MFA Art at University of California, Los Angeles

Programme overview

The MFA curriculum fosters the development of a sustained artistic practice through exploration, experimentation, and intensive studio work and study. Opened in Fall 2019, the UCLA Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studios provide individual and communal work spaces for MFA art students with a flexible design that considers the nature of contemporary artistic practice.

Faculty: School of the Arts and Architecture | Department: Art | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Los Angeles, CA, United States

What you will study

Areas of study: Ceramics, interdisciplinary studio, new genres, painting and drawing, photography, and sculpture. A minimum of 72 units in the department in upper-division and graduate level courses is required, with a B average or better. Within those 72 units, a minimum of 40 quarter units in the 200 series must be taken, including four units (one course) of Art 276 in the first quarter in residence at UCLA, and then at least once per academic year thereafter until completion of the degree; a minimum of 24 quarter units in the field of specialization; and eight units of Art C280.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Application deadline: January 9, 2027. GRE: Not required. Letters of recommendation: Not required. In addition to the University's minimum requirements, all applicants are expected to submit a statement of purpose, a short statement about the artwork, and the names and contact information for three references. Applicants to all areas also are required to submit still images (maximum of 20); these must be received by the Art department no later than January 9th. Applicants may also submit time-based media, if appropriate. Applicants should refer to Portfolio Guidelines at the departmental website for specific instructions.

Most graduate departments and schools have deadlines in November and early December for the following fall term.

Graduate application fee: $135 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, $155 for all other applicants, $200 for the Global Executive MBA for Asia Pacific, Master of Financial Engineering and MS in Business Analytics; nonrefundable, paid by card with the online Application for Graduate Admission.

Executive MBA: rolling admission for fall entry; Round 1 December 1, 2026, Round 2 February 1, 2027, Round 3 May 1, 2027; application fee $200.

Apply through the official page: https://grad.ucla.edu/admissions/steps-to-apply/

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