FAQ

How do I apply?

To start your application, click here!

How do I schedule a campus tour or view the campus online?

Yes! To schedule a campus tour, email Christine Wuenschel, our Graduate Coordinator, cwuensch@purdue.edu.

Enjoy the below videos of our campus!

Graduate School Video

https://youtu.be/Dzfql1JBSMU?si=jUUp4_b6_jysGKyI

Graduate School Campus Tour

https://youtu.be/qOjWwXAnIWo?si=8s-BcyVTNwkl7yk2

A Day in the Life at Purdue University

https://youtu.be/6Zy1dB9xgNU?si=CRhRG366OwJNW9ZO

Is your MFA a three-year program? Can I finish in two years?

Yes, our MFA program is a 3-year program. The below link provides a nice break-down of our program year-by-year. Unfortunately, our program does not allow finishing in two years.

Current Student Calendar // Purdue College of Liberal Arts

How many credits am I allowed to take in the summer?

Regardless of citizenship/appointment, a maximum of 13 credits (from one or more institutions) taken during Summer Session, are permitted to fulfill graduation requirements (See Section VI.B). 

I know the deadline was January 15, am I allowed to submit my application late?

Yes! Please email adgraddirector@purdue.ed and let them know you have submitted your application for review. We only allow students to enter the MFA program in the Fall/August.

When will my application be reviewed?

The faculty will be conducting application reviews mid-January to mid-February. Decisions usually go out by the end of February.

I’m international: Can I get an application fee waiver?

Thank you for reaching out.  You may find a list of our application fee waiver programs through the following link:

https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/admissions/how-to-apply/apply-fee.html

If you do not meet any of the criteria listed on this page, then we are unable to grant your application fee waiver request.

I’m domestic: Can I get an application fee waiver?

Graduate School applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents experiencing economic hardship may request a waiver of the application fee. To request a waiver of the application fee, please send an email explaining your situation to  gradinfo@purdue.edu .

Is a GRE score needed for the MFA program?

No, the GRE score is not required.

What are the minimum English scores for admission into the program?

English Proficiency Requirements - The Graduate School - Purdue University

However, if you would like to be eligible for a Teaching Assistantship your speaking scores must be as followed:

  IELTS = 8 or TOEFL = 27

I’m from a different department. Do you have any TA/RA positions available?

Thank you for your interest. We do not offer assistantships in Art & Design without first being enrolled in our Art & Design MFA program.

Can you tell me about your funding?

To eligible students, we do offer Teaching Assistantships. Teaching Assistants receive a full tuition waiver, a stipend of $21,000 for the academic year and medical benefits.

For international students, part of the eligibility process is to receive AT LEAST the following scores on the speaking section of your English Oral Proficiency Exams: IELTS = 8 or TOEFL = 27

• To apply for a Teaching Assistantship: follow the below steps within your online application.

1. Click on the Additional Information tab.
2. Scroll down to the Funding header.
3. Click on the Graduate Teaching Assistantship
4. Click on the No, I am only seeking Purdue University Funding

Is my TA for all 3 years?

Our assistantship contracts are renewed on an annual basis.  However, if students remain in good academic standing, we do not take the assistantships away.  We try to fund as many students as we can for the full 3 years.  Funding is not guaranteed beyond 3 years (6 semester).  If you take longer to go through the program, you may not receive additional funding.  This is not common.

How many hours of work per week are required for teaching assistants?

The hours required to work per week are the contact hours for each class. Typically, it’s 12 hours for two classes.  You are also required to attend teaching practicum meetings each week with the rest of the teaching assistants and the program coordinator. These meetings will equip you with the upcoming lessons. There are three times per semester you will need to set some time aside for grading. With all that in mind, I would say the hours per week are more like 12-16.  Plus, the more you teach it, the more prepared you will feel!