MFA Design|Media Arts at University of California, Los Angeles

Programme overview

The three-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program fosters mature, professional-quality work utilizing the most current technologies in the field of media arts. The program focuses on developing an individual thesis project that incorporates in-depth research and theoretical exploration of a topic, culminating in a final exhibition of work.

What you will study

Areas of study: Media Arts: interactive media, time-based work, virtual environments, and information spaces. A minimum of 101 quarter units of upper division and graduate Design | Media Arts courses is required. 52 of the 101 units require letter grades; 16 units require S/U grades. Required courses in the first year: DESMA 200, 252A, 252B, 252C, 269, 282, and 403 (taken in Fall and Spring) for a total of 28 units. Required courses in the second year: DESMA 266, 269, 403 (taken in Fall and Spring) for a total of 11 units. Required courses in the third year: DESMA 299, 403 (taken in Fall and Spring) for a total of 6 units.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Application deadline: January 4, 2027. GRE: Not required. Letters of recommendation: 2. In addition to the University's minimum requirements and those listed above, all applicants are expected to submit a statement of purpose, artist statement, and faculty choice statement. A portfolio consisting of up to 10 pieces of original work (up to five of which can be videos) is required. Applicants should visit the department's website for specific portfolio guidelines. The applicant's bachelor's degree need not be in Design | Media Arts; applicants with degrees in interdisciplinary programs that emphasize media arts are preferred. Applicants are expected to have working knowledge of a variety of software.

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/

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities