About Master’s Program,
The M.F.A. in Studio Art at the Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design offers artists intensive study and research in ceramics, digital art, fibers, graphic design, metalsmithing and jewelry design, painting, photography, printmaking, and sculpture.
With the support of internationally renowned faculty, the resources of a top research institution, and the diversity of a liberal arts environment, you will have everything you need to push your work forward. Our graduates are esteemed professors, artists, researchers, and creative professionals all over the world.
Master’s Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
- You must have received a bachelor’s degree with a fine arts major in studio courses or a B.A. in another field with substantial coursework in studio art
- Graduated with a 3.0 GPA or higher in undergraduate program
- Latest undergraduate and graduate transcripts are required. Unofficial copies may be provided at the time of application. Official transcript copies are required for the enrollment in the program upon acceptance
- For international applicants, the TOEFL or IELTS test is required:
- TOEFL must be taken within the last two years with a score of 90 or above on the Internet-based test (iBT) or IELTS of 7.5 or above
- Unofficial test scores may be submitted at the time of application. An official TOEFL or IELTS test score is required for enrollment in the program if the applicant is offered admission. Official TOEFL score reports should be submitted using school code 1324.
- An English Proficiency test exemption can be requested if an applicant can provide documentation of a 4-year bachelor’s degree or a 3-year bachelor’s degree plus 1 year of a master’s degree from one of the of English-speaking countries at OIS here:
- Portfolio must be uploaded to SlideRoom (more details below)
- Incomplete applications and/or items received after the deadline will not be reviewed
- The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not a requirement
Master’s Funding Coverage,
The Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design strives to support all MFA candidates with a Student Academic Appointment (SAA) for 3 consecutive years to complete the program. (Please note the appointment is contingent on the student meeting enrollment requirements, as well as maintaining academic excellence and integrity.)
These appointments offer invaluable professional development that would not otherwise be part of a student’s course of study and foster graduate student engagement with the university’s teaching and research missions.
Funding is offered together with admission to new students—there is no separate funding application required.
Hours: Student Academic Appointments requires a 20 hour/week commitment
Stipend: Approximately $23,000, paid over a 10-month period (August–May)
Tuition: 100% for up to twelve (12) credit hours in fall and spring semesters, and a total of six (6) credit hours for both summer sessions (at the graduate rate) for courses related to the student’s degree.
Health Insurance: Student health coverage is provided for the academic year
Application Requirement,
You must provide the following information in the online application:
Academic Program: When asked to indicate your Academic Program, please select “SOAD Fine Arts Studio MFA” in the drop down menu, then choose the Academic Plan “SOAD Fine Arts Studio MFA.” Choose one studio area that you intend to pursue: Ceramics, Digital Art, Fibers, Graphic Design, Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, or Sculpture.
Statement of intent/artist statement: Submit a written statement (500–700 words) outlining your artistic goals and interest in pursuing graduate study. This statement can be submitted electronically at the end of the online application.
Resume: Submit a resume including exhibitions, awards, employment, and other related professional pursuits.
Three letters of recommendation: Submit the contact information (including names, street addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses) of three people who will submit your letters of recommendation via the online application system. The online system will then email your contacts with instructions on how to submit their references online. The online recommendations should address your potential for academic success in a graduate program.
Official transcripts
English proficiency
Note: International students must apply through the Office of International Services.
Application Deadline,
Jan 15, 2025
Application Fee,
The total cost for submitting the application is $80 for both domestic international applicants.
The application fee comprises a $70 fee paid upon submission of the online IU application and a $10 fee paid upon submission of the online portfolio.
The application fees are non-refundable.
