Candidacy denotes that the classified graduate student is fully qualified to complete the final stages of the MFA - Art program and is thus eligible to enroll in ART 298A - MFA Special Study and ART 298B - MFA Project. In order to attain candidacy, the student must meet the university requirements for admission to candidacy as outlined in this catalog. The University requires that all graduate students complete the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) as a condition for advancement to candidacy. For graduate courses that meet the GWAR, please refer to the Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluation website at www.sjsu.edu/gape. In addition, the student must:<br><br>Formalize their MFA project committee by obtaining the signatures of at least three university faculty members (two must be members of the art faculty) to serve as members of the student's committee. A regular art faculty member who teaches in the student's major area of emphasis must serve as chair. This committee must approve the student's proposed program of study for the MFA - Art degree no later than one month prior to the end of the semester preceding the one in which the final project is created.<br>The student must submit a proposed program of study conforming to university and school requirements on the Departmental Request for Candidacy form obtained from Graduate Admissions and Program Evaluations and filed according to university deadlines. The proposed program of study must be approved by the art graduate committee and the College of Graduate Studies before the student may be considered for the MFA - Art.<br>Pass the Advancement to Candidacy (ATC) Review. This is an exhibition of original work that can be scheduled during any semester in one of the department's student galleries. Students must obtain signatures of two faculty members willing to serve on their culminating project committee, including at least one faculty member teaching in the designated area of emphasis, in order to apply to the ATC Review. Passing the review is necessary before the student may file for the Departmental Request for Candidacy and enroll in their culminating project classes, ART 298A and ART 298B.<br>Additional information regarding advancement to candidacy is available in the Art & Art History Department Office.