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SVMA GRADUATE PROGRAM APPLICATION

Online Application must be submitted by February 15. For assistance, contact our Program Coordinator at 406-243-4181.. .

General Requirements

There are three separate Master’s Programs in the School of Visual and Media Arts:

  • MFA in Art
  • MFA in Media Arts.
  • MA in Art

Applicants need to have an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in an art-related field (Fine Art, Design, Media Arts, Architecture, Art Education, Photojournalism, Scene Design, Film) OR a degree in another area with a strong portfolio.  Students need to have a 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale), or can apply for probationary acceptance with a B average in undergraduate major courses.

The School of Visual and Media Arts does not require the GRE.

We welcome visits to our campus by prospective students. Tours and meetings with professors can be arranged.


Application Materials

For all degree areas you will need the following materials:

  • Official transcripts from all colleges and universities you have attended (excluding University of Montana).  Transcripts may also be transmitted electronically through the National Student Clearinghouse.
  • Three Professional Letters of Recommendation
  • Application fee.
  • International Students submit TOEFL, IELTS or MELAB exam. (Applicant must meet minimum University of Montana score).  See the International Student Admission section on this web site.

M.F.A. and M.A. in Studio Art additionally require:

  • Digital portfolio. 20 images (jpeg format, 800 pixels-wide maximum). When you upload, you will be asked to provide title, dimensions, materials and date for each image.
  • Statement of Intent. Approx. 2 pages, double-spaced document addressing academic goals for graduate study.
  • Artist Statement. Approx. 1 page, double-space document addressing the origin and nature of your portfolio work. **Note: please upload to field titled “Essay“.
  • Curriculum Vitae.

NOTE: If an applicant has less than 30 studio and Art History credits, additional coursework may be required.


M.F.A Media Arts additionally require:

  • Portfolio. We understand that each student will have their unique combination of elements. It is not required to have works in all areas. Options include:
    • Written work—total no more than 10 pages as a pdf.
    • Photographs and other still images of work (jpeg 800 pixels wide max). No more than 20 images.
    • Film and Video—time-based narrative work should contain examples totaling no more than 5 minutes per piece, please include link in application.
    • You will be asked to provide : title, dimensions, materials and date for each images/works if they are of non-digital, your production role for work if collaborative, and titles of individual works when applicable.
  • Statement of intent: approx. 2 page double-spaced document addressing academic goals for graduate study.
  • Curriculum Vitae, listing your artistic journey as well as the other jobs and professional interactions that have made up your work profile to this point.

Online Application must be submitted by February 15.  

If you prefer a paper application, or send transcripts directly, please contact the Graduate School at grad.school@umontana.edu  (406) 243-2572. 

Note on applying for Teaching Assistantships: These are generally granted to second- and third-year students only.  However, in special circumstances first-year students are occasionally considered for Teaching Assistantships.  Application and Instructions can be found at Teaching Assistantship.