Is it possible to be accepted into an MFA program without a BFA?

Question

I want to do studio art, but I have a Bachelor's in General Studies. I have about 27 hours in studio classes, and nearly as many in art history. My portfolio at present is varied, but not well-developed or focused. Any suggestions are welcomed and appreciated!

Answer 1

You absolutely can get an MFA without a BFA. You can have studied English, or engineering, or anything for your BA, and go on for an MFA. However, you must be qualified to do work at the MFA level, and that means having a strong sense of focus and a kick-a** portfolio. Thus your main point of focus, now, must be on your portfolio.

I have a few options for you to help you do that. One is to go for a year to a reputable art school which offers a post-bac year. These years are designed specifically for people like you - people who have a strong interest in art, maybe want an MFA, but who need a year or so to focus entirely on art, guided by professors as you work to develop your skills and to create portfolio pieces. The School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, has a great example of this:

http://www.smfa.edu/Programs_Faculty/Pos...

I really like that one, but if you need something closer to home, check with each of the good art schools near you, and see if they offer such a program.

Another option is to begin taking a focused series of art classes at a strong art school near you, via continuing education. Start in the lower level classes, and work your way up in at least on discipline, until you have a firm command of your materials and your subject matter. By then, you should have portfolio pieces, and be ready to apply to MFA programs.

You could also, of course, simply work on your own. But I believe it'd be in your interest to actually be taking class, so that you can be guided by professors and get critiques of your work.

As you take class, think about which fields within art most appeal to you, and which also fit your skills. Which do you like best? Which are you also best at? And begin to focus your classes in those areas.

When you are close to having a portfolio ready, you may want to attend a graduate portfolio day:

http://www.gradportfolioday.org/purpose....