Organizer Information
The University of Missouri (Mizzou) is a public research university in Columbia, Missouri, United States. Its College of Arts and Science includes the School of Visual Studies, which brings together visual art, graphic design, film, digital storytelling, art history, and related areas of study. The university also offers programs in journalism, communication, and architectural studies, serving undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of Missouri
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MA, MFA, MS, PhD, MEd, and other discipline-specific degrees
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Art History, Film, Digital Storytelling, Graphic Design, Journalism, Strategic Communication, Architectural Studies, Art Education
- Relevant Programs: Art; Art History; Film Studies; Film Studies with an emphasis in Production; Digital Storytelling; Graphic Design; Visual Studies; Journalism; Strategic Communication; Architectural Studies; Art Education
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Undergraduate applications open August 1; graduate application periods vary by program and entry term.
- Application Deadline: Program- and applicant-specific
- Start of Studies: Fall and spring entry options, depending on the program
- Application Fee: Undergraduate: $55 for U.S. applicants; $65 for international applicants. Graduate fees differ.
- Tuition: International undergraduate tuition and fees: approximately $39,688–$43,816 per academic year for 2026–2027.
- Funding: Scholarships, grants, and other financial assistance, subject to eligibility.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
Mizzou offers academic pathways across studio practice, visual culture, film production, media, communication, and design.
Relevant programs include:
- Art: BA, BFA, and minor.
- Art History: BA and minor.
- Film Studies: BA, including an emphasis in Film Production, and minor.
- Digital Storytelling: BA and minor.
- Graphic Design: BFA.
- Visual Studies: MA, MFA, and PhD.
- Journalism: Undergraduate and graduate degree options, including MA and PhD programs.
- Strategic Communication: Undergraduate and graduate study options.
- Architectural Studies: MS, including Design with Digital Media and Environment & Behavior emphasis areas.
- Art Education: MEd, offered online.
Applicants should consult the individual program and degree pages to confirm the available curriculum, entry requirements, and admission route.
General Eligibility
- Mizzou accepts domestic and international applicants. Admission requirements depend on the intended degree, academic program, previous education, and applicant category.
- Undergraduate applicants entering in Fall 2027 must satisfy the university's high-school coursework and academic admission requirements. Eligible applicants may be reviewed through a test-optional process, while some applicant categories must submit standardized test scores.
- Graduate applicants must meet the Graduate School's requirements and any additional criteria established by their intended program. Meeting general university requirements does not guarantee admission to a program with separate or competitive selection criteria.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate applicants must meet the applicable secondary-school completion and academic coursework requirements. International applicants should follow the university's international admission requirements and submit the required academic records.
- Graduate admission generally requires previous postsecondary education appropriate to the intended degree. Requirements differ by program. For example, the MS in Architectural Studies requires a minimum GPA of 3.0, while the on-campus MA in Journalism specifies a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 credit hours. The online MA in Journalism additionally requires three years of professional experience in journalism or communication.
Language Requirements
- English proficiency requirements apply to international applicants according to the university's policies and the intended graduate program. The Graduate School lists these minimum scores for applicants required to submit an English proficiency examination:
| Test | Minimum overall score | Minimum section scores |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT (0–120 scale) | 80 | 17 in each section |
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 | 6.0 in each section |
| PTE Academic | 59 | No separate section minimum listed |
| Duolingo English Test | 115 | No separate section minimum listed |
| Cambridge English | 180 | No separate section minimum listed |
Scores must be valid at the beginning of the requested entry term. Some programs require higher scores, and accepted exemptions or alternative qualifications depend on university policy. Applicants should check the current requirements for their specific program.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate, U.S. applicant | $55 |
| Undergraduate, international applicant | $65 |
| Graduate, U.S. applicant | $75 |
| Graduate, international applicant | $100 |
| Post-baccalaureate/graduate certificate | $40 |
These published amounts are listed by Mizzou Online. Applicants should confirm the fee applicable to their chosen campus-based or online application route before submitting. Eligible undergraduate applicants may qualify for an application fee waiver.
