Master of Fine Arts (MFA)
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a graduate-level degree in the US focused on advanced artistic practice, preparing students for professional creative careers or teaching roles.
Careers open to visual and performing arts graduates
Institutions awarding this level in visual and performing arts (533)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- New York University · New York
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- New School · New York
- Savannah College of Art and Design · Savannah
- Full Sail University · Winter Park
- Yale University · New Haven
- Pratt Institute-Main · Brooklyn
- Berklee College of Music · Boston
- Manhattan School of Music · New York
- Maryland Institute College of Art · Baltimore
- Indiana University Bloomington · Bloomington
- Columbia University · New York
- Northwestern University · Evanston
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago · Chicago
- Academy of Art University · San Francisco
- Boston University · Boston
- American Film Institute Conservatory · Los Angeles
- New York Film Academy · Burbank
- New England Conservatory of Music · Boston
- Florida State University · Tallahassee
- DePaul University · Chicago
- Carnegie Mellon University · Pittsburgh
- School of Visual Arts · New York
- California Institute of the Arts · Valencia
- University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati
- Chapman University · Orange
- University of California-Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- The University of Texas at Austin · Austin
- Juilliard School · New York
- Liberty University · Lynchburg
- University of Miami · Coral Gables
- University of Central Florida · Orlando
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore
- Bowling Green State University · Bowling Green
- Ohio University Lancaster · Athens
- San Francisco Conservatory of Music · San Francisco
- Southern Utah University · Cedar City
- Longy School of Music of Bard College · Cambridge
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion · Tempe
- Sotheby's Institute of Art-NY · New York
- University of Houston · Houston
- Brooklyn College · Brooklyn
- Bard College · Annandale-On-Hudson
- University of Rochester · Rochester
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Urbana
- University of Iowa · Iowa City
- California State University, Northridge · Northridge
- Regent University · Virginia Beach
- University of North Texas · Denton
- Loyola Marymount University · Los Angeles
- University of North Carolina School of the Arts · Winston Salem
- Roosevelt University · Chicago
- California College of the Arts · San Francisco
- Colorado State University-Fort Collins · Fort Collins
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- Hunter College · New York
- Michigan State University · East Lansing
- Eastern Illinois University · Charleston
- University of Florida · Gainesville
- Syracuse University · Syracuse
- Harvard University · Cambridge
- American University · Washington
- Cranbrook Academy of Art · Bloomfield Hills
- University of Hartford · West Hartford
- California State University, Long Beach · Long Beach
- Rhode Island School of Design · Providence
- University of Colorado Boulder · Boulder
- George Washington University · Washington
- University of Georgia · Athens
- University of Missouri-Kansas City · Kansas City
- University of Idaho · Moscow
- Rice University · Houston
- Fashion Institute of Technology · New York
- University of Maryland-College Park · College Park
- George Mason University · Fairfax
- Georgia State University · Atlanta
- Columbia College Chicago · Chicago
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- University of Oregon · Eugene
- Vermont College of Fine Arts · Montpelier
- Kent State University at Kent · Kent
- University of Delaware · Newark
- California State University, Fullerton · Fullerton
- Cleveland Institute of Music · Cleveland
- ArtCenter College of Design · Pasadena
- Mary Baldwin University · Staunton
- Washington University in St Louis · Saint Louis
- Tufts University · Medford
- CUNY Graduate School and University Center · New York
- New York School of Interior Design · New York
- Southern Methodist University · Dallas
- Drexel University · Philadelphia
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College · Baton Rouge
- San Francisco State University · San Francisco
- Pace University · New York
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus · Albuquerque
- New York Academy of Art · New York
- Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond
- Illinois State University · Normal
- California State University Los Angeles · Los Angeles
- Kansas State University · Manhattan
- Pacific Northwest College of Art · Portland
- Kennesaw State University · Kennesaw
- Texas Woman's University · Denton
- Lindenwood University · Saint Charles
- Minneapolis College of Art and Design · Minneapolis
- University of Oklahoma · Norman
- Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus
- Texas Tech University · Lubbock
- University of Alabama · Tuscaloosa
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville · Knoxville
- University at Buffalo · Buffalo
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick
- Northern Illinois University · DeKalb
- University of California-Davis · Davis
- University of Massachusetts-Amherst · Amherst
- East Texas A&M University · Commerce
- Texas State University · San Marcos
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro · Greensboro
- West Virginia University · Morgantown
- University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia
- Stephen F. Austin State University · Nacogdoches
- Rochester Institute of Technology · Rochester
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus · University Park
- Messiah University · Mechanicsburg
- Missouri State University · Springfield
- University of Northern Colorado · Greeley
- Wayne State University · Detroit
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas · Las Vegas
- Shenandoah University · Winchester
- Baylor University · Waco
- Azusa Pacific University · Azusa
- Carthage College · Kenosha
- CUNY Queens College · Queens
- University of South Florida · Tampa
- University of Denver · Denver
- University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago
- Montclair State University · Montclair
- City College of New York · New York
- University of Arkansas · Fayetteville
- Oklahoma City University · Oklahoma City
- Brown University · Providence
- Teachers College at Columbia University · New York
- San Diego State University · San Diego
- Wichita State University · Wichita
- Goddard College · Plainfield
- University of the Arts · Philadelphia
- Belmont University · Nashville
- University of Louisville · Louisville
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- University of California-San Diego · La Jolla
- Purchase College · Purchase
- Atlantic University · Guaynabo
- University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln · Lincoln
- Western Illinois University · Macomb
- University of California-Irvine · Irvine
- Stony Brook University · Stony Brook
- University of Southern Mississippi · Hattiesburg
- Claremont Graduate University · Claremont
- University of Nebraska at Kearney · Kearney
- Northeastern University · Boston
- University of New Orleans · New Orleans
- Sam Houston State University · Huntsville
- Seattle Film Institute · Seattle
- University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa · Honolulu
- University of Memphis · Memphis
- Lesley University · Cambridge
- University of California-Santa Cruz · Santa Cruz
- Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts · Philadelphia
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · Edinburg
- Duquesne University · Pittsburgh
- University of California-Berkeley · Berkeley
- Texas Christian University · Fort Worth
- Ball State University · Muncie
- East Carolina University · Greenville
- Rider University · Lawrenceville
- Duke University · Durham
- University of Arizona · Tucson
- Southern Illinois University Carbondale · Carbondale
- University of Mississippi · Oxford
- University of Nevada, Reno · Reno
- University of California-Santa Barbara · Santa Barbara
- Sarah Lawrence College · Bronxville
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- Winthrop University · Rock Hill
- Baruch College · New York
- New Jersey City University · Jersey City
- Massachusetts College of Art and Design · Boston
- The University of Texas at Dallas · Richardson
- The University of Texas at El Paso · El Paso
- University of Connecticut · Storrs
- Iowa State University · Ames
- Northeastern University Professional Programs · Boston
- San Jose State University · San Jose
About
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) is a master level graduate degree in the US educational system, designed for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree. It represents the highest level of practical and creative study in fields such as visual arts, creative writing, theater, and design. The MFA is offered by accredited four-year institutions and art schools, often requiring a portfolio or audition for admission. This degree is aimed at individuals seeking to deepen their artistic skills and professional expertise, whether to pursue a career as a practicing artist, writer, performer, or educator. It is recognized as a terminal degree in the arts, meaning it is the final academic qualification needed for many professional and academic positions. The MFA emphasizes both creative development and critical study, preparing graduates for competitive roles in the cultural and educational sectors.
- Graduate level after a bachelor's degree
- Offered by accredited four-year institutions and art schools
- Terminal degree in creative fields
- Focus on practical artistic and creative skills
- Prepares for careers in arts and education
How to get in
Admission to an MFA program typically requires a completed bachelor's degree, often in a related field, though some programs accept candidates from diverse academic backgrounds. Applicants must submit a portfolio, audition, or writing samples depending on the discipline, demonstrating their creative potential and readiness for graduate study. The application process generally includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, and sometimes standardized test scores like the GRE, though this varies by institution. MFA programs can be selective, especially at prestigious schools, with a focus on artistic talent and commitment. Financial aid options such as FAFSA are available, and some programs offer assistantships or fellowships. Prospective students should research each program's specific admission requirements and accreditation status to ensure quality and recognition.
- Bachelor's degree required
- Portfolio or audition for admission
- Selective admission based on talent
- Letters of recommendation often needed
- Financial aid and assistantships possible
Format and schedule
The MFA degree usually takes two to three years of full-time study to complete, depending on the institution and discipline. Programs combine studio or creative practice with seminars, critiques, and sometimes teaching opportunities. Students may be required to complete a thesis project or final exhibition demonstrating their mastery of their art form. Some programs include internships or residencies, allowing practical experience in professional settings. Evaluation is often based on creative work, presentations, and written components rather than traditional exams. Part-time options exist but are less common. The structure is designed to foster intensive artistic growth and professional readiness.
- Two to three years full-time study
- Creative practice and seminars
- Thesis project or final exhibition
- Internships or residencies possible
- Assessment by portfolio and presentations
What next?
Graduates with an MFA can enter professional artistic careers such as visual artists, writers, performers, designers, or educators. The degree is often required for teaching positions at colleges and universities, as it is considered a terminal degree in the arts. Some graduates pursue further opportunities through residencies, exhibitions, publishing, or professional licensing when applicable. The MFA also allows for transfer into doctoral programs in related fields if desired. Networking and connections made during the program are valuable for career development. While the degree does not guarantee licensure, it is widely respected and recognized within the creative industries and academia.
- Professional artistic careers in various fields
- Teaching positions at higher education
- Pathway to doctoral studies
- Residencies and exhibitions opportunities
- Networking and industry connections
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an MFA and other master's degrees?
The MFA is a terminal degree focused on practical and creative work in the arts, while other master's degrees may emphasize research or theory. It is considered the highest qualification for professional artists.
Do I need a bachelor's degree in art to apply?
Not always. While many programs prefer related backgrounds, some accept applicants from diverse fields if they demonstrate strong creative potential through portfolios or auditions.
How long does it take to complete an MFA?
Typically, an MFA takes two to three years of full-time study, combining creative practice, seminars, and a final thesis or project.
Can I work while studying for an MFA?
Some programs offer part-time options or flexible schedules, but full-time study is common due to the intensive nature of the degree.
Is the MFA recognized outside the US?
The MFA is widely respected internationally as a terminal degree in the arts, but recognition varies by country and institution.
What career opportunities does an MFA open?
Graduates often pursue careers as professional artists, writers, performers, or educators, including college-level teaching positions.
Are there financial aid options for MFA students?
Yes, students can apply for FAFSA aid, scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships offered by many programs.
Does the MFA lead to professional licensing?
Generally, the MFA does not lead to licensure but is essential for academic and many professional artistic roles.