Organizer Information
Oklahoma State University (OSU) is a public university in Stillwater, Oklahoma, offering undergraduate and graduate education across multiple academic disciplines. Its College of Arts and Sciences houses the Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History, which offers programs in studio art, graphic design, and art history. Related graduate opportunities include the Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and the Master of Arts in Art History.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Oklahoma State University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MA, MFA, MS, PhD and other university-awarded degrees
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art History, Photography, Design, Theatre, Music, Architecture and related disciplines
- Relevant Programs: Studio Art (BA/BFA); Graphic Design (BFA/MFA); Art History (BA/MA); Acting (BFA); Digital Design (MS)
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Rolling admission for undergraduate applicants; graduate application periods vary by program
- Application Deadline: International undergraduate recommended deadlines vary by semester and U.S. residence status; graduate deadlines vary by program
- Start of Studies: Fall, spring and summer, depending on program
- Application Fee: Undergraduate international applicants: $90; graduate international applicants: $75
- Tuition: Varies by study level, residency and enrollment; see official cost information
- Funding: Scholarships, financial aid and graduate assistantships, subject to eligibility
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
OSU offers visual arts and design programs covering studio practice, visual communication, art history and creative disciplines. Relevant undergraduate options include:
- Studio Art: drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry/metals.
- Graphic Design: typography, interaction design, motion design and graphic communication.
- Art History: historical and cultural analysis of visual art.
- Acting and Theatre: performing arts education.
Graduate options include the MFA in Graphic Design and MA in Art History.
The academic background accepted for admission depends on the degree and program. The MFA in Graphic Design accepts applicants with an undergraduate degree in graphic design, at least five undergraduate graphic-design courses, or equivalent professional experience in graphic design.
General Eligibility
- OSU accepts domestic and international applicants. Undergraduate applicants must satisfy the university's admission standards, while graduate applicants must meet the requirements of their intended program and the Graduate College.
- International applicants must provide the academic records and supporting documentation required for their applicant category. Additional financial documentation is required for international undergraduate applicants.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate programs: Applicants must meet the applicable freshman or transfer admission requirements.
- MFA in Graphic Design: Applicants must have an undergraduate degree in graphic design, at least five undergraduate courses in graphic design, or equivalent professional experience in graphic design.
- International graduate applicants: OSU's Graduate College requires either a four-year bachelor's degree or a three-year bachelor's degree plus a master's degree. Program-specific academic requirements also apply.
Language Requirements
International applicants whose first language is not English must meet the applicable English-proficiency requirements unless an approved exemption applies.
For international undergraduate freshman applicants, OSU lists the following minimum scores:
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 5.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 3.5, as displayed on the current admissions page |
| PTE Academic | 46 |
| iTEP Academic | 3.5 |
| Duolingo English Test | 95 |
OSU also offers conditional undergraduate admission to eligible students who meet other admission requirements but need additional English-language preparation. Graduate applicants should check the requirements for their specific program.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| International undergraduate applicant | $90 |
| U.S. citizen or permanent resident applying to a graduate degree | $50 |
| International graduate applicant | $75 |
| Domestic graduate non-degree applicant | $25 |
Undergraduate international application fees are non-refundable. Graduate application fees are also non-refundable and non-transferable. Graduate application-fee waivers for international applicants are limited to eligible current OSU students and alumni.
Tuition
| Study level/applicant category | Tuition and fees | Billing basis |
|---|---|---|
| International undergraduate | $31,000 | Estimated 30 credit hours, 2026–2027 |
| International graduate without assistantship | $21,874 | Estimated 18 credit hours, 2026–2027 |
The figures above cover tuition and fees, not the full cost of attendance. The university estimates additional expenses for housing, food, books, health insurance and personal costs. For 2026–2027, its estimated total cost of attendance is $53,553 for international undergraduates living on campus and $48,045 for international graduate students without assistantships. Actual expenses vary by enrollment, housing and individual circumstances.
Funding & Financial Support
OSU offers undergraduate scholarships and financial aid, with deadlines for priority scholarship consideration. International undergraduate students should review the specific eligibility conditions for each award.
Graduate students may qualify for program-specific scholarships or assistantships. Assistantships can reduce tuition and health-insurance costs; availability and eligibility depend on the relevant department and appointment.
University Services & Academic Support
Relevant resources for art and design students include:
- Design studios and computer labs: The Graphic Design MFA program provides 24-hour access to two design studios and three computer labs in the Bartlett Center for the Visual Arts.
- Art exhibitions: The university's Gardiner Gallery of Art hosts student, faculty, national and international exhibitions.
- Museum experience: Students can participate in activities at the OSU Museum of Art, including exhibition installation, interpretive writing and visitor services. Opportunities depend on the program and activity.
Application Requirements
Requirements vary by study level and program.
For international undergraduate applicants, the university lists the following documents:
- Passport identification page.
- English-proficiency test scores, where required.
- Official academic transcripts.
- Financial guarantee form and bank letter.
For the MFA in Graphic Design, applicants must submit:
- Official transcripts.
- Resume.
- Statement of purpose of 1–2 pages.
- Three letters of recommendation.
- Portfolio containing 15–20 work examples.
The portfolio should be a multipage PDF, with projects named and dated, presented from newest to oldest, and accompanied by brief explanations of project objectives, concepts and processes. The GRE is not required for this MFA program.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
International undergraduate applicants — recommended document-submission deadlines
- Fall semester, applicants living outside the United States: 1 June
- Fall semester, applicants currently living in the United States: 1 July
- Spring semester, applicants living outside the United States: 1 November
- Spring semester, applicants currently living in the United States: 1 December
- Summer semester, applicants living outside the United States: 1 March
- Summer semester, applicants currently living in the United States: 1 May
First-time undergraduate freshman milestones
- OSU application opens for the upcoming academic year: 1 July
- Common Application opens: 1 August
- Competitive Scholarship Application opens: 1 August
- Early Opportunity Scholarship Deadline for fall entry: 1 November
- Priority Scholarship Deadline for fall entry: 1 February
Undergraduate freshman admission operates on a rolling basis. The dates above are recommended international submission dates and scholarship milestones, not a universal undergraduate application deadline.
Graduate applicants: Program-specific deadlines take precedence. Where a graduate program does not publish a deadline or preferred date, OSU's general guidance gives 1 February for fall admission, 1 July for spring admission and 1 January for summer admission.
Location
Oklahoma State University — Stillwater, Oklahoma, United States
Additional Details
- OSU offers both BA and BFA pathways in Studio Art; students should compare degree requirements before applying.
- The MFA in Graphic Design has explicit academic-background and portfolio requirements that should not be generalized to other graduate programs.
- International undergraduate applicants who graduated from an Oklahoma high school may qualify for a waiver that reduces out-of-state tuition and fees to in-state rates.
- Cost-of-attendance figures are estimates, not guaranteed billed amounts. Applicants should verify the latest rates and any program-specific charges before enrollment.