its admissions, services, and employment, and implements student and employment affirmative action programs.
