Studio Art M.F.A. Graduate Application Process

M.F.A. Programs in Studio Art

In the Department of Studio Art, we serve our M.F.A. students by focusing on their intellectual and creative growth, fostering their professional and studio-based practice, and preparing them for a lifetime of accomplishment and meaningful contributions as culture creators. The program frames the individual needs of each student through the development of conceptual, aesthetic, and technical skills. While in the program, students engage with theory and practices across disciplines while engaging in the critical practice of the fine arts. Housed in a world-class Tier-1 research institute, CVAD is a short drive from the vibrant cultural and art centers of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.

Our graduate program is led by engaged artists and educators recognized nationally and internationally for their intellectual and creative research. The studio art faculty are passionate and work tirelessly to ensure students realize their potential. 

We support a multiplicity of student investigations and welcome applicants into one or multiple areas of study, including ceramics, drawing and painting, metalsmithing and jewelry, new media art, photography, printmaking and sculpture. Once accepted to the program, students form an interdisciplinary cohort where they engage in deep and sustained studio practice and expand their critical and historical knowledge of art. 

We are proud of our program's diverse means of research modes and art-making processes and the many successes of our M.F.A. graduates who make their impact through creative inquiry, scholarship and innovation. Our M.F.A. students are passionate, skilled, dedicated and have a unique vision.

The M.F.A. degree in Studio Art is a 60-credit-hour program culminating in an exhibition.

Visiting Artists Program

Visiting artists, scholars, and critics are integral to our program's pedagogy. Students gain direct exposure to national and internationally known artists and scholars through lectures, private studio visits, critiques and seminars. Recent visiting artists include the following.

Catalogs of M.F.A. Student Work

2023-2024  |  2022-2023|  2021-2022  |  2020-2021  |  2019-2020  |  2018-2019   |  2017-2018  

M.F.A. in Studio Art Graduate Application Process

The priority deadline for all application materials: Feb. 1 for Fall enrollment.

Note: The GRE is not required for the M.F.A. in Studio Art.

Advising, Art Building Tours: For questions about specific concentrations or to arrange a tour, please contact the program advisor for your area of interest. Please visit the web page for Graduate Advisors. 

Follow the Application Steps

Complete both of the following steps in advance of the annual deadline.

Step 1: Application to the Department of Studio Art

1. Portfolio of artwork: This should be 15-20 images of your recent work.  Label each image with your name, title, medium, size, and date; or include an image list with this information.
2. Artist Statement: A brief statement addressing the artwork submitted.
3. Statement of Intent: A brief statement about why you are interested in attending graduate school and a declaration of your intended concentration in art.
4. Resume or Artist CV: Your resume should include relevant professional experience and an exhibition record if you have one.
5. Two letters of recommendation: Applicants must provide contact information for at least two recommenders with their application materials in Slideroom. Your recommenders will receive an email from Slideroom to enter their recommendation.
6. Teaching Assistant/Teaching Fellow, TA/TF, Application: Apply for a fellowship or assistantship position. Read the details and instructions on the CVAD Fellowships and Assistantships web page.
7. Scholarships: Apply online at the Toulouse Graduate School and read CVAD's Paying for College web page for graduate scholarship opportunities.

Preparation of the portfolio for UNT SlideRoom

Step 2: Appy to UNT

Apply to UNT through the UNT Apply Now web page.

Note: If the minimum GPA requirements are met, the Admissions Office will forward your admissions packet to our department for further review. You must meet the admission requirements of UNT, including a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a bachelor's degree if applying without a master's degree.

Important Note: Admission to the M.F.A. Program in Studio Art is not guaranteed because UNT Admission accepts you. Admission to the graduate program in Studio Art is competitive and not determined by any single criterion but by the decision of the faculty members in the department based on all the materials and information submitted.

Contact Information

Department of Studio Art: 940-369-7671, cvad.Studio@unt.edu, Art Building, Room 230. Important: Be sure to set an appointment before dropping into the office.

Graduate Students: Please visit the web page for Graduate Program Advisors.

Note: Should you need reasonable accommodation due to a disability to fully participate in a CVAD event, please contact the CVAD Dean's Office, cvad@unt.edu, 940-565-4001. For voice access, dial 1-800-RELAYTX (735-2989). Please make the request as soon as possible to allow sufficient time to arrange the accommodation.