Applying to the Program
Downloadable Program Application Forms
Graduate Application-Division of Art & Design
Graduate Recommendation Form-Division of Art & Design
Graduate Assistantship Application-Division of Art & Design
All forms, portfolios and/or materials should be sent to:
Gerald Habarth, Assistant Professor/Director of Graduate Studies
Division of Art and Design
West Virginia University
College of Creative Arts
PO Box 6111
Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-6111
Ph: 304 293-4841 ext. 3147
Gerald.Habarth@mail.wvu.edu
Master of Fine Arts and Master of Arts
For admission to the graduate studio art degree programs, an applicant must present twenty (20) images on a CD of their best work in the area of specialization in which graduate admission is requested. The creative work is the most important part of the application, and care should be taken in selecting work which is most recent and the best quality. Also important is the students’ one-to-two page statement of purpose about themselves and the direction of their work in relationship to contemporary art. A resume and three letters of support from college faculty or other persons knowledgeable of the applicant’s interests and ability in art are also required. Please submit TOEFL scores for applicants whose native language is not English. A visit to the campus is highly recommended.
Master of Arts (Art Education)
For admission to the Art Education degree program, an applicant must an applicant must present twenty (20) images on a CD of their best work in the area of specialization in which graduate admission is requested. For experienced teachers, these may involve student work. The creative work is the most important part of the application, and care should be taken in selecting work which is most recent and the best quality. Also important is each student’s one-to-two page statement of purpose about themselves and the direction of their work in relationship to their goals in education and their own creative work. A resume and three letters of support from college faculty or other persons knowledgeable of the applicant’s interests and ability in art are also required. Please submit TOEFL scores for applicants whose native language is not English. A visit to the campus is highly recommended.
Master of Arts (Art History)
Prospective graduate students in art history are required to have completed the appropriate curriculum of undergraduate study in art history at WVU or its equivalent at another institution of recognized standing. For admission to the Art History degree program, an applicant must present an example of scholarly writing. The writing example is the most important part of the application, and care should be taken in selecting work of the best quality. Also important is each student’s one-to-two page statement of purpose about themselves and their research and professional goals. A resume and three letters of support from college faculty or other persons knowledgeable of the applicant’s interests and ability in art are also required. Though no required, it is recommended that candidates for admission submit the results of the Graduate Record Examination to West Virginia University as a part of the application process. Please submit TOEFL scores for applicants whose native language is not English. A visit to the campus is highly recommended.
Applicants whose averages and test scores do not meet the qualifications outlined above may be considered for acceptance as provisional or non-degree students. If, upon completion of up to twelve semester hours of graduate studies, the applicant has achieved a minimum of a B (3.0) average, and after any previous undergraduate deficiencies or other conditions have been satisfied, the student may be accepted as a degree candidate.
Non-Degree Applicants
For admission to non-degree graduate status in studio art or art education, an applicant must follow the same guidelines as degree program applicants. For admission to non-degree graduate status in Art History, an applicant must follow the same guidelines as Art History degree program applicants.
The deadline for receipt of applications for any graduate program is February 15, for Fall Admission. Early submission is encouraged, especially for international students. Admission decisions are made on a competitive basis, and final acceptance in all graduate programs depends upon the recommendations of the Graduate Art Faculty and upon the availability of resources and facilities.