Organizer Information
George Mason University is a public research university based in Fairfax, Virginia, United States. It offers undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional education across multiple academic disciplines. The College of Visual and Performing Arts includes programs in film and video studies, visual arts, art education, graphic design, dance, music, and theater. Admission requirements, creative submissions, and deadlines vary by program and degree level.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: George Mason University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, professional
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MA, MFA, MAT, MM, DMA, PhD, and other degrees, depending on the program
- Academic Fields: Film and media, fine arts, visual arts, design, performing arts, art education, humanities, and related disciplines
- Relevant Programs: Film and Video Studies; Visual and Performing Arts — Visual Arts; Graphic Design; Art Education; Arts Management; Theater; Dance; Music
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Varies by program and entry term
- Application Deadline: Program-specific; see official admissions deadlines
- Start of Studies: Fall and spring, depending on the program
- Application Fee: $75 for graduate applications; undergraduate fees depend on the application category
- Tuition: Varies by residency, degree level, and program
- Funding: Limited merit scholarships for eligible international undergraduate students, plus other scholarship opportunities
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- Relevant options include filmmaking, film analysis, video production, visual arts, photography, new media, graphic design, arts management, and performing arts. The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Visual Arts, encompasses areas including painting and drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, new media, and interarts.
- Applicants should review the individual program's academic prerequisites and creative-submission requirements. A portfolio is mandatory for admission to the Film and Video Studies major and for specified graduate programs in the School of Art.
General Eligibility
- George Mason University accepts applications from domestic and international students. Applicants must meet the academic, language, and program-specific admission requirements for their intended course of study.
- Undergraduate applicants to Film and Video Studies must complete the university application and the separate film-program portfolio submission. Graduate applicants must satisfy university graduate-admission requirements and any additional requirements imposed by their chosen department.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate applicants must meet the university's admission requirements for their applicant category. Graduate applicants generally must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or an accepted equivalent.
- For the Master of Arts in Teaching in Art Education, applicants must have a BA or BFA in visual art, or an approved equivalent. Applicants with other academic backgrounds may be considered but could need additional coursework to satisfy art-related prerequisites.
Language Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through an accepted examination or an approved waiver. Test scores must be no older than two years.
| Test | Undergraduate minimum | Graduate minimum |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall; 6.0 each subsection | 7.0 overall; 6.5 each subsection |
| Duolingo English Test | 110 | 120 |
| PTE Academic | 59 | 67 |
| TOEFL iBT, tests before 21 January 2026 | 80 overall; 18 each subsection | 88 overall; 20 each subsection |
Different requirements apply to the College of Engineering and Computing. Applicants may qualify for exemptions based on prior education or other approved conditions.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Graduate applicants | $75 |
| Undergraduate applicants | Consult the applicable undergraduate admissions category |
Graduate application fees are non-refundable. Eligible applicants may qualify for fee waivers under university policies. Supplemental portfolio submissions through SlideRoom may incur an additional fee of up to $15.
Tuition
| Study level | Virginia residents | Out-of-state students, including international students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $24,864 tuition + $3,066 mandatory fees = $27,930/year | $42,000 tuition + $3,066 mandatory fees = $45,066/year |
| Graduate — standard rate | $14,640 tuition + $3,066 mandatory fees = $17,706/year | $37,704 tuition + $3,066 mandatory fees = $40,770/year |
Funding & Financial Support
- George Mason offers a limited number of merit-based scholarships to eligible international first-year and transfer undergraduate students studying full-time on an F-1 visa. Qualified applicants are automatically considered during admission; a separate scholarship application is not required for these awards.
- International students are not eligible for U.S. federal financial aid, but may pursue scholarships that do not require U.S. citizenship, as well as eligible external funding options. Graduate applicants should check with their intended departments about potential fellowships, assistantships, and grants. Funding is not guaranteed.
University Services & Academic Support
- Relevant support includes academic advising, admissions information sessions, virtual information sessions, and program-specific guidance. Prospective Film and Video Studies students can contact the program directly with questions about portfolio submissions. Students in programs requiring supplemental creative materials receive access to the relevant SlideRoom submission process during admissions.
Application Requirements
Requirements depend on the program and applicant category.
Film and Video Studies — Undergraduate
- University application.
- Personal essay of 500–700 words.
- Up to three creative samples produced within the past three years.
- A descriptive statement of no more than 100 words for each sample, explaining the applicant's role and any copyright acknowledgements.
- Separate portfolio submission through SlideRoom.
Accepted samples include films, animation, photography, production design, screenplays, creative writing, music, podcasts, and film analysis, subject to the program's specified length and format limits.
School of Art — Graduate Programs
The general requirements include:
- Online application.
- College transcripts.
- Résumé.
- One-page goals statement.
- Two recommendation letters, including one from a college professor.
- Portfolio submitted through SlideRoom.
For the MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Visual Arts, the portfolio must contain 20 images or videos, appropriately labeled. The MAT in Art Education has additional requirements, including an endorsement worksheet and a portfolio of 15–20 images.
Other programs may require auditions, interviews, writing samples, or additional documents. Applicants should follow the requirements published for their specific program.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
Film and Video Studies — Incoming Freshmen
- Application and portfolio opening: 1 August 2026
- Early Action and scholarship consideration: 1 November 2026
- Regular Decision: 1 February 2027
- Spring admission: 1 October 2026
Film and Video Studies — Transfer Students
- Spring admission: 1 October 2026
- Fall admission: 1 March 2027
Film and Video Studies — Current George Mason Students
- Spring admission portfolio deadline: 1 October 2026
- Fall admission portfolio deadline: 1 March 2027
Location
George Mason University — Fairfax, Virginia, United States
Additional Details
- Film and Video Studies requires a separate portfolio submission in addition to the university application. Admission to the major is competitive.
- Graduate deadlines differ by program and may include priority and standard dates.
- International applicants should check credential evaluation, documentation, immigration, and English proficiency requirements applicable to their circumstances.
- Tuition and mandatory fees are subject to the university's published schedules for the relevant academic year.