UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA · UNITED STATES
MFA in Art Studio
Master's · Taught in en
At a glance
24 mo
Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Master's
Level
- 5-9Students admitted annually
- 12-16Total students in the two-year program
- 250-450 sq ftPrivate graduate studio spaces
- 24/7Access to graduate studios and labs
- Full funding potentialTuition remission and stipend packages
- Comprehensive facilitiesWoodshop, printmaking, foundry, digital labs, and more
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Art Studio program at UC Santa Barbara is a two-year graduate program designed for artists seeking advanced training and studio practice. The program emphasizes a broad spectrum of interests within visual studies, providing students with private studio spaces and access to extensive facilities. Graduates are prepared for further artistic development and engagement with the art world. This program is highly selective, typically admitting 5-9 students annually from a pool of 90-100 applicants. While a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) is not strictly required, an undergraduate degree with an emphasis in visual studies is recommended. The curriculum requires 72 quarter units, including studio courses, theory and criticism, thesis preparation, and electives. Students undergo faculty review at the end of their first year and must complete a final thesis project and written thesis overseen by a faculty committee.
Curriculum
The MFA program requires 72 quarter units, structured across studio work, theory, and thesis development.
- Year 1
- Graduate Studio CoursesArt Studio 244, 261, 591
- Theory and CriticismArt Studio 245 or 594, or approved graduate theory courses
- M.F.A. Thesis PreparatoryArt Studio 593
- ElectivesSelected from various disciplines
- Year 2
- Thesis Project and Writing
Careers
The MFA program prepares graduates for careers in the art world, including exhibition opportunities in various venues and engagement with arts professionals.
- Artist
- Exhibiting Artist
- Art Educator
- Arts Professional
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the MFA in Art Studio program?
- You need an undergraduate degree, preferably with an emphasis in visual studies. International applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL iBT of 80 (taken before Jan 2026), or Duolingo score of 115.
- How much does the MFA in Art Studio program cost for international students?
- The department aims for full funding for all MFA students. For international students in their first year, the department covers out-of-state tuition, and TA appointments can provide a monthly salary to cover living expenses.
- What is the duration of the MFA in Art Studio program?
- The MFA in Art Studio program is a two-year graduate program.
- How can I apply to the MFA in Art Studio program?
- You must complete the online application through the UCSB Graduate Division portal and the Slideroom application for your portfolio. You will also need to submit academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and English proficiency scores if applicable.
- What are the application deadlines?
- The application deadline is in December, but you should check the specific year for the exact date. Letters of recommendation are due by the application deadline or shortly after, and fee waiver requests for eligible applicants are due two weeks before the deadline.
- What are the career prospects after completing the MFA?
- This program prepares graduates for careers as artists, exhibiting artists, art educators, and other arts professionals, with opportunities for exhibition and engagement with arts professionals.
Entry requirements
Undergraduate DegreeA bachelor's degree is required, preferably with an emphasis in visual studies. Artists from diverse academic backgrounds are considered.
IELTS6.5 or higher
TOEFL (iBT)80 or better (taken before Jan 2026)
Duolingo115 or higher
International applicants are not eligible for application fee waivers. English proficiency scores must be submitted by the December test date prior to enrollment and are valid for two years. For TOEFL, only the highest composite score from a single sitting is accepted; MyBest TOEFL scores are not valid.
Fees
Tuition (international)The department aims to provide full funding through tuition/fee remission and stipends. For international students in their first year, the department covers out-of-state tuition with the expectation that California residency will be established in the second year.
Tuition (home)California resident tuition and fees are covered through fellowships or Teaching Assistant (TA) employment.
LivingTA appointments include a monthly salary (approx. $1964 per month at 25% time, $3928 per month at 50% time) to cover living expenses.
While a general breakdown of tuition and fees is available, students funded through fellowships or TA appointments are typically exempt from a significant portion of these costs. More details can be found on the Graduate Division website regarding fees and academic appointments.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the UCSB Graduate Division portal and the Slideroom application for your portfolio.
2. Submit Letters of RecommendationEnsure that recommenders submit letters directly to both the UCSB application and the Slideroom application. These should be received by the application deadline or shortly thereafter.
3. Upload PortfolioSubmit your artistic work through the Slideroom platform as part of your application.
4. Submit English Proficiency ScoresIf applicable, have official IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo scores sent directly from the testing agency to UCSB Admissions.
5. Request Fee Waiver (if eligible)US citizens and permanent residents may request a fee waiver by submitting a request online via the application's Payment Information tab at least two weeks before the deadline. Fee waivers are not available for international applicants.
Scholarships
Central Recruitment Fellowship$22,000 - $24,000 (first year stipend) + Fee remission
Departmental Fellowships/StipendsVaries (may cover out-of-state tuition or be provided as a stipend)
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the MFA in Art Studio program?
+
You need an undergraduate degree, preferably with an emphasis in visual studies. International applicants must also demonstrate English proficiency with a minimum IELTS score of 6.5, TOEFL iBT of 80 (taken before Jan 2026), or Duolingo score of 115.
How much does the MFA in Art Studio program cost for international students?
+
The department aims for full funding for all MFA students. For international students in their first year, the department covers out-of-state tuition, and TA appointments can provide a monthly salary to cover living expenses.
What is the duration of the MFA in Art Studio program?
+
The MFA in Art Studio program is a two-year graduate program.
How can I apply to the MFA in Art Studio program?
+
You must complete the online application through the UCSB Graduate Division portal and the Slideroom application for your portfolio. You will also need to submit academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and English proficiency scores if applicable.
What are the application deadlines?
+
The application deadline is in December, but you should check the specific year for the exact date. Letters of recommendation are due by the application deadline or shortly after, and fee waiver requests for eligible applicants are due two weeks before the deadline.
What are the career prospects after completing the MFA?
+
This program prepares graduates for careers as artists, exhibiting artists, art educators, and other arts professionals, with opportunities for exhibition and engagement with arts professionals.