Requirements for Undergraduate Applicants
Prospective art students submit an online portfolio for review by the Department of Art. Please see below for freshman or transfer application instructions. Once you are ready to apply, log in to the online portfolio submission site.
For both freshman and transfer applicants, the successful portfolio review is paramount. Students are admitted according to the strengths of their artistic capabilities as demonstrated by the proficiency and promise of work included in portfolios. Early submission of portfolios is strongly encouraged.
Freshman Applicants (PDF):
Prospective art students must be academically accepted to SUNY New Paltz PRIOR to submitting an online portfolio; therefore, prospective students are advised to apply for early admission to the College so that the art portfolio can be reviewed early in the spring semester for fall admission.
Transfer Applicants (PDF):
Acceptance to the College is contingent to being accepted into a major. For art transfers, this means that an accepted portfolio is necessary. Prospective students should apply early because the Art Department receives a great number of transfer applications each year.
SUNY New Paltz is hosting two Accepted Student Open House events on Saturday, March 16 and Saturday, April 13. Please click this link for information and/or registration: http://www.newpaltz.edu/admissions/openhouse/accepted_student.html
Art Department Tours
Art Department tours offerings are coordinated through Undergraduate Admissions. Please click on this link to register for a tour http://www.newpaltz.edu/admissions/tours.php
The Fine Arts focused tours begin on January 30, 2013. The tours will take place almost (depending on visitor interest) every Friday at 11:00 a.m. The visit will begin with a 30-minute General Information session with an admission counselor. Fine Art Students will then be separated from the group for the tour portion of their visit and will go with one of our art major tour guides.
The tour will go over housing, general academics, athletics, dining, the Museum and also visit Old Library, Smiley Art Building, and the Fine Arts Building.
Please note that due to safety reasons and to preserve our current students' academic experience, the tours will not be able to enter active studio spaces. An opportunity to visit the studio space is available during the Accepted Student Open House events on Saturday, March 16 and Saturday, April 13, 2013.
Requirements for Graduate Applicants
The application deadline for the Ceramics, Painting and Drawing, Printmaking, and Metal Programs is Feb. 15. The Sculpture Program maintains a rolling application deadline, but applicants who apply before Feb. 15 will be given priority. Please note that the application requires payment of a non-refundable $50 application fee. For online applications, payment can be made by credit card (Visa or MasterCard). For paper applications, payment can be made by credit card (Visa or MasterCard), a U.S. Postal Money Order, or a check in US funds made payable to SUNY New Paltz.
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required for admission.
If you have questions about the application process, please contact the Graduate Admissions Advising office, gradschool@newpaltz.edu or 845-257-3285.
Required Graduate Application Procedures:
1. Submit an online application through the Graduate School and pay application fee.
Please note that online applications for the Fall semester are accepted starting on December 1.
2. One to two business days after your application and fee have been received by the Graduate School, you will be sent an e-mail with a link to our Electronic Portfolio system. Use the information provided in the email to log in and check your online application status. On this site you will see a link at the top of the page titled "Submit Portfolio."
3. Your portfolio should consist of 20 examples of your best work. Images can be labeled and ordered as they are uploaded into our Electronic Portfolio system. Each work sample must be labeled with the following information: title of work, medium, size, and date. You may include external links to videos as part of your portfolio.
4. For good image quality and fast upload we recommend jpeg images no larger than 1280 x 1280 pixels @ 72 dpi.
5. As part of the online application process you will be asked to submit an artist statement that discusses your concepts, research, methods and influences.
6. Once you have submitted your application fee payment information, print the signature page that automatically displays. The signature page will be required to complete your admissions process. NOTE: The signature page will only display once.
7. Send the following items in one packet to: The Graduate School, State University of New York at New Paltz, Haggerty Administration Building 804, 1 Hawk Drive, New Paltz, NY 12561-2443.
• The signed signature page from your online application or paper application.
• Three letters of recommendation from instructors or other individuals who can evaluate your potential for graduate study.
• One official transcript from each college/university attended, including colleges from which you have transferred credits.
• A Resume or CV.
• Your Graduate Admissions Essay that clearly addresses the following:
• How have your previous experiences contributed to your decision to enter the program?
• How will graduate study assist you in achieving your future career and educational aspirations?
• What are your professional goals?
Your essay should be typed, double-spaced and between 400-500 words. Sine your essay provides with a sample of your writing, it should reflect exemplary organization, writing style and mechanics.
If you experience problems accessing the electronic portfolio system please download the guide here.
International Applicants
Prospective international students for whom English is not their native language and any applicant whose undergraduate degree is from a country where English is not the main language of instruction are required to demonstrate English Language Proficiency. Please see the following website for specific instructions.
For more detailed information regarding applications, course offerings and other degree requirements, contact the Graduate Office at 845-257-3285.
For additional information please visit the following sites.
