Organizer Information
The University of Nevada, Reno is a public research university in Reno, Nevada, United States. Its academic offerings include undergraduate and graduate study across the arts, humanities, sciences, engineering, and other disciplines. The Department of Art, Art History and Design, within the College of Liberal Arts, offers programs in studio art, graphic design, art history, photography, digital media, and related creative fields. Graduate options include Master of Fine Arts (MFA) programs in Interdisciplinary Art and Interdisciplinary Arts.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of Nevada, Reno
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate, doctoral
- Degrees Offered: BA, BFA, MA, MFA, MS, PhD, and other institution-specific degrees
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Art History, Graphic Design, Photography, Digital Media, Creative Writing, Film-related studies
- Relevant Programs: Art; Art History; Graphic Design; Photography; Time-Based Media/Videography minor; MFA in Interdisciplinary Art; MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts (Low-Residency); MFA in Creative Writing (Low-Residency)
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Depends on the entry term and program
- Application Deadline: Freshman applicants — 15 December 2026 for Spring 2027; 7 April 2027 for Fall 2027. Graduate deadlines vary by program.
- Start of Studies: Spring and Fall; program-specific schedules apply
- Application Fee: $95 for international applicants; $60 for domestic graduate applicants; no fee for domestic freshman applicants
- Tuition: 2026–2027 undergraduate international tuition and mandatory fees are estimated at $31,413 per academic year; graduate tuition is generally $383.25 per credit before applicable additional charges.
- Funding: University scholarships, department scholarships, and graduate assistantships are available under applicable eligibility conditions.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- The university offers undergraduate study in studio art and related disciplines, including ceramics, digital media, graphic arts, painting and drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and videography. Art History is also available as an academic field. Students interested in moving-image practices can explore the Time-Based Media/Videography minor, which addresses digital video, experimental film, and contemporary video art.
- At graduate level, the Department of Art, Art History and Design offers the MFA in Interdisciplinary Art and the low-residency MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts. The university also offers a low-residency MFA in Creative Writing through its graduate arts offerings. These programs have distinct admission requirements and study formats.
General Eligibility
- The University of Nevada, Reno accepts domestic and international applicants. Admission requirements depend on the applicant category, study level, and program.
- For international undergraduate applicants, the university lists a minimum academic GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and specified high-school coursework. Transfer applicants must meet separate credit and GPA requirements. Graduate applicants must satisfy both Graduate School admission standards and the additional requirements of their chosen program.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate applicants: Must meet the university's high-school academic requirements or applicable transfer admission criteria.
- MFA in Interdisciplinary Art: Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and have a minimum GPA of 3.00.
- MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts (Low-Residency): Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and have a minimum GPA of 3.00.
- MFA in Creative Writing (Low-Residency): Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and have a minimum GPA of 3.00.
Language Requirements
International undergraduate applicants can demonstrate English proficiency through one of the following options:
- TOEFL: 61 or higher
- IELTS Academic: 6.0 or higher
- Duolingo English Test: 95 or higher
- Cambridge English Language Assessment: 169 or higher
- Pearson Test of English Academic: 46 or higher
Graduation from, or current enrollment in, a U.S. high school may satisfy the requirement. Certain applicants from English-speaking countries are exempt. Graduate applicants should check the requirements applicable to their program and applicant status.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Domestic freshman | $0 |
| International undergraduate | $95 |
| Domestic graduate | $60 |
| International graduate | $95 |
Graduate application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Tuition
| Study level/category | Tuition and mandatory fees | Billing basis |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate — Nevada resident | $11,079 | Annual estimate |
| Undergraduate — non-resident | $31,268 | Annual estimate |
| Undergraduate — international | $31,413 | Annual estimate |
| Graduate — resident | $383.25 per credit | Per credit, before other applicable charges |
| Graduate — non-resident | $383.25 registration fee per credit, plus applicable non-resident tuition | Program and enrollment dependent |
Undergraduate annual estimates assume 30 credits across the fall and spring semesters. The published figures exclude housing, meals, books, and supplies. Graduate students may incur mandatory student fees, health insurance charges, and program-specific costs. Graduate tuition support through assistantships may affect the final amount owed.
Funding & Financial Support
- The university offers scholarships for international undergraduate students, including general university and department scholarships. Freshman applicants seeking maximum consideration for financial aid and scholarships for Fall 2027 should submit their application and required materials by 15 February 2027.
- Graduate assistantships may include tuition support, with the amount depending on the assistantship and program. Funding is not guaranteed, and applicants should verify eligibility and application requirements for each award.
University Services & Academic Support
- The Department of Art, Art History and Design provides access to creative and academic resources that include art studios, digital and analog production facilities, a fabrication lab, University Galleries, and the Lilley Museum of Art. The department also hosts lectures, critiques, workshops, and studio visits through its visiting artist and scholar programming. Access to particular facilities and opportunities may depend on the program and applicable university policies.
- Graduate MFA programs include faculty mentorship and structured residency experiences at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. The MFA programs are designed around five 10-day in-person residencies over five semesters.
Application Requirements
Requirements vary by program and applicant category.
International undergraduate applicants must submit an application, a copy of their passport's biographical page, official academic transcripts, and evidence of English proficiency unless exempt.
MFA in Interdisciplinary Art applicants must submit:
- Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA
- Art portfolio
- CV or résumé
- Statement of purpose
- Three letters of recommendation
MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts (Low-Residency) applicants must submit:
- Bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA
- Art portfolio and inventory list
- Artist's statement
- CV or résumé
- Two letters of recommendation
MFA in Creative Writing (Low-Residency) applicants must submit a bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.00 GPA, CV or résumé, statement of purpose, manuscript in their chosen genre, two recommendation letters, and official transcripts. Additional writing-sample requirements apply.
How to Apply?
- Undergraduate Application