BFA Art at Carnegie Mellon University

Programme overview

By combining conceptual thinking with hands-on studio work, students harness their knowledge, passions and perspectives to create art that both engages with and shapes the world.

Faculty: College of Fine Arts | Department: School of Art | Study mode: full-time | Location: Pittsburgh, PA, United States

What you will study

Foundations studios in the first half, then intermediate and advanced studios in drawing, painting, printmaking and photography; sculpture, installation and site-work; electronic and time-based media; and social practice, plus critical studies, professional development and university academic courses.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

College-level (School of Art): Common Application, high school record, test scores, counselor evaluation, teacher recommendation, essay and supplement, plus a required portfolio. High school courses: 4 years English, 10 electives.

USD 69,702 a year (2026-27). Undergraduate tuition for first-years entering Fall 2026 (per-unit rate $969); the same single tuition rate is stated for all undergraduates (resident and commuter columns). One rate for all students, no separate domestic/international rate stated. Exclud Source

First-year tuition page covers first-years entering Fall 2026; fall transfer applications are accepted for Fall entry at all colleges.

Fall transfer admission is offered at all colleges and schools, with notification by May 17 (May 1 notification for the College of Fine Arts).

Early Decision (binding) deadline is November 2, with notification by December 15 and enrolment deposit by February 1. Early Decision is not available for the School of Drama, BXA Design programmes or the School of Music.

Regular Decision deadline is January 4, with notification no later than April 1 and enrolment by May 1. The Schools of Drama and Music Regular Decision deadline is December 1.

Fall transfer deadline is February 16 (supporting documents by March 1) for all colleges except Fine Arts; for the College of Fine Arts the deadline is December 1 for Drama and Music and January 5 for Architecture, Art and Design (supporting documents by February 16).

Applications are submitted online through the Common Application exclusively.

Standardized tests: the School of Computer Science requires an SAT or ACT score; the College of Engineering, Dietrich College and Heinz College Information Systems are test flexible (scores required, choice of SAT, ACT, IB, AP, A-Level or French Baccalaureate); the College of Fine Arts is test optional and requires portfolios or auditions.

Apply through the official page: https://www.cmu.edu/admission/admission/apply

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