Tuition
| Student category | 2026–2027 estimated annual tuition and fees | Billing basis |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri resident undergraduate, Tier 1 | $16,162 | Academic year |
| Non-Missouri resident undergraduate, Tier 1 | $39,324 | Academic year |
| International undergraduate | $39,688–$43,816 | Academic year |
| International undergraduate, one-time enrollment fee | $300 | One-time charge |
- Undergraduate tuition varies by major and tuition tier. The resident and non-resident figures above include mandatory fees; the international range reflects the university's published estimate for tuition and fees. Additional estimated expenses may include housing, food, books, personal expenses, and health insurance.
- For 2026–2027, Mizzou estimates total annual costs for international students at approximately $62,124–$66,252, including living expenses and medical insurance. This is a cost-of-attendance estimate, not tuition alone. Graduate tuition varies by program, enrollment status, and study format; applicants should consult the relevant program's official tuition schedule.
Funding & Financial Support
- Mizzou offers scholarships and other financial assistance, with eligibility varying by degree level, academic record, applicant category, and funding program.
- Graduate students may be considered for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, graduate professional assistantships, and fellowships. Qualifying assistantships or fellowships may include a stipend, tuition support, and an insurance subsidy. Funding is competitive and is not guaranteed by admission. International students should verify eligibility and any visa-related employment conditions with the relevant academic program and International Student Services.
University Services & Academic Support
- The School of Visual Studies provides academic advising for students in its programs. Graduate students may work with faculty supervisors and academic advisors according to their degree requirements.
- Graduate assistantships can provide supervised teaching, research, laboratory, studio, and professional experience, depending on the appointment. The university also provides graduate career-development resources and international student support. Access to specific facilities, services, and funding depends on program participation and eligibility.
Application Requirements
Required materials depend on the program and applicant category.
- First-year undergraduate applicants: An official high-school transcript and the required application materials. Applicants using the test-optional route must complete the required essay questions and provide a résumé or activities information.
- International undergraduate applicants: The international application and the academic and language documentation required for the intended entry route.
- Graduate applicants: A completed Graduate School application and uploaded unofficial transcripts from previous postsecondary study. Official transcripts are required if accepted by the academic program.
- International graduate applicants: Official English proficiency examination results when required by university policy.
- Program-specific materials: Additional documents may be required by individual departments. Applicants should verify portfolio, statement, recommendation, writing-sample, interview, and other requirements on the official program admissions page rather than assuming they apply across the university.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate application Portal
- International undergraduate admissions Portal
- Graduate Admission Portal
Deadline & Timeline
Undergraduate — Fall 2027
- Application Opens: 1 August 2026
- Admission Decisions Begin: 1 October 2026
- Priority Deadline for Merit and Competitive Scholarships: 1 December 2026
- Required Materials Deadline for Priority Merit Scholarship Consideration: 15 December 2026
- Priority FAFSA Deadline: 1 February 2027
- National Decision Day: 1 May 2027
- Application Deadline: 1 July 2027
International undergraduate applicants
- Fall Application Opens: 1 August
- Spring Application Opens: 1 May
- Fall Application Deadline: 1 July
- Competitive and Departmental Scholarship Deadline: 1 December
- International Admissions Scholarship Deadline: 1 March
Graduate applicants
- MS in Architectural Studies — Fall application deadline: 14 January
- On-campus MA in Journalism — Fall application deadline: 1 January
Location
University of Missouri — Columbia, Missouri, United States
Additional Details
- Admission to the university does not automatically guarantee entry to every major or selective program.
- Undergraduate international applicants are advised to apply six to twelve months before their intended start date to allow time for document processing and travel arrangements.
- International undergraduate students should budget for medical insurance and other living expenses in addition to tuition and fees.
- Graduate tuition, admissions requirements, and funding opportunities must be checked individually for the intended program and study format.
- Application fees, tuition rates, scholarship criteria, and deadlines may change between academic years. Applicants should verify the current official information before applying.