Admissions

MA in Critical Studies

3 Essay Questions

1. Who is your intellectual family? Which artists, critics, writers, theorists, philosophers, activists, etc. have influenced how you see the world? What have you done, or what will you do differently based on that perspective? [500 word limit]
2. In your view, what part of contemporary image-making or visual culture needs a critical eye and why? [500 word limit]
3. Why do you want to be a student in PNCA's Critical Studies program? What do you plan to do with this degree? [250 word limit]

A Writing Sample [1500 - 2000 words]

Submit a writing sample from the last two years. This can be an excerpt from an academic paper, a review of a piece of art, a blog post - anything that you think highlights how you use the written word.

Minimum GPA: 3.0

MFA in Print Media

Statement of Purpose [500 -700 words]

Please use this statement to address the focus of your work and the direction you wish to pursue in the MFA in Print Media. Discuss your reasons for applying to the MFA in Print Media and the goals you wish to achieve during your time at this program. Be specific as to your focus of research and how you see this evolving or changing during your time in the Print Media program. Discuss how the "print matrix" informs the outcomes of your work and reference the influences and issues that shape the context for your creative practice.

Applicants to the Dual MFA/MA program track should also address why you are a fit for this program. Be sure to communicate how the combination of the Critical Studies MA program and your MFA will support your goals or practice.

Portfolio of 10-15 images

How to put together a strong portfolio for Print Media

The PRINT MEDIA application review committee is looking for documentation of recent work that best represents your current creative practice and research. This selection of work can be a variety of disciplines and formats as it relates to your application for Print Media.

MFA in Visual Studies

Statement of Purpose [500 -700 words]

Please use this statement to address the focus of your work and the direction you wish to pursue in the MFA in Visual Studies program. Discuss your reasons for applying to PNCA's MFA in Visual Studies Program and the artistic goals you wish to achieve during your time in the program. Be specific as to your focus of research and how you see this evolving or changing during your time in the Visual Studies program. Describe the pathway you envision for yourself as part of the program. Discuss the issues, concerns and influences in your work. Please reference three contemporary artists that inspire your practice.

Applicants to the Dual MFA/MA program track should also address why you are a fit for this program. Be sure to communicate how the combination of the Critical Studies MA program and your MFA will support your goals or practice.

Portfolio of 10-15 images

How to put together a strong portfolio for Visual Studies

The ideal applicant for Visual Studies creates a portfolio of recent work that best represents their current creative practice and interest. This selection of work can be in a variety of disciplines and does not necessarily need to be a single, cohesive body of work. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, varied modes of making are understood and appreciated.

Low Residency MFA in Visual Studies

Statement of Purpose [500 -700 words]

Use this statement to address the focus of your work and the direction you wish to pursue in the Low-Residency MFA in Visual Studies program. Discuss your reasons for applying to PNCA's Low-Residency MFA in Visual Studies program and the artistic goals you wish to achieve during your time in the program. Be specific as to your focus of research and how you see this evolving or changing during your time in the Low-Residency MFA in Visual Studies program. Describe the pathway you envision for yourself as part of the program. Discuss the issues, concerns and influences in your work.

Portfolio of 10-15 images

How to put together a strong portfolio for Low Residency Visual Studies

It is recommended that submitted work be recent and represent the applicant’s strongest work. We look for portfolios that show evidence of engagement in critical thought. This selection of work can be in a variety of disciplines and does not necessarily need to be a single, cohesive body of work. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the program, varied modes of making are understood and appreciated.

Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing

Statement of Purpose [500-700 words]

Describe specific goals around creative writing, reading, and writing community immersion. In the statement, indicate the genre track in which you want to do your primary work. Choose from the following options: Prose (nonfiction or fiction); or Poetry; or Cross-Genre (writing that crosses genres or mediums); or Literary translation.

Creative Writing Sample

Submit a creative writing sample in the genre in which you want to do your primary work.

The sample may be comprised of:

• 15 pages of Poetry
• or 20 pages of Prose
• or 20 pages of Cross-genre
• or 15-20 pages of Translation

Critical Writing Sample

Submit a 3-5 page sample of critical work on writing forms and methods.