MA in Art History | Application
Admission to our program is a two-part process. You must complete both the Cal State Apply University application and the Department of Art SlideRoom application to be considered for graduate admissions.
Part 1
- Please follow all the University requirements and instructions outlined in the Graduate Student Application Checklist
- International students please also review these frequently asked questions and the International Graduate Eligibility Requirements.
- Applicants whose undergraduate degree was completed in a country where English is not the primary language must submit proof of English language proficiency. Please review the Office of Admissions website for specific program exam requirements and benchmarks.
Part 2
Slideroom Application: https://csufvisualarts.slideroom.com
SlideRoom Graduate Application Includes:
- Applicant Information: Name, Address, Email, Website, Phone, Country of Citizenship, Area of Concentration.
- Undergraduate Education Information
- Statement of Purpose
- Copies of Transcripts
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Portfolio
- If needed submit proof of English language proficiency
See below for more information.
Undergraduate Education Information
Undergraduate Degree earned BA in Art History, BA in Art, BFA in Art, or Bachelor’s Degree in a discipline other than Art.
Applicants with a BA in Art History, BA in Art, or BFA in Art will need to list 12 upper-division semester units in the art concentration you are applying to with grades of “B” or higher.
Applicants with a Bachelor’s Degree in a discipline other than Art will need to list 24 upper-division semester units earned in Art.
*If your undergraduate institution is on the quarter system, multiple quarter units by 0.67 to calculate semester units. For example, 4 quarter units = 2.68 semester units (4 X 0.67).
*If your undergraduate institution assigns numbers rather than letters, please divide the number earned by the highest possible score and use the following scale to convert numbers to letters:
A+ 97.0-100%
A 93.0-96.9%
A- 90.0-92.9%
B+ 87.0-89.9%
B 83.0-86.9%
Statement of Purpose (1000 words or less)
Please respond to the questions below, focusing on the aspects most relevant to you and your application. You are not required to answer every question, but rather address those that best reflect your experiences and goals.
- Why have you chosen this specific graduate program at CSUF? How does it align with your academic and creative goals, and why is it the best place for you to pursue them?
- What are your main areas of interest within the field of Art? This could include conceptual, formal, cultural, social, political, or community-based pursuits. Please also mention any interdisciplinary interests, and if you have identified CSUF faculty you would like to work with.
- What experiences have prepared you for graduate study in your chosen field? Consider discussing aspects such as your personal background, artistic work or journey, cultural heritage, gender identity, educational experiences, teaching, employment, community service, research, or international experiences. How have these experiences helped you develop the relevant skills needed to pursue a graduate degree?
- What are your career goals after completing this degree, and how do you see this program helping you achieve those goals?
Copy of Transcripts
Please upload a PDF copy of your unofficial transcripts for review. If you are accepted the University will require official transcripts before you may attend the University.
Letters of Recommendation
You will need to enter the contact information of two individuals who are familiar with you and your work and able to address your potential for graduate study. Often these are current or former professors, or arts professionals who have worked with you for an extended period of time and can provide additional support for your application. SlideRoom will contact these individuals directly. Please be sure to ask your recommenders in advance and provide them with information about the program for which you are applying.
Portfolio
Applicants should submit two art history research papers, each 7-10 pages, that you believe reflect your best work in the area within the last two years.
