APPLICATION DEADLINE – Extended to January 17th, 2025
APPLY NOW AT GRAD DIVISION (Under Visual Art) AND SLIDEROOM
MFA IN VISUAL ART
NON MEDIA SPECIFIC 3 YEAR PROGRAM
MFA
Graduate ProgramMFA IN VISUAL ART
Set in the striking landscape of the San Bernardino Mountains and in close proximity to Los Angeles’ international art scene, the Visual Art MFA program at UC Riverside offers an intensive environment of advanced art research and practice for highly motivated students. We provide a theoretically driven curriculum that prioritizes studio production. An explorative and open approach to both traditional and interdisciplinary media encourages students to experiment and pursue their aesthetic ideas in the media that most benefits their practice. MFA students receive beautiful generously-sized studio spaces (350+sq’ with 12’walls) and have access to excellent state of the art facilities.
The intimate scale of the program boasts an unusual student-to-faculty ratio of 12 to 8 that allows for deeply engaging interactions with the nationally and internationally exhibiting faculty members. Central to our program is the dynamic visiting artist lecture series which provides students with the opportunity to engage with eighteen internationally recognized artists, curators, and critics through lectures and studio visits each year, broadening and intensifying the discourse. The core of the program is independent creative work done in consultation with faculty. As a world-class research university, students are also encouraged to take advantage of the diverse course offerings in other programs and departments.
Full-time Faculty: Brandon Lattu, Charles Long, Lynne Marsh, Yunhee Min, Amir Zaki, and Anna Betbeze
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The MFA is designed to be completed in 3 years (9 quarters) of full-time work (at least 12 units per quarter). Students will receive a degree in Visual Art. The course of study is not characterized by medium.
Students that are accepted into the MFA program are given opportunities to participate in exhibitions including a first and second year exhibition at the Riverside Art Museum, solo and group exhibitions in the Phyllis Gill Gallery on campus, and their thesis exhibition at UCR ARTS. In addition, the department holds two MFA Open Studio Events annually which gives students artist publicity.
During the 3rd year, the Fall and Winter quarters are spent on thesis writing and artwork completion. In Spring, the thesis artwork is presented in a public exhibition along with a written component. A thesis committee comprised of a chairperson and 3 additional members reviews the thesis presentation and written document in an oral discussion.
The MFA program is housed in the Arts Building on the UCR main campus and in a purpose-built studio complex 10 mins away. Students have 24-hour access to state of the art facilities which include photography, video and digital labs and a fully equipped sculpture shop with 3D printing and CNC equipment. Each student is given their own studio to create work during the program.
ADMISSION
Acceptance into the Visual Art MFA program is predicated on acceptance by the UCR Graduate Division. All materials must be received by the January 11 deadline. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Applicant interviews dates are TBD
NOTE: GRE scores are not required for application to Visual Art MFA program.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Application Process
PROSPECTIVE STUDENT TOURS
Prospective applicants are encouraged to attend a virtual or in-person information session to learn more about the MFA program and the application process. Sessions include a virtual tour of the campus facilities and graduate studios as well as a Q&A with faculty, current MFA students, and recent graduates. To register for an information session, click the link of the date you would like to attend and you will be taken to the meeting registration page. All event times are listed in PST. Online information sessions are offered free of charge.
Fall 2026 Applicants
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TBA