Admissions Information for Master of Science in Visual Studies
Fall 2009 Call for Applications
Candidates compete for the six places available each year in the Department of Architecture’s Master of Science in Visual Studies (SMVisS) program. Admission is based on a careful examination of the applicant's previous artistic and academic record, including relevant samples of completed work, a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. The applicant should demonstrate superior achievement and the ability to initiate and complete independent academic work in the visual arts.
English Proficiency Requirement
Applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit either an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score or a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), regardless of citizenship or residency in the U.S. while attending other educational institutions. No exceptions are made. The admissions committee regards English proficiency as crucial for success in all degree programs. In order to meet the December 15 fall admissions deadline, it is recommended that candidates take the IELTS or TOEFL on the earliest possible date.
The minimum IELTS score required for SMVisS candidates is 7 and the minimum TOEFL score is 600 (250 for computer-based test, 100 for Internet-based test). While either test score is accepted, the IELTS score is preferred.
Applicants must request that an official copy of their test results be sent directly to MIT by IELTS International or Educational Testing Service. IELTS and TOEFL Scores must be no older than two years as of the date of application. To avoid delays, please use the following codes when having your TOEFL scores sent to MIT:
Institutional Code: 3514
Department Code: 12
All students whose first language is not English are required to take the English Evaluation Test (EET) prior to registration at MIT. Even students who satisfy the IELTS/TOEFL requirement for admission may be required to take specialized subjects in English as a Second Language (ESL), depending on their EET results. These subjects do not count toward the required degree credits.
Graduate Record Examination
The Graduate Record Examination is not required of SMVisS candidates.
Portfolio
The non-returnable digital portfolio on CD or DVD should include evidence of recent creative work, whether personal, academic or professional. Work done collaboratively should be identified as such, and the applicant’s role in the project needs to be clearly defined. The disk should be labeled “Attention: Visual Arts Program” and include your name and address.
Please be aware that all applicant portfolios will be reviewed digitally using computer monitors and digital projectors. Do NOT send slides. Please make sure that all files are able to open on a Mac. Double-check your files to make sure they open before submitting. Submit the portfolio material in the formats indicated below.
The portfolio must include project documentation, images, or time-based media (or a combination of these):
1. Project Documentation and/or images: submit one multi-page PDF document (maximum 20 pages). Please include captions/descriptions where necessary such as title, artist, year, material, and/or project description for each image.
2. Time-based media for a maximum of 15 minutes. Video should be submitted as high quality QuickTime .mov files. Audio should be submitted as high quality .mp3 or .aiff files
The portfolio may also include the following optional items, which are considered as secondary material, and will be reviewed if time permits.
1. Writing samples are optional, but welcome, and should be limited to five pages and submitted as a PDF.
2. URLs to webpage(s) with additional information about your artistic practice may also be submitted.
For questions regarding the portfolio, please email vap@mit.edu.
Application Deadline
The Application for Graduate Admission is requested directly from the MIT Office of the Dean for Graduate Education (ODGE). An application for admission in September must be received by December 15. Portfolios may be sent by January 4, 2010, to allow for students to include their most recent work. The SMVisS program does not accept applications for admission in the spring term. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be sure that the completed application forms and all supporting materials are at the following address by the deadline.
MIT Department of Architecture
77 Massachusetts Ave., Room 7-337
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
Attn: Admissions
Email: arch@mit.edu
Telephone: 617-715-4490
Applicants will be notified by mail of the department's decision by April 1. Decisions cannot be given by telephone.
Program Location and Contacts:
MIT Visual Arts Program
77 265 Massachusetts Ave., Room N51-328
Cambridge, MA 02139-4307
E-mail: vap@mit.edu
Telephone: 617-253-5229
Quick Links
International English Language Testing System
FAQs
Test of English as a Foreign Language
MIT Office of the Dean for Graduate Education
