M.F.A. in Book Arts

Application Fees : US$ 80

Postgraduate Programs:

• Minimum academic requirement: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or above.
• English language proficiency: International students are required to demonstrate English language proficiency. The accepted English language tests and minimum scores are the same as for undergraduate programs (IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 79, PTE: 59, DET: 110).
• Some postgraduate programs may also require relevant work experience in the field of study. 

Scholarships are awarded based on various criteria, including academic merit, leadership qualities, extracurricular involvement, and community service. 

1. International Presidential Scholarship: This highly competitive scholarship is awarded to a limited number of outstanding international students. It covers the full cost of tuition for up to four years of undergraduate study. Recipients are selected based on academic achievement, leadership potential, and involvement in extracurricular activities.

2. Capstone International Scholarship: This scholarship is available to undergraduate international students who demonstrate exceptional academic performance. It provides a partial tuition waiver, reducing the overall tuition expenses. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, subject to maintaining the required GPA.

3. Global Ambassador Scholarship: This scholarship is awarded to undergraduate international students who actively promote cross-cultural understanding and engagement on campus. Recipients receive a partial tuition waiver and are expected to serve as cultural ambassadors by participating in university events and activities.

4. Competitive Merit Scholarships: The University of Alabama offers a range of merit-based scholarships to international students, such as the National Merit Scholarship, Collegiate Scholars Award, and Crimson Achievement Scholarship. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements and standardized test scores.

5. College-Specific Scholarships: Various colleges and departments within the university offer scholarships specific to their respective fields of study. International students are encouraged to explore scholarship opportunities within their intended major or program of study.

6. External Scholarships: The University of Alabama also provides guidance and resources to international students seeking external scholarships. The Office of Undergraduate Scholarships and Prestigious Awards assists students in identifying and applying for scholarships from external organizations, foundations, and government agencies.

To be considered for these scholarships, international students must submit their application for admission by the specified deadlines. Some scholarships may require additional materials, such as essays or letters of recommendation. It is important to review the eligibility criteria and application requirements for each scholarship opportunity.

Graduates of the M.F.A. in Book Arts program have diverse career opportunities in the field of book arts and related areas. Through a combination of studio-based learning, mentorship, and exhibition opportunities, graduates are well-prepared for careers as book artists, educators, designers, conservators, and curators.

1. Book Artist: Graduates can establish themselves as professional book artists, creating unique and limited-edition artist books. They may explore various book art techniques, experiment with materials, and develop their own artistic style. They can exhibit and sell their work in galleries, participate in book fairs, and collaborate with writers and publishers.

2. Teaching and Education: Graduates can pursue teaching positions at the college or university level, sharing their knowledge and expertise in book arts with students. They may teach courses in bookbinding, papermaking, typography, or artists' book design. They can also conduct workshops and summer programs for aspiring book artists.

3. Freelance Design and Illustration: Graduates with strong design and illustration skills can work as freelance book designers and illustrators. They can collaborate with authors, publishers, or self-publishing authors to create book covers, illustrations, and book layouts.

4. Conservation and Preservation: Graduates with a focus on book conservation and preservation can find employment in libraries, museums, or archives. They may work to restore and preserve rare or damaged books, documents, and manuscripts using specialized techniques and materials.

5. Art Galleries and Curatorial Positions: Graduates can pursue careers in art galleries or curatorial positions, specializing in book arts exhibitions and collections. They may curate exhibitions, manage gallery spaces, and promote book arts as a curator or gallery director.

6. Art Administration: Graduates can work in art administration, managing book arts programs, workshops, or community arts organizations. They can contribute to the promotion of book arts, organize events, and facilitate community engagement with the art form.