Art

The M.F.A. in art is a 60-credit program combining coursework and applied learning experiences. Students build technical expertise while gaining hands-on experience in the field.

View the program handbook

Explore program courses in the University Catalog

Related clubs and organizations

• American Institute of Graphic Artists
• Integrated Designers, Educators, and Artists
• College Art Association
• National Association of Educators of Art
• Student Congress of Art & Architecture
• Visual Arts Community
• Art & Design Graduate Students

Internships

The College of Art and Architecture has strong industry connections providing internship and networking opportunities that are crucial as you establish your career.

• Museums
• Galleries
• Public schools (teaching practicum required for art education majors)
• Public agencies
• Private firms in architecture, landscape architecture, interior design or graphic design
• Art nonprofits
• Community centers 

University of Idaho is committed to making graduate education accessible and helping students navigate the cost of earning an advanced degree. In addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities, many graduate students receive funding through assistantships, research opportunities and other forms of academic support.

Here are a few key resources to help you understand graduate tuition, funding opportunities and available financial support:

• Submit your FAFSA: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is an important first step in accessing federal financial aid and certain institutional funding opportunities.  
• Estimate your cost of attendance: Visit U of I’s cost of attendance page to explore estimated tuition, fees and living expenses associated with your graduate program.  
• View a breakdown of tuition and fees: Visit the Student Accounts page to explore current tuition rates, fees and detailed cost information based on your program, residency status and enrollment level.
• Explore scholarships and graduate funding opportunities: Graduate students may qualify for scholarships, fellowships and other funding opportunities based on academic achievement, area of study and professional experience.  
• Learn about assistantships: Many graduate programs offer Research Assistantships (RAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) or Graduate Assistantships (GAs), which may provide tuition support, stipends and valuable professional experience. Assistantship availability and funding levels vary by program and department.  
• Connect with your program: Some graduate funding opportunities are coordinated directly through academic departments or faculty research projects. Prospective students are encouraged to review department funding information and speak with program representatives about available opportunities.  

If you have questions about financial aid, scholarships or graduate funding, U of I’s experienced financial aid counselors and graduate program staff can help you explore options and make informed financial decisions throughout the admissions process.  

View financial aid resources

Art and Architecture graduate program professional fees  

This program includes a professional fee to support studio resources, equipment and opportunities, like field trips, that enhance your learning experience:

• All full-time graduate students (10-20 credits) - $725.00 per semester
• Part-time graduate students (1-9 credits) - $81.00 per credit

Estimate your total cost of attendance, including tuition, fees, housing, books and other educational expenses 

Have questions about the program, research opportunities or the graduate student experience? Connect with our program team for personalized guidance about curriculum, faculty mentorship, application requirements and graduate funding opportunities. 

Art and Design contact:
Aaron Johnson
acjohnson@uidaho.edu 

For questions related to admissions, application materials, transcripts or enrollment steps, contact Graduate Admissions:

Graduate Admissions contact:
graduateadmissions@uidaho.edu 
208-885-4001

Interested in research areas or finding a faculty mentor? Explore faculty expertise, research interests and advising opportunities on the department’s faculty page.

Find Master of Fine Art program faculty advisors 

Program availability:

• Concentration: Thesis
• Semester intake: Fall
  • Eligible for out-of-state tuition waiver through the Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP) for qualifying applicants
  • Open to international applicants, including those requiring F-1 visa status
• Deadlines: Applicants who wish to be considered for Departmental funding must submit and complete their application by January 15. Fore more information, view the General application deadlines
• Start dates: View the academic calendar to see start and end dates

University requirements

• Education level: Bachelor's degree in a similar or related field from an accredited or recognized institution (earned or expected before the start of the graduate program)
  • Transcripts for all post-secondary education will be required. Unofficial transcripts may be used for initial admission review. Official transcripts sent by the issuing institution(s) will be required if admitted. View more information on the Graduate Admissions page.  
• GPA: 3.0 (Applicants with a lower undergraduate GPA who have relevant professional experience in the field, have already earned a graduate degree, or have completed graduate-level credits may still be considered for admission with approval from the academic program.)
• GRE: Not required
• Letters of recommendation: Three
• Resume  
• Statement of Purpose  
• Other requirements: A portfolio of creative works is required for the application. A PDF, approximately 20 pages, 25 megabytes or less, is appropriate. Include: examples of design works, visual or performing art works, writing samples, entrepreneurial endeavors or any other documentation of activities that reflect creativity. Identify the title, size, media used and date of each work presented.
• Valid picture ID (required to verify students’ identity and will be kept confidential)
• English proficiency (for applicants whose education was completed in countries where English is not an official language).  
• Accepted tests: TOEFL: 4.5, IELTS: 6.5, Duolingo: 115, PTE-A: 58. Learn what qualifies as proof of English proficiency.  
• Application Fee: $50 

Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.