Apply to the MFA Program
The MFA is a three-year or equivalent degree (60 s.h.). Assessments of progress are provided annually. The preferred undergraduate degree for admission to the MFA is a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in art. Applicants holding other bachelor’s degrees may apply if they have undergraduate studio art experience and/or an exemplary portfolio and statement of objectives.
Applicants must demonstrate the ability to conduct independent creative work and a strong interest in engaging within an interdisciplinary creative environment.
Students applying for the MFA program must identify three potential faculty mentors with whom they wish to work. In the statement of objectives, applicants should discuss their current work, intentions for pursuing MFA studies, and their reasons for selecting the identified faculty mentors.
Applicants are encouraged to connect with graduate faculty to introduce themselves and gain insights into the program. Details about the application portfolio requirements are provided below. Virtual interviews will be scheduled once all application materials have been submitted.
Please note that standardized test scores are not required for admission to the MFA program.
The directory of graduate faculty can be found here: [SoAD Graduate Faculty].
Application materials include:
For ECU Application Portal (TargetX)
- Online application form
- Application fee
- Transcripts
- Upload PDF using the provided template:
- List of three prospective SoAD graduate faculty mentors, A directory of SoAD graduate faculty can be found here (https://art.ecu.edu/mfa/graduate-faculty/)
- List of three references, academic or professional (*letters are still required for the Fall 2025 admission)
- Portfolio URL (applicant’s Google Drive share link)
- Statement of Objective (reason for applying to ECU MFA program)
Additional Requirements (outside TargetX)
A creative portfolio, list of work, resume, and maker/designer statement must be uploaded using the applicant’s Google Drive. (instructions below) Copy the URL for this Google Drive folder and enter it in TargetX where specified.
- A digital portfolio containing ONLY 20 examples of work in a single PDF file. Time-based work must be linked to its hosting site, and the URL must be included accompanying its thumbnail. Do not submit pptx or docx.
- A list of works with title, medium, size, date, and other relevant information (pdf)
- Resume in reverse chronological order (pdf)
- A maker/designer statement (pdf)
Portfolio Submission Process
- Go to drive.google.com and log in to your account.
- Create a folder named GradAppECU_YourName to upload your portfolio.
- Upload a digital portfolio containing ONLY 20 examples of work in a single PDF file. Time-based work must be linked to its hosting site, and the URL must be included accompanying its thumbnail. Do not submit pptx or docx.
- When you finish uploading your portfolio and the additional required items noted above, go to the Share setting for the folder. You may do this by clicking on the folder from the top menu (My Drive > GradAppECU_YourName) and selecting the Share option.
- In the Share dialog box, enter soad_gr@ecu.edu in the address field, then choose the share option to Viewer, and click Send.
- Your portfolio is now submitted. Copy the URL for this shared folder and enter it in the Portfolio field in TargetX where specified.
Completed applications are due February 1 to be considered for assistantship and scholarship funding.
For more information, please contact the Graduate Programs Coordinator soad_gr@ecu.edu 252 328.2839
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