DEGREES OFFERED

ADMISSION

There are three separate Master’s Programs in the School of Visual and Media Arts: the MFA and MA in Art and the MFA in Media Arts.

Applicants need to have an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in an art-related field (Fine Art, Design, Media Arts, Architecture, Art Education, Photojournalism, Scene Design, Film) or a degree in another area with a strong portfolio. Students need to have a 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale), or can apply for probationary acceptance with a B average in undergraduate major courses.

The School of Visual and Media Arts does not require the GRE.

We welcome visits to our campus by prospective students. Tours and meetings with professors can be arranged.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

For all degree areas you will need the following materials:

1. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended (excluding University of Montana).  Transcripts may also be transmitted electronically through the National Student Clearinghouse.
2. Application fee.
3. International Students submit TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB exam. (Applicant must meet minimum University of Montana score).  See the International Student Admission section on this web site.

M.F.A. and M.A. in Studio Art additionally require:

1. 3 Professional Letters of Recommendation
2. Digital portfolio. 20 images (jpeg format, 800 pixels-wide maximum). Provide title, dimensions, materials or processes and date for each image.
3. Statement of Intent. An essay addressing your academic goals for your graduate study. Why are you interested in attending graduate school, what do you hope to gain from your education and why the University of Montana?  Approx. 1-2 pages, double-spaced document.
4. Artist Statement. An essay addressing the origin and nature of the artwork in your portfolio. Approx. 1 page, double-space document  **Note: please upload to field titled “Essay“.
5. Curriculum Vitae.

NOTE: If an applicant has less than 30 studio and Art History credits, additional coursework may be mandated by the Selection Committee and/or the Director of the School of Art.

 M.F.A Media Arts additionally require:

1. 3 Professional Letters of Recommendation
2. Portfolio. We understand that each student will have their unique combination of elements. It is not required to have works in all areas. Options include:
3. Written work—total no more than 10 pages as a pdf.
4. Photographs and other still images of work (jpeg 800 pixels wide max). No more than 20 images.
5. Film and Video—time-based narrative work should contain examples totaling no more than 5 minutes per piece, please include link in application.
6. You will be asked to provide title, dimensions, materials and date for each images/works if they are of non-digital, your production role for work if collaborative, and titles of individual works when applicable.
7. Statement of intent: approx. 2 page double-spaced document addressing academic goals for graduate study.
8. Curriculum Vitae, listing your artistic journey as well as the other jobs and professional interactions that have made up your work profile to this point.

APPLICATION DEADLINES

For M.F.A. and M.A. Online Application  Completed applications must be submitted by February 15th.

For CERPB  Online Application are accepted year round.

ADMISSION APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Fill out the online application, there are three steps involved in the application process.

1. Fill out and submit the Graduate Program portion of the application that comes up when you click the above link. An email will be sent to you with a link to setup your account and finish your application.
2. Click the link in your email and complete the rest of the application fields and submit.
3. You will be directed to your application status portal. You will be able to pay your application fee and upload supplemental materials on this page. You will also receive another email with a link to this page so you can log in later and complete these steps and track your application progress.

• For Media Arts applications received after this date will be considered based on space availability.

If you prefer to have paper transcripts sent directly, please contact the Graduate School at grad.school@umontana.edu  (406) 243-2572. 

Note on applying for Teaching Assistantships: These are generally granted to second- and third-year students only.  However, in special circumstances first-year students are occasionally considered for Teaching Assistantships.  Application and Instructions can be found at Teaching Assistantship.

SCHOOL OF VISUAL AND MEDIA ARTS WEBSITE

Campus Location
The School of Visual and Media Arts
The University of Montana
32 Campus Drive, FA 205
Missoula, MT 59812-5400

(406) 243-4181