About the course

Headed by an internationally distinguished faculty, the Graduate Program offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary environment for training in the visual arts. The three-year MFA program comprises a series of core and elective classes in production, theory, and contemporary issues. Graduate students may also take advantage of the academic excellence UCI provides as a leading research university by taking courses in other departments and programs. Through a combination of faculty mentorship, seminars, and regular comprehensive peer critiques, the Department of Art affords an optimal intellectual setting for fostering creative and critical development. In addition to faculty dedicated to facilitating students' understanding of visual art and its cultural contexts, graduate students have access to visiting artists through lectures, studio visits, and colloquia.

　　The MFA program is designed to provide a thorough and intensive professional training for students wishing to pursue careers in the field of contemporary art. The program emphasizes experimental and interdisciplinary approaches to art making, while also providing a solid grounding in various disciplinary mediums and post-studio practices. Students undergo a rigorous course of study combining seminar classes, intensive critique courses, and independent study.

　　During the first two years, students take courses from a curriculum, totaling 12 units each quarter. Beyond that, students can select additional course work from any sector of the department or university, including approved upper-division undergraduate courses. The third year is structured so that students can devote themselves to the production of their thesis exhibition, working intensively with a small faculty committee. Scholarships - View all scholarships Internships

　　

Start dates and prices

Course fees are indicative and should be used as a guide. Speak to a counsellor to get an accurate price.

　　Duration: 6 Semester(s)Fees: Not available

Intake	Location
Fall (September), 2024	Irvine
Fall (September), 2025	Irvine

　　

How to apply

Entry requirements for University of California - Irvine

Applicants for admission to the MFA program must meet the general requirements for admission to graduate study, hold a BA or BFA, and have completed one year of Twentieth-Century Art History (students who have not completed this will be required to do so as part of their graduate studies). In addition, for applications to the MFA in Art, a portfolio of creative work must be submitted by January 15.

　　Applications to the MFA in Art must include the following:

　　1. A Statement of Purpose. Length: 1000 words.

　　2. Three (3) letters of recommendations (recommenders must submit letters via online application).

　　3. A portfolio of 20 images and/or other media samples. Images must include title of the work, size, year, medium, description, and duration of the work, if time-based.

　　4. One copy of unofficial transcripts from the Undergraduate institution(s) attended by the applicant. Official transcripts will be requested if and when applicant is admitted and decide to attend UCI. Do not send official transcripts until this time, unless you are requested to do so.

　　*Please note that the Personal History Statement is not required, when prompted by the system to enter a statement, enter Not Required for Art MFA Admission.

　　Recipients of a BA degree from UCI will not be considered for admission to the MFA program until a minimum of one year after receipt of an undergraduate degree.

　　GRE scores are not required. TOEFL is required for foreign applicants, with exceptions.

　　TOEFL iBT -80 , IELTS -overall minimum score of 7 and no scores less than 6 on any individual module. For the paper-based test, a minimum score of 550

　　Completion of a Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with degree standards equivalent to those of the University of California.

　　Minimum cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or its equivalent.

　　

English language requirements

　　7.0

　　Overall IELTS band score

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　　TOEFL Internet based overall score: 80.0

　　

Application deadline:

This date isn’t available – speak to an IDP counsellor to get detailed information.

　　

Further information

Career outcomesIf you aren’t eligible for the above entry requirements, you might want to explore pathway options at University of California - Irvine. If you want to find out more, please speak to our counsellors.

　　Pathway options to study at this institution

　　

Reviews and rankings

World ranking

　　92nd / 1250

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