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Applications for Fall 2024 are due on January 25, 2024, 11:59pm PST.

Prospective students, please apply for scholarships by February 1st, 2023!

Application for the PSU Art + Social Practice MFA program must be completed by January prior to the Fall term in which the student intends to begin work towards the degree. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Harrell Fletcher and schedule a visit (virtual or in-person) to the program.

Shortlisted applicants are invited to a Zoom interview with head faculty and the entirety of the student body.

PSU’s School of Art + Design is a vital part of Portland’s progressive, nationally recognized arts community. Graduates from the program come from a variety of diverse backgrounds and have gone on to successfully engage with the expanded field of contemporary art through traditional and unorthodox avenues. More about admissions requirements can be found here or by emailing art@pdx.edu.

Application

A $65 non-refundable application fee and a $2 processing fee will be required to successfully complete the application. Payment can be made with a VISA or MasterCard.

In addition to the Portland State University Office of Graduate Studies application, the Social Practice MFA program requires a submission of a digital portfolio through SlideRoom.

  • First, begin the application process through the Portland State University Office of Graduate Studies.
    Application Information
    Apply Here
  • Second, submit your portfolio for the Social Practice MFA program through SlideRoom.
  • These have to be done by the Jan 27 deadline.
  • Additionally, make sure you apply for scholarships by Feb 1. Prospective students who are accepted cannot apply for this year’s scholarships after enrollment.

Requirements

Applicants to the Art and Social Practice MFA Program must have a B.A., B.S. or B.F.A. degree.

Application Materials

  • Three Video Assignments (to be included in Digital Portfolio)
    While the video quality is not important (cell phone/webcam videos are acceptable), the videos are an important part of the application because they allow us to meet applicants in a more personal way.

    • Tour of the highlights in your neighborhood
      Create a short video of what you consider to be the highlights of your neighborhood (3 min maximum).
    • Ask a stranger about the significance of the clothes they are wearing
      Create a short video of you having a stranger describe for you the significance of the clothes they are wearing (3 min maximum).
    • Demonstrate a talent
      Create a short video where you demonstrate a talent (3 min maximum).
  • Digital Portfolio
    Maximum 20 images, video, audio, or text-based examples of past work and/or proposals for future projects. Please do not submit traditional studio-based work samples unless the studio-based work connects to your socially engaged work. Please be explicit about this in your descriptions.

    • Guidelines: Images (jpg, gif, png) up to 5 MB each, videos (flv, wmv, mov) up to 60 MB each, audio (mp3) up to 10 MB each, documents (pdf) up to 10 MB each.
    • It is a requirement to supply a description for each work sample.
  • Statement of Intent (500 words max.)
    Including the applicant’s reasons for applying to the MFA program, relevant aspects of significant past experience and achievements, future plans, and any additional information that may aid the selection committee in evaluating aptitude for graduate study.
  • Social Practice Curriculum Vitae
    Submit an alternative Curriculum Vitae specifically for Social Practice. The format should be modeled after a standard CV, but instead of only including traditional content (formal education, exhibitions, etc.), this CV should focus on less orthodox but equally important aspects from applicant’s life of experiences and research that have prepared the applicant for being a social practice MFA student. Here’s an example by Linda Montano’s book, Art in Everyday Life.
  • Transcripts
    From all degree-granting institutions the applicant attended in the past (unofficial transcripts acceptable).
  • References
    Names and contact information of three references.

Additional materials for shortlisted applicants:

  • Zoom Interview
    Shortlisted applicants are invited to a Zoom interview with with head faculty and the entirety of the student body. The decision-making process is part of the course curriculum and the 15 current students have equal weight to faculty in admissions decisions.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Office of Graduate Studies
Information about funding resources for graduate students may be found on the Graduate Studies website.

Financial Aid
A financial aid packet may be obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

Each year, tuition assistance is available through Graduate Assistantships and Scholarships through Portland State University.

  • Graduate Assistantships (GAs) are assigned to students each year. Assistantships provide students with opportunities to assist instructors and eventually teach their own course (optionally) in the third year of the program. They also provide tuition remission and a stipend.
  • Scholarships are available through the College of the Arts and through Portland State University.

Questions
If you have any further questions, please contact Harrell Fletcher at harrell@pdx.edu, the School of Art + Design at askmfa@pdx.edu, or phone 1-800-547-8887, ext. 53515, or 503-725-3515.