If you are an international student, you'll have additional application requirements. Get the International Student application guide for this program here.
The MFA in Photography program always starts in the Fall semester.
Deadline: August 1
Please contact luadmissions@lesley.edu if you would like to apply after the deadline has passed. Late applications will be reviewed if space is available.
Create an account and password before you start your application. You can stop and save your application, and return to complete it later.
You'll need to submit the following supporting materials.
You can send the documents separately, but we won't be able to make an admissions decision until we've received everything.
Have each institution where you earned an undergraduate or graduate degree send us your official transcript.
If your transcript is not in English, provide a notarized translation of it.
If you’re enrolled in a degree program when you apply, submit your transcript of the courses you’ve taken to date. Submit your final official transcript once you’ve completed the degree program.
If your degree is from outside of the United States, you will be required to submit a Foreign Academic Credentials Evaluation.
Contact one of these agencies to get your credentials evaluated:
You’ll need a document-by-document evaluation. Exception: Expressive Therapies master's degree programs require a course-by-course evaluation instead.
If you’re submitting a foreign academic credential evaluation, unofficial transcripts are acceptable for your transcript requirement if official transcripts were provided to the evaluation agency.
Lesley University
Graduate Admissions Services
29 Everett Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Include 2 recent recommendations from people you’ve worked with closely in an academic or professional setting.
Both recommendations should come from people who are familiar with your studio practice.
If you’re in school, or are a recent graduate, one recommendation should be from a professor and it should address your writing and art-making skills.
We don’t accept recommendations written by friends or family, or that were written more 2 years before your application date.
Within your online application form, include the names and emails of the people writing your letters of recommendation. They'll receive an email from you with an electronic recommendation form, and they can upload a letter if they choose.
Your written personal statement gives us insight into your motivation, purpose in pursuing a degree program, writing skills, and communication style. It’s an important part of our review process.
Include the following in your statement:
A 250 word statement about your goals for the MFA in Photography program.
Submit your written personal statement in Slideroom.
Show your art education and work experience, exhibitions and awards, publications, and other relevant professional experience on your résumé. Submit your résumé in Slideroom.
You'll need to submit a digital portfolio of your most recent and strongest work.