MFA Application Process

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To apply to the program, it is necessary to send certain materials to the Department of Art and Art History and other specific materials to the College of Graduate Studies. Applicants are considered for admission in the fall of the calendar year that they apply. There is no admission for spring or summer session.

Art Department Application Materials:

1. Click here to complete the MFA supplemental application.
2. Portfolio: Creative work must be presented in the form of a portfolio consisting of 20 images, submitted on a CD. Please use only .jpg files (1 to 2 Mb). Number images “01 (Title)”, “02 (Title)”, “03 (Title)” etc. Images may also be submitted in a single Powerpoint or .pdf document. Applicants in photography may send a portfolio of no more than 20 original photographs. Applicants in graphic design may provide a website address in addition to the 20 images. Applicants in sculpture may include no more than seven detail views of sculpture. Disks will not be returned.
3. Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with your recent work. Please attach the UNL Letter of Recommendation form (.pdf)
4. A statement that describes the applicant's goals in entering the program and the applicant's objectives in the portfolio submitted.
5. A list of slides that corresponds to the portfolio, listing media, sizes and dates of completion.

Note: Application materials are reorganized and filed by office staff. Please do not present your work in binder or folder as this creates extra work and presentation materials are discarded.

Art Department materials must be received by February 1 for admission in the Fall. Mail items 1-5 to the following address:

Department of Art and Art History
120 Richards Hall
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68588-0114

College of Graduate Studies Application Materials:

1. A completed and signed application found in the Graduate Admissions Guide, or on-line at http://www.unl.edu/gradstudies/
   Please indicate your studio area in the "comments" portion of the online application (ceramics, graphic design, photography, painting, printmaking, or sculpture).
2. A $45 non-refundable application processing fee.
3. Two sets of official transcripts from every college and university attended.
4. For international students: verification of English proficiency (if your native language is not English) and financial resource information (for international F or J visa holders).

College of Graduate Studies applications must be received by January 1 for admission in the fall. Mail items 1-4 to the following address:

College of Graduate Studies
1100 Seaton Hall
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Lincoln, NE 68588-0619