M.F.A. in Photography & Related Media

Entry Requirements for International Students (Postgraduate)

Application Fees : US$ 60

1. Academic Requirements:

• Prospective international students applying for postgraduate programs at SUNY New Paltz are required to have a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their previous academic qualifications, such as a bachelor's degree.

2. English Language Proficiency : 

• IELTS (International English Language Testing System): Overall Score: 6.5 - Individual Band Scores: No band less than 6. 

• TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-Based Test): Overall Score: 80.

• PTE (Pearson Test of English): Overall Score: 53.

• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall Score: 120.

3. NACES evaluation required.

Scholarships for International Students at SUNY New Paltz

1. International Incentive Scholarships: SUNY New Paltz may offer International Incentive Scholarships to eligible international students. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic achievement, leadership qualities, and contributions to the campus community.

2. Bearcat Advantage Scholarship: The Bearcat Advantage Scholarship is a merit-based scholarship program that may be available to international students. This scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance and potential for success.

3. Cultural Scholarship: SUNY New Paltz may provide Cultural Scholarships to international students who actively contribute to promoting cultural diversity and understanding on campus. These scholarships recognize the value of cultural exchange within the university community.

4. Graduate Assistantships: For international students pursuing graduate studies, there may be opportunities for Graduate Assistantships. These positions involve working with faculty or in various departments on campus while earning financial support for tuition and living expenses.

5. Departmental Scholarships: Various academic departments within SUNY New Paltz may offer department-specific scholarships to international students based on their field of study. These scholarships can help offset tuition costs and support students in their academic pursuits.

6. International Tuition Scholarships: International Tuition Scholarships are designed to assist international students with tuition expenses. These scholarships may be awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of factors.

7. SUNY Scholarships: The State University of New York system, of which SUNY New Paltz is a part, may offer system-wide scholarships for international students. These scholarships are often competitive and recognize outstanding academic achievements and leadership skills.

8. Foundation Scholarships: The university's foundation may administer scholarship programs for international students. These scholarships may consider factors such as academic excellence, extracurricular involvement, and community contributions.

9. External Scholarships: SUNY New Paltz encourages international students to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by government agencies, private organizations, and international foundations. The university's scholarship office may provide information and support in applying for external scholarships.

10. Need-Based Financial Aid: - In addition to merit-based scholarships, the university may offer need-based financial aid to international students. This assistance is designed to address financial barriers and ensure that qualified students have access to educational opportunities.

11. Presidential Scholarships: - Presidential Scholarships may be awarded to outstanding international students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements, leadership skills, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the university community.

Graduates of The State University of New York at New Paltz's Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Photography & Related Media program are well-equipped to pursue diverse and rewarding careers within the expansive field of visual arts. This program not only hones technical expertise but also fosters critical thinking and conceptual depth, preparing artists for the dynamic landscape of contemporary photography. The M.F.A. in Photography & Related Media at SUNY New Paltz prepares graduates for a spectrum of career opportunities within the visual arts, providing a strong foundation in technical skills, critical thinking, and conceptual depth. Whether pursuing roles as professional photographers, educators, curators, or entrepreneurs, graduates emerge ready to contribute meaningfully to the dynamic and evolving field of contemporary photography.

1. Professional Photographers: Many M.F.A. graduates choose to establish themselves as professional photographers, specializing in areas such as fine art, documentary, portraiture, or commercial photography. They may exhibit their work in galleries, sell prints, and undertake commissioned projects.

2. Educators and Academic Roles: With their advanced degrees, graduates can pursue academic careers as professors or instructors in photography and related media. They contribute to the education and mentorship of emerging artists, sharing their knowledge and fostering the next generation of creative minds.

3. Curators and Gallery Directors: Graduates may explore careers in curatorial roles, working in galleries, museums, or art institutions. They can contribute to the curation and exhibition of photographic collections, shaping the visual narrative of contemporary photography within cultural institutions.

4. Art Critics and Writers: Individuals with a passion for critical discourse and writing may pursue careers as art critics, journalists, or writers focusing on photography. They play a vital role in interpreting and contextualizing visual narratives for broader audiences through publications and online platforms.

5. Commercial Photography and Advertising: Graduates with a keen understanding of commercial photography may enter the realm of advertising, marketing, or editorial photography. They can collaborate with brands, agencies, and publications, creating compelling visual content that communicates messages effectively.

6. Digital Media and Multimedia Storytelling: In the era of digital media, graduates may choose careers in multimedia storytelling, combining photography with video, audio, and interactive elements. They can work on digital platforms, telling compelling visual stories for various audiences.

7. Fine Art Photography Galleries: Some graduates may establish or work with fine art photography galleries, promoting and exhibiting the work of emerging and established photographers. This entrepreneurial path allows them to contribute to the art market and support fellow artists.

8. Photography Editors: Graduates may find roles as photo editors for magazines, online publications, or publishing houses. They curate and select visual content, ensuring it aligns with the overall narrative and aesthetic of the publication.

9. Art Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurial-minded graduates may establish their own photography-related businesses, such as studios, agencies, or consulting services. This allows them to shape their artistic vision and contribute to the local and global arts ecosystem.

10. Community Engagement and Arts Advocacy: Artists may choose to engage with communities through art-based initiatives, workshops, and community projects. They can advocate for the importance of photography in society, using their skills to contribute to cultural enrichment at a grassroots level.