Master of Fine Arts at Washington State University
The Master of Fine Arts is a Master degree offered by Washington State University on the Pullman campus in United States of America. The program is delivered on campus as a Full Time course in English and requires approximately 2 years to complete. Students study at the Pullman campus while gaining the knowledge and practical experience expected for this area of study. The next intake is available from January 15, 2027.
About Master of Fine Arts
All graduates will be able to:
- An ability to solve open-ended problems/challenges of artistic expression.
- An ability to analyze the working methods of artists and the results of their efforts in a diverse and disciplined way.
- An ability to communicate effectively through their artistic practice. Students should be aware of and engaged in a thorough way with art history, critical theory and visual culture in a way that considers a broad cultural awareness considering both local and/or global issues in order to make critical judgments about contemporary are while gaining a deeper understanding of their own personal values.
- An in-depth understanding of the visual arts, art history, critical theory and visual culture, sufficient to prepare them to move into a professional career in the arts, including essential concepts and theories of studio production in a variety of disciplines, with a sophistication and refinement especially in a major field.
- A ability to take risks in experimentation. This could mean breaking from usual habits. Trying new materials and methodologies in confirming the direction of their work.
- A clear and thorough understanding of their personal practice. Each candidate should be able to demonstrate a strong commitment investing time and resources to generating continual development and inquiry. This includes both working in the studio and researching artists and theory of art-making.
- Communicate effectively in both written and oral form. Students will be able to:
- Demonstrate awareness of context, audience, purpose, and the presented artwork.
- Use appropriate and relevant content to develop and present ideas.
- Demonstrate consistent use of credible, relevant sources to support ideas.
- Demonstrate delivery techniques (posture, gesture, eye contact, and vocal expressiveness) make the presentation interesting, and speaker appears comfortable.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Fine Arts at Washington State University
Entry Requirements
All M.F.A. applicants must comply with the requirements for admission to the Graduate School as specific in the Graduate Studies Bulletin. “Undergraduate degrees (BA, BFA, BS, BEd) differ in disciplinary credit distribution and educational emphasis. In order to compensate for these differences in the studies (both undergraduate and graduate) leading ultimately to the MFA degree, the following combined (undergraduate plus graduate) semester credit totals are recommended: art studio, 100; history of art, 24.†http://www.collegeart.org/guidelines/mfa
Once you have applied above directly through the graduate school please follow the link below to upload your portfolio
The Department of Fine Arts requires:
1) A statement of intent indicating your area(s) of focus, the subject of your work, the concepts and issues you are exploring, and how you foresee your work evolving within the program.
2) Current cv or resume
3) Please upload your supplemental MFA portfolio of exactly 20 images. If you have time based work, each link will count as 1 portfolio image. Each file must be less than 2 MB in size. Form for submission can be found here: https://finearts.wsu.edu/mfa-portfolio/
4) An inventory list with the title, medium, size and approximate date of completion for each work included in the portfolio.
5) One essay describing your favorite object. (200 words or less)
Please furnish three letters of recommendation in your application to the Graduate School.
If out of the ordinary facilities are needed, the applicant should inquire if they are available in the department.
The Department does offer Teaching assistantships on a competitive basis.
English Program Requirements
Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Fine Arts
Post Graduate Empolyment Opportunities:
-Teaching at the college/university level
-Professional Artist
-Curatorial/Gallery work
Post-Graduate Career Placements:
WSU Museum of Art
Teaching Middleton, Texas
Adjunct Teaching at WSU and Tri Cities,
Teaching at Missouri State University
Teaching at Green River Community College
Teaching at Black Hills State College and Nevada State College
Teaching at Columbia Basin College
Clinical Assistant Professor DTC, WSU
Adjunct Professor of Art, Prince George's Community College in MD
Adjunct Professor Iowa Western Comminity Colege
Adjunct Professor Community College of Spokane and Yakima Valley College
Adjunct Professor Eastern Washington University, Whitworth University and North Idaho College
Academic adviser and instructor Tennessee Tech University
Assistant Professor Yakima Valley College
Freelance Graphic Designer
Studio Technician University of Arizona
Program Assistant at Present Los Angeles
Assistant Professor Midland College
Staff Vermont Studios
Adjunct Professor South Dakota State University
Assistant Professor Valley City State University
Instructor/Technician Bullseye Glass Co.
Studio Assistant Reed College
Professional Photographer
Assistant Professor Spokane Falls Community College
Adjunct Professor Olympic College and Green River College
Adjunct Professor Metropolitan State University Denver, CO
Assistant Professor Mott College, MI
Adjunct Green River College, WA
Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Fine Arts at Washington State University
How to Apply for Master of Fine Arts at Washington State University
Gather Your Documents
Check the admission requirements for information about academic standards and required documents.
Your application for admission must include:
- Official transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Copy of your passport identification page or national identity card
Get the admission application and other necessary forms.
Prepare Your Information
You will want to prepare some information before beginning your online application.
- Be ready to answer questions about your anticipated visa status
- Be ready to tell us how you meet the language proficiency requirement (through an English proficiency exam score or an exam waiver)
You may upload electronic copies of your documents when you submit your application online. If you upload transcripts they will be considered unofficial. It is best to send transcripts separately after you submit your application.
Complete the Application and Submit Documents
To complete the application and submit it for our review you will need to pay the $70 application fee by credit card or wire transfer. If you have questions about paying this fee please contact us.
If you do not wish to upload documents into the application, or do not have them ready to upload and submit, you may mail or email them to the International Undergraduate Admissions Office when you submit your application.
Office of International Programs
International Undergraduate Admissions
Kruegel Hall
PO Box 643251
Pullman, WA 99164-3251
USA
[email protected]
United States of America, Pullman