A UM School of Visual and Media Arts student adjusts a hanging cloud piece before an art gallery show.

School of Visual and Media Arts

Our Graduate Program is rigorous and expansive, encouraging individual development in a dynamic community.

SVMA's two MFA programs, Studio and Media Arts, strongly support the individual student's focus while immersing them in a broad and interdisciplinary graduate education which reflects contemporary creative practices. students are encouraged to explore across media while diving deeply into ideas and process. They have access to faculty with diverse interests, and broad facilities to discover new and exciting possibilities. 

Two SVMA MFA programs

Media Arts 

The Media Arts MFA Program is committed to training its students to be vital contributors to a culture that has an increasing demand for media literate artists, teachers, and collaborators who are engaged and adept across disciplines. The program attracts a diverse group of artists who bring their media skills together to work in a vibrant, interdisciplinary community. Students work closely with professors and peers, who have a wide range of practices including: screenwriting, narrative, documentary and experimental filmmaking, game design, animation, sonic arts, as well as interactive and immersive media installation work. 

This program is ideal for students who:

  • are self-motivated, skilled in at least one discipline of the above arts but are motivated to push their boundaries into other areas.
  • who want structure, deadlines, and critical responses to assist them in their development but also the freedom to implement work in a variety of ways. 
  • who will likely pursue their primary area of focus, but also would like to integrate with other disciplines, both in projects and theoretical discussions. 

Contact Michael Murphy for questions.

Studio Arts

SVMA strongly believes in a broad and interdisciplinary graduate education which reflects contemporary creative practice. Students are encouraged to explore across media, while diving deeply into ideas and process. They have access to faculty with diverse interests, and broad facilities to discover new and exciting possibilities. These include digital fabrication equipment, kilns, welding, woodshops, digital studios, printing presses, and large installation spaces. Many students also work with Media Arts faculty with specialties in sonic, film, and design. 

During their studies, students work closely with professors, engage in rich exchange of ideas with fellow classmates, and join a culture of experimentation and innovation. 

 Contact Julia Galloway for questions.

                                                 Admissions

  • For all degree areas you will need the following materials:

    M.F.A. and M.A. in Studio Art Additionally Require: 

    1. Digital portfolio. 20 images (jpeg format, 800 pixels-wide maximum). When you upload, you will be asked to provide title, dimensions, materials, and date for each image. 
    2. Statement of intent. Approx. 2 pages, double-spaced document addressing academic goals for graduate study. 
    3. Artist Statement. Approx. 1 page, double-spaced document addressing the origin and nature of your portfolio work. *Note: please upload to field titled "Essay". 
    4. Curriculum Vitae 
    5. Questions? Please contact julia.galloway@mso.umt.edu

  • M.F.A. Media Arts Additionally Requires:

    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.

  • M.F.A. and M.A. in Studio Art Additionally Require: 

    1. Digital portfolio. 20 images (jpeg format, 800 pixels-wide maximum). When you upload, you will be asked to provide title, dimensions, materials, and date for each image. 
    2. Statement of intent. Approx. 2 pages, double-spaced document addressing academic goals for graduate study. 
    3. Artist Statement. Approx. 1 page, double-spaced document addressing the origin and nature of your portfolio work. *Note: please upload to field titled "Essay". 
    4. Curriculum Vitae 

    NOTE: If an applicant has less than 30 studio and Art History credits, additional coursework may be required.