MFA Visual Arts at University of North Dakota

Programme overview

Immerse yourself in your studio practice and prepare for a dynamic career in the world of art. The practice of art is a powerful expression of values. An M.F.A. in visual art from UND gives you the tools to define your practice, sharpen your skills and make your mark as an artist.

Department: Department of Art & Design | Duration: 2-3 years (60 credit hours) | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall (Feb. 15) | Location: Grand Forks, ND, United States

What you will study

The program consists of 60 total credits hours in conjunction with the MFA Program Requirements. *At least 30 credits must be at 500-level or above.

Career pathways

A master's degree in visual arts is a valuable asset in an increasingly visual world. An M.F.A. from UND prepares you to run your own studio, teach art, curate exhibits and much more. Roles include Studio art, Art education and directors, Museum/gallery administration, Critical thinking.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

In addition to the School of Graduate Studies’ general admission requirements , the minimal admission requirements for the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Arts degree program are: An undergraduate bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university. At least a 2.75 overall GPA and at least a 3.00 GPA for the last two years of undergraduate work; and/or a 3.00 GPA or better on all graduate coursework (all based on a 4.00 scale). Satisfy the School of Graduate Studies’ English Language Proficiency requirements as published in the graduate catalog. Additional Admission Requirements for the MFA in Visual Arts Program These additional admission materials must be attached in the Optional Uploads Section of the application: Image Portfolio : Applicants to the program are primarily evaluated on the strength of their portfolio. Applicants must submit an image portfolio of 20 images that best represent their work.

Domestic applicants: USD 13,441 a year (2026-27). North Dakota resident rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. The same table lists Minnesota residents $17 Source

International applicants: USD 26,882 a year (2026-27). International student rate. On-campus tuition for 2026/2027 as shown in the programme's tuition table (fall and spring semesters, rate band 'Arts & Science'); excludes mandatory student fees, housing and books. Source

Terms run Fall (August-December), Spring (January-May) and Summer (May-August).

Graduate applications go through the UND admissions application with a $35 non-refundable fee (no waivers); each graduate program sets its own deadline, listed in the Program Finder. Three academic or professional references and a statement of goals are required.

International graduate applicants: Fall May 1, Spring Sept. 1, Summer Feb. 1, unless the program sets a specific deadline. Application fee $35.

Apply through the official page: https://und.edu/admissions/graduate/apply.html

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