This website has detailed information about how to apply, the portfolio and experience requirements, and provides the application form. Applications should be submitted electronically, and will be reviewed in the early Spring. The deadline for applications will be February 15th, 2011 and notifications of acceptance are given by April 15th, 2011. There is no rolling admissions. The department does not accept transfer credits. If you have experience and technical skills in addition to those specifically stated please select a few examples to include with your portfolio requirement. Please limit your portfolio to 20 of your strongest examples of work. If you do not have any experience in a required technical area your portfolio will be considered incomplete. Technical software programs are not included within the program's instruction and it is the obligation of the student to execute course assignments in the programs listed on the website. Applicants must have a BFA in an arts or design-related area. In-person interviews are preferred, and if not possible, phone interviews will be requested. The department receives many applications and is highly competitive, so be sure to include only those examples of work that best represent your technical capabilities and unique artistic ability.

PRIOR EXPERIENCE

Students in the program range from individuals recently graduated from undergraduate programs as well as individuals who have extensive professional experience. The program is interested in working with students who are dedicated, have relevant technical craft in addition to creative thinking capabilities. The program is designed to work with students who are focused on working in leadership capacities within the exhibition design profession. Age, type of professional experience or amount of time spent working within a design field are not necessarily indicative of whether a person will be successful within the program and anyone meeting the admissions requirements is encouraged to apply.

COURSEWORK

The department website includes comprehensive and detailed information about all of the program's coursework. The program awards a Masters of Arts degree achieved through the completion and passing of 36 credits of coursework as described. Each course is studio-based, includes regional site visits to a variety of exhibition venues, invites working professionals into the classroom for presentations, lectures and studio participation, and has students completing assignments outside of the classroom using the city as a resource for study. In addition to the intensive studio coursework, a focus on academics is also part of the student experience in the form of research, writing, critical thinking and analytical thinking skill development. The 1-year program is highly intensive with only a few small breaks throughout the year, beginning in the summer and concluding the following summer. Individuals who have to work outside of school will be informed of the difficulty of completing this program while working. A professional internship is the final course for the program and has students fulfilling 240 intensive work hours within an appropriate exhibition venue. Internships have included design firms, museums, trade and exhibit marketing firms, and design and production firms. Internships are finalized towards the conclusion of the spring semester so as to best match the unique qualities of the student with an appropriate placement. Internships can often be identified at locations outside of New York depending on what would best serve a student's professional interests.

FACULTY

The program's diverse faculty are all working professionals who bear expertise in their areas of craft and bring relevant and current experience to their instruction. Nine faculty teach within the program providing students with a great range of expertise, professional experience and leadership.

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Details regarding the qualifications required for admission of international students can be found in the FIT website, including TOEFL requirements and visa status information. Questions regarding international student requirements are best directed to FIT's office of International Students.