Creative Visual Arts (MFA) at Cornell University

Programme overview

The two-year full-time MFA in Creative Visual Arts is an intensive, small and diverse community supporting interdisciplinary and medium-specific practices, with access to Cornell's wide range of fields. Students complete a thesis exhibition at a gallery in New York City. Delivered in person in Ithaca, NY.

Faculty: College of Architecture, Art and Planning | Department: Department of Art | Duration: Two years (4 semesters, 60 credits) | Location: Ithaca, NY, United States

What you will study

The 60 credits comprise 36 studio practice credits (ART 7001, 7002, 8001, 8002), four Graduate Art Seminars, two Professional Practice courses and two electives drawn from any graduate offering at the 5000 level or above.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Two letters of recommendation, academic statement of purpose, official transcripts from every institution attended, and a portfolio of creative work of up to 20 electronic files submitted through SlideRoom. English language proficiency requirement applies. Interviews are held for shortlisted candidates.

USD 32,450 a year (2026-27). M.F.A. (Creative Visual Arts) tuition per year; tuition only. Source

Graduate fields set their own fall and spring admission deadlines; some fields (for example Communication PhD) admit for fall only.

Graduate School applications are submitted online through the Graduate School application; the application fee is $105 (non-refundable, waivers available). Each graduate field sets its own fall and spring deadlines, and many fall between early December and mid-January.

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