Art
Master of Fine Arts
Art without boundaries
Designed for aspiring professional studio artists and artists who want a career in academia, the Master of Fine Arts in art program emphasizes an integrated approach to art making and design that goes beyond traditional boundaries and allows you to define your own path as a studio artist.
Through intensive studio training, you will explore the intersections of drawing, mixed media, sculpture, painting, printmaking, graphic design, interface and information design and other disciplines across U of I. While you can specialize in an area or medium that best fits your talents, our unique program offers the flexibility to work across disciplines to explore new perspectives and develop your creative versatility.
Areas of concentration include painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, graphic design, printmaking, and interface design; or you can also personalize your studies by combining two or more of these areas. M.F.A. students also have access to private studio space in the Department of Art and Design’s Graduate Art Studios (GAS House).
This terminal degree culminates in a thesis featuring a solo exhibition of your professional quality work and a written explanation of the creative process, concepts and theories behind your art.
Overview
Related Topics
Where vision meets versatility
Degree fit
This program will be a good fit if you:
- Want to become a professional studio artist.
- Are interested in teaching art at a college or university.
- Reframe your perspectives as an artist.
- Augment your talents to meet professional demands.
- Are self-motivated, creative, open-minded and disciplined.
Career outcomes
Current job openings
1,445 in ID, WA, OR, MT and HIPotential careers and starting salaries
- Postsecondary Art, Drama, and Music Teachers
$48,689 - Elementary School Teachers
$53,111 - Self-Enrichment Education Teachers
$26,581 - Secondary School Teachers
$51,531 - Middle School Teachers
$52,900
* Career data provided by Lightcast.
Financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Financial aid
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, but U of I’s Financial Aid Office is here to help. Our experienced financial aid counselors can assist you in exploring financial aid options, making informed financial decisions and addressing common concerns.
To maximize aid and scholarship possibilities, be sure to complete your FAFSA. For information on FAFSA deadlines and answers to common questions, visit the University of Idaho FAFSA website.
Plan ahead — estimate your cost of attendance with U of I’s Cost Calculator.
Professional fees
CAA’s Professional Fee directly supports essential resources such as design studios, specialized equipment, student groups and more. Fee costs are:
- All full-time students (10-20 credits) - $716.00 per semester
- Part-time undergraduate students (1-9 credits) - $72.00 per credit
- Part-time graduate students - $80.00 per credit (does not exceed $716)
Clubs and involvement opportunities
Involvement opportunities
Explore your passion for art and design while collaborating with your classmates, building new skills and gaining experience that you can put on your resume. Find a student group in the College of Art and Architecture where you belong:
- American Institute of Architecture Students
- American Institute of Graphic Artists
- American Society of Interior Designers
- Freedom by Design
- Integrated Designers, Educators and Artists
- National Association of Educators of Art
- New World Design Build
- Student Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architecture
- Student Congress of Art & Architecture
- Tau Sigma Delta - Honor Society
- Virtual Design Society
- Visual Arts Community
Internships in studio art and design
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
- Libraries
- 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
Application information
Applicants for the M.F.A. art program must meet the following admission requirements:
- Education level: Bachelor's (Design, Studio Art or equivalent)
- GPA: 3.0
- GRE: No
- TOEFL/IELTS: 79/6.5
- Number of references: 3
- Other requirements: Portfolio*
Visit Graduate Admissions to learn more and start your application.
*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.