• 2 Years of PSW

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Each graduate student must demonstrate the ability to write standard American English correctly and effectively. To assure that each graduate student has the desired proficiency in written English, two distinct assessments are made:

Level One (Preadmission)

Level One writing is demonstrated with an Analytical Writing score on the GRE of 4.5 or higher. Students who fail to demonstrate Level One writing preadmission may be admitted conditionally but will be required to take a department-administered writing test during the first week of their first semester. If they fail to pass this writing test, they will be required to take remedial writing courses before enrolling in 700-level or 800- level courses other than BECA 700 and BECA 702. The remedial writing classes cannot be used on the ATC. This requirement may delay the student’s progress through the program.

Level Two

Advanced level of writing proficiency is demonstrated by successfully completing the MFA proposal and the analysis document that accompanies the creative project.

Required Admission Materials

Applications to the department graduate program must upload the following items in Cal State Apply:

• A resumé or CV that summarizes your education, experience, specialized and general skills, awards, and recognitions.
• A personal statement (500 word maximum) that discusses why you are choosing this program, your aspirations as a media arts practitioner, your creative and theoretical influences (other artists, scholars, theorists, as well as personal experiences), and your goals upon completion of the BECA MFA.
• A treatment, script, or script outline that demonstrates your ability to conceptualize and articulate a media art project in written form.
• A digital portfolio of partial or completed media projects designed to demonstrates how you present yourself and your work.
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals that can attest to the quality of past work, future potential, fit with our program, and areas of interest or specialization that warrant our attention. At least one of these letters should be from a former professor
• Unofficial transcripts from all previous schools.

International Students

The department welcomes applications from international students. Many distinguished alumni of the program are working in media industries around the world. International students should note the special requirements that pertain to them presented on these pages. Questions should be directed to the BECA graduate coordinator, the Office of International Programs, or the Division of Graduate Studies.

To meet the minimum eligibility standards for graduate study at SF State, an applicant must: (1) hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, or shall have completed equivalent academic preparation as determined by appropriate campus authorities; (2) be in good academic standing at the last college or university attended; (3) have a 3.0 GPA in their earned undergraduate degree or last 60 semester (90 quarter) units completed, or have earned a post-baccalaureate degree; (4) satisfactorily meet the professional, personal, scholastic, and other standards for graduate study, including qualifying examinations, as appropriate campus authorities may prescribe. In unusual circumstances, a campus may make exceptions to these criteria.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OUR PSA COUNSELOR