Graduate Admissions

How to Apply

The School of Art and Design offers graduate study leading to the Master of Fine Arts degree in Art and the Master of Arts degree with a concentration in Art History. Students in the degree program are supported by dedicated and engaged faculty members with a broad range of research interests, explored through ceramics, exhibition design and curatorial practice, furniture design and woodworking, graphic design, interactive design, interior architecture, jewelry and metalwork, multimedia, painting and printmaking, photography, sculpture, and socially-engaged practice.

Steps to Apply

Please see the steps below to apply for graduate programs with an MFA in Art or an MA in Art History for the following fall:

  • Complete the University Online Application via Cal State Apply – Must be completed by October 1. 
  • All applicants must fill out the application on Cal State Apply by October 1 and pay the required fee. The application requires a $70 fee that is non-refundable and may not be transferred to another term.
  • An SDSUid Number will then be assigned, which allows tracking of application status online.
  • Contact the Office of Graduate Admissions for assistance.

  • Send official test scores and transcripts to Graduate Admissions – Must be received by December 15th.
  • The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is not required.
  • Send official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended to: 

Graduate Admissions
San Diego State University
5500 Campanile Drive
San Diego, CA 92182-8225

  • All graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants (regardless of citizenship status) applying to SDSU from an international institution where the medium of instruction was not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test scores directly from ETS. (Institution Code: 4682)

  • Complete the Program Online Application via Slate – Must be completed by January 15th.
  • Within 72 hours of submitting your initial application to Cal State Apply, you will receive an email with a personalized link to SLATE to submit your program application (portfolio, letters, statement of purpose, etc.), due by January 15th
  • The program application requires the following:
    1. A statement of purpose addressing your professional goals and reasons for selecting the School of Art and Design at SDSU for your pursuit of these goals (2 pages maximum).
    2. Artist statement which describes the nature or content of the work shown in the portfolio (MFA applicants only).
    3. Digital images of your work (15 to 20 images; MFA applicants only).
    4. Writing sample (for MA applicants only)
    5. Current resume/CV (10-15 pages maximum; for MA applicants only).
    6. Transcripts—one copy of unofficial or official transcripts for all college- and university-level institutions attended.
    7. Two letters of recommendation from art instructors (or others) who can comment on your artistic potential in the area of specialization. Applicant must provide names and email addresses for recommenders. Recommenders will be invited to complete the recommendation electronically.

Financial Aid

Learn more about how you can fund your education with the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. In addition, graduate students may apply for Teaching Associate and Graduate Assistant positions.