All School of Visual Arts graduate programs require a portfolio submission along with the CFA graduate application. All portfolios must be submitted digitally at bucfa.slideroom.com. Individual program requirements are listed below.
If you are interested in a preliminary portfolio review of your work, please seek us out at a Graduate National Portfolio Day. You may find the details for these events as well as the event schedule at nationalportfolioday.org.
Students should submit a portfolio of 15-20 images that demonstrate creative skills and quality craftsmanship in a selection of traditional and/or contemporary media and techniques, using two- and three-dimensional forms (including time-based media), and a variety of materials. Please note that current SVA undergraduate students enrolled in the 4+1 BFA/MA Art Education program are exempt from submitting a portfolio. Artistic portfolio submitted digitally in Slideroom which can be accessed directly from your BU application. Should include: Art Education
Art Education & Art Education with Initial Licensure
on-campus programs
Art Education
Online Program
Students should submit a portfolio of 15-20 images of current graphic design and/or related work, including typography that displays a candidate’s visual and content-related interests and abilities. The faculty especially likes to see self directed/generated works or projects with a mixture of both print and digital works. The admissions committee may contact you for a phone, in-person or virtual interview. Students should submit a portfolio of 8-10 images of current graphic design and/or related work that displays a candidate’s visual and content-related interests and abilities. The faculty especially likes to see self-directed/generated works or projects with a mixture of both print and digital works. The admissions committee may contact you for a phone, in-person or virtual interview.Graphic Design
MFA in Graphic Design
Certificate in Graphic Design
Students should submit a portfolio of 15-20 images of what you consider to be your strongest work. At least half of the images submitted should be from the last year and all within the last three years. Please do not include more than four images total of details and/or installation views. Work should speak to your understanding of painting, but need not be limited to two dimensions or any particular material. Most successful applicants have spent at least one year painting independently after the completion of their undergraduate degree and their work demonstrates purpose and commitment. The Painting faculty may request additional samples of work or require certain courses as prerequisites. In addition to the portfolio review, the admissions committee may contact you for a phone, in-person or virtual interview.Painting
Students should submit a portfolio of 15-20 images. The Sculpture faculty evaluate portfolios based on evidence of a solid body of work that displays consistency, seriousness, and depth of purpose. Acceptance is based on the applicant’s ability to expand and advance existing 3D language, methodologies, technical skills, and critiquing abilities. Applications that reflect independent thinking and experimentation of materials are preferred. Supplemental materials including video documentation are acceptable. In addition to the portfolio review, the admissions committee may contact you for a phone, in-person or virtual interview.Sculpture
Students should submit a portfolio of 20 images that show strong evidence of recent studio work in Print Media, Photography, both, or other related media. The portfolio should represent a distinct personal vision and sense of purpose developed in independent work, a strong sense of aesthetics, conceptual acuity, and creative skill. The review faculty will consider an applicant’s ability to expand and advance existing language, methodologies, and skills. Please do not include more than four images of details. In addition to the portfolio review, the admissions committee may contact you for a phone, in-person or virtual interview.Print Media & Photography
Create a three-page comic or picture book that tells a concise story, showcasing at least two figures of different genders and one animal. For the comic, use the standard size of 6.625″ x 10.25″.If opting for a picture book, it should be 8″ x 10″. If choosing a picture book, ensure it contains at least 100 words. The narrative should incorporate both a building and a forest setting, and if it’s a comic, over half of the panels should contain multiple word balloons to exhibit dialogue. *Please note that there is an additional question in Slideroom that asks what visual narrative means to you. The response to this question may also be used for the personal statement required by the CFA Online Graduate Application.Visual Narrative