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Frequently Asked
Questions
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Questions
- How long does it take to complete the program?
Is it possible to shorten the time period by taking extra
coursework?
- What does the department consider the most
important for admission to the MFA program?
- If I don't have the minimum requirements,
such as the 42 hours of studio art and 18 hours of art history
for the MFA, will you consider me if I have considerable
experience as an artist? Also, does UNM give credit for
life experience?
- What does it cost to attend UNM?
- What forms of financial assistance are available?
- If I am awarded an assistantship for the
first semester of enrollment, am I assured of one for the
duration of my enrollment?
- Is it possible to enroll in graduate credit
courses before being admitted into the art graduate program?
- Do students receive financial assistance
for production of the MFA catalog, slides, etc.?
- How can I arrange a tour of the facilities?
- Who can I talk to regarding my specific
situation / application?
- Are faculty available for critiques?
- Do all students get studio assignment?
Answers
How long does it take to complete the
program? Is it possible to shorten the time period by taking
extra coursework?
The MFA degree requires 60 credit hours, 48 hours of coursework
and 12 hours of dissertation. It will generally take students
3 years to complete the program. Depending on the number of
hours taken each semester, including summers, it is possible
to complete the program in 2 years.
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What does the department consider the
most important for admission to the MFA program?
Admission to the MFA program is competitive. The number of
students accepted is usually limited by the availability of
studio space. In most cases, the portfolios considered the
most important part of the application. But a strong portfolio
alone will not gain you admission. Your statement of intent
and academic records weigh heavily in the decision making
process.
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If I don't have the minimum requirements,
such as the 42 hours of studio art and 18 hours of art history
for the MFA, will you consider me if I have considerable experience
as an artist? Also, does UNM give credit for life experience?
Minimum requirements for admission to the MFA are 42 hours
of studio and 18 hours of art history. In some cases a strong
portfolio would be grounds for waiving some deficiencies in
studio. However, all applicants must have 18 hours of Art
History. Those lacking this requirement will have deficiencies
which will need to be made up during the first year of study.
Credit is not given for life's experience.
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What does it cost to attend UNM?
Check UNM tuition rates here: http://www.unm.edu/~bursar/tuition.html
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What forms of financial assistance are
available?
Financial assistance is available through a number of sources.
The department does offer a limited number of assistantships
(GA, TA, RA), which offers a monthly stipend and a tuition
waiver of six credit hours. The UNM Office of Graduate Studies
also offers a variety of fellowships and Scholarships. Students
are also encouraged to apply for federal financial aid.
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If I am awarded an assistantship for
the first semester of enrollment, am I assured of one for
the duration of my enrollment?
Normally a student is limited to five assistantships during
their course of study. Each area of study determines the graduate
and teaching assignments for each semester. These selections
are based on a student's progress towards their degree, academic
performance and any evaluations of past teaching experience.
Awarding of assistantships is a competitive process done each
semester. Although there are no guarantees that assistantships
will be renewed, in most cases successful teaching and progress
towards the degree will be justification for continued financial
aid.
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Is it possible to enroll in graduate
credit courses before being admitted into the art graduate
program?
Students with an undergraduate degree, who are not currently
enrolled in a graduate program and wish to enroll in graduate
level courses, may apply for Non-Degree status. Once enrolled
in non-degree status a student may enroll in graduate level
courses with the permission of the instructor. A maximum of
12 hours may be transferred to the MFA program. Transfer of
this coursework is not automatic and subject to departmental
approval. Successful completion of graduate level course work
as a non-degree student does not guarantee admission to the
program.
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Do students receive financial assistance
for production of the MFA catalog, slides, etc.?
Students may apply for monies through Graduate & Professional
Student Association and the Graduate Art Association to assist
in the production of their graduate catalog. In many cases,
monies may be available for the research projects but not
specifically the degree requirements such as the catalog,
slides or related expenses.
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How can I arrange a tour of the facilities?
Due to the limited number of staff, no formal tours are given.
Prospective students are usually able to informally visit
with students. We encourage students to meet with faculty.
E-mail addresses and telephone numbers are available through
the department graduate office.
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Who can I talk to regarding my specific
situation / application?
You can call the department graduate office (1-505-277-6672)
and speak with the graduate director or the graduate advisor.
Also, each area of emphasis is served by a faculty representative,
who is available for consultation. Contact the department
graduate office for the current area representatives and their
telephone number or E-mail addresses.
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Are faculty available for critiques?
If you plan your visit well in advance, we will provide you
with information on area faculty so that you can schedule
appointments.
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Do all students get studio assignment?
The department limits enrollment in its graduate studio program
to insure that all students have studio space.
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