Details and specific course Requirements of the various Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degree programs follow.
The next sections refer specifically to the procedures and requirements for admission to, advancement through, and completion of the various graduate degree programs in the Department of Art.
Admission Procedure
Admission to the graduate program at California State University, Los Angeles and the Department of Art requires admission by the university and admission into a specific option degree program in the department.
Admission to the University
Applicants must file a complete application as described in the CSU admission booklet. Admission to the university is required prior to admission to the department graduate program.
Admission to a specific option degree program in Art
In addition to the university requirements, an applicant must have a baccalaureate degree in art from an accredited institution or complete the undergraduate requirements specified by one of the following options:
- Studio Arts
- Design
- Art History
- Art Education
- Fashion and Textiles
A review committee in each option admits applicants based on their preparation and demonstrated abilities to complete advanced study at the graduate level.
Applicant Review Schedule
Reviews for admission to the department graduate programs are scheduled in Fall, Winter and Spring quarters.
Deadlines for submitting review Materials:
| Fall Quarter | Second Friday in April |
| Winter Quarter | Second Friday in October |
| Spring Quarter | Second Friday in January |
MA/MFA Admission Review:
Option Requirements
Studio Arts Option
(painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture, photography) Applications are reviewed by the studio arts review committee and must include:
- Portfolio of creative work
- A statement of applicant’s objectives
- Two letters of recommendation
- A copy of academic transcripts
An interview with the review committee may be requested. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average in upper division courses in studio arts.
Design Option
(graphic design, illustration, computer animation) Applications are reviewed by the design review committee and must include:
- Portfolio of creative work
- A statement of applicant’s objectives
- Two letters of recommendation
- A copy of academic transcripts
An interview with the review committee may be requested. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average in upper division courses in design.
Art History Option
Applications are reviewed by the Art History review committee and must include:
- Portfolio of three art history research papers
- A statement of applicant’s objectives
- Two letters of recommendation
- A copy of academic transcripts
An interview with the review committee may be requested. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average in 24 upper division units in art history. Applicants must successfully complete 12 units of first-year French or German prior to achieving classified standing.
Art Education Option
Applications are reviewed by the art education review committee and must include:
- Educational portfolio of applicant’s own creative work and/or applicant’s student work, lesson/unit plans, and writing samples.
- A statement of applicant’s objectives
- Two letters of recommendation
- A copy of academic transcripts
An interview with the review committee may be requested. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average in 24 upper division units in Art.
Fashion and Textiles Option
Applications are reviewed by the fashion and textiles review committee and must include:
- Portfolio of creative work
- A statement of applicant’s objectives
- Two letters of recommendation,
- A copy of academic transcripts
An interview with the review committee may be requested. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average in upper division courses in fashion and textiles.
For specific details of option requirements, applicants may write or call the Department of Art at 323-343-4010.
Admission Status:
Applicants who are admitted to by the University and pass the department option review are assigned either classified or conditionally classified status.
Classified Status:
Student has met all the university and department requirements, including option writing requirements, passed the department option review, and filed an approved graduate program.
Conditionally Classified Status:
Student has not fulfilled one or more requirements in the following areas: GPA, prerequisites, portfolio, or writing. Conditionally classified students may enroll in courses under the guidance of an option adviser to fulfill requirements; however, the MA/MFA admission review must be repeated. Coursework taken as a conditionally classified graduate student to fulfill undergraduate prerequisites may not be used to satisfy any unit requirement for the graduate degree programs.
Advancement to Candidacy
Candidacy denotes that the student is fully qualified to complete the final stages of the MA or MFA degree and is thus eligible to enroll in ART 599 or 599M. In order to attain candidacy, the student must meet the university requirements for admission to candidacy as outlined in the catalogue and satisfactorily complete the graduate writing requirement. In addition, students must have completed a minimum of 23 units for the MA degree, or 45 units for the MFA degree on the official program with a minimum grade point average of 3.0; and secure commitment of three tenured/tenure-track faculty members of the department to serve as members of the student’s MA/MFA project or thesis committee, with one member agreeing to serve as chair. This committee must approve the student’s project proposal or thesis proposal as well as the final project or thesis. Additional information regarding advancement to candidacy is available from the department office.
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