Admission Overview for Art & Design Applicants

Applicants to all programs of study at The New School of Art & Design at Suffolk University are evaluated on the basis of academic achievement, ability to communicate purpose and commitment, and on the strength of their portfolio. You must be accepted to the University before you can be admitted to the BFA program. Applicants applying directly to the BFA as either a Fine Arts, Graphic Design or Interior Design major are required to submit a portfolio as part of the admission process. The portfolio is an additional admission credential; it should contain only the best and most recent work. back to top^

The Freshman Portfolio

In selecting candidates for the BFA programs, The School of Art & Design relies most heavily on the caliber of applicants’ portfolios. We are looking for portfolios that demonstrate versatility. Showing that you can do several things well indicates that you are prepared for the diverse and rigorous first-year foundation program required of all Art & Design majors. Artwork you include in your portfolio may be pieces produced in your high school art classes or on your own. You can build your portfolio by taking courses at art schools, museums, and through adult education programs. Outside courses will expose you to a broader range of teachers and students, strengthen your application and accustom you to working independently, which is a crucial aspect of art school.
Assembling a Freshman Portfolio (PDF) back to top^

Transfer Portfolio

Transfer candidates, who have completed studio courses at a regionally accredited college or university should be prepared to present an extensive portfolio (5-10 pieces per course) representing work from each course for which they are seeking transfer credit.  Whenever possible, applicants should include syllabi as well as course descriptions for any courses for which they are seeking transfer credit. Transfer portfolios will be reviewed by the School of Art & Design once all admission credentials have been reviewed by the Office of Undergraduate Admission.
Assembling a Transfer Portfolio (PDF) back to top^

If you don’t have a portfolio

Applicants who do not have a portfolio but are interested in the BFA, have two options if they apply for admission to the University:

1. Apply to Suffolk as “Undecided Arts and Sciences” Major. Once accepted, enroll in the Pre-College (link) summer program. Upon completion of this Program, students can submit a portfolio for review prior to the start of the fall semester. Those who meet the portfolio waiver requirements are eligible to petition the School of Art & Design Chairman for entry into the BFA program.

OR

2. Begin your studies at the University as “Undecided Arts and Sciences.” Complete two, first-semester Foundation studio courses (ordinarily Foundation Drawing 1 and 2-Dimensional Design).  Earn a combined GPA of at least B (3.0) for those courses, with no grade below B- (2.7). Those who meet the above conditions will be exempted from the portfolio requirement and are eligible to petition the School of Art & Design Chairman for entry into the BFA program.   Undecided students who take studio courses must register concurrently for Jumpstart Art (ART 01) unless they have two or more years of high school art background. Undecided students who do not become BFA candidates may apply studio courses taken to an art minor or use them as electives. Please consult with your academic advisor.

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Information for Pre-merger Graduates & Former Students (prior to 1996)

Since the 1996 merger of The New England School of Art & Design and Suffolk University, many pre-merger graduates have returned to complete the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree at Suffolk University. In brief, an applicant’s academic, studio, and professional background are considered within the framework of current BFA degree requirements. In order to earn the degree, all applicants must complete a minimum of 30 credits at Suffolk University’s Boston campus in order to meet the residency requirement. BFA candidates may attend on a full- or part-time basis and may take day or evening classes during the fall, spring and/or summer semesters. There is no application deadline. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis after the application form, requisite credentials, and portfolio review results have been received by the Office of Undergraduate Admission. Pre-merger students and graduates considering this opportunity are invited to contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission to request a current catalog and application. Owing to the distinct academic and professional background of each applicant, a telephone consultation with a School of Art & Design administrator is advisable.

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