Graduate Programs (MA/MFA)

MA in ART Degree

The Master of Arts (MA) is a 30-unit graduate degree program that provides opportunities for individualized and advanced study in a range of areas: art education, art history, animation, design, fashion, fiber and materials, and studio arts. This program offers students a combination of shared interdisciplinary courses and direct mentorship with faculty in the student’s area of interest. The Master of Arts degree helps students gain a stronger educational and experiential basis for a professional career and provides a solid foundation to those looking to pursue further graduate study.

MFA in ART Degree

The Master of Fine Arts degree (MFA) is a 60-unit graduate program offered in the Design Option (Graphic Design/Visual Communication, Animation) or the Studio Arts Option (Drawing, Painting, Photography, Ceramics, Sculpture, New Genres). The MFA degree is a highly selective, rigorous program for students who have already achieved a strong direction and focus in their work and a high level of technical proficiency in a specific discipline in the Design Option or Studio Arts Option. The program’s goal is to develop students into professional artists capable of producing high quality work for public exhibition and presentation, or professional designers well-positioned to be leaders in their industry. MFA graduates are qualified to teach at the university level, and are prepared to take their place within the visual arts or design communities and to make a significant contribution to their fields.

Graduate Application Information

The Department of Art requires students to submit all application materials to the University via the CalStateApply website. Applications submission will open on CalStateApply beginning October 1st with a deadline on February 15th. The Art Department only admits new graduate students once a year for the Fall.

Application materials must be submitted prior to the application deadline. Applications that are late or incomplete will not be considered for admission.

Graduate Program Guidelines

If you have questions not answered here, you may email the department graduate advisor at [email protected]. Please read all cited websites for MA and MFA program information first.

Graduate Program Screening Forms

MA in Art (interdisciplinary) 

MFA in Art

College MA/MFA Forms

University Graduate Studies Forms and Petitions

Department of Art Graduate Forms and Petitions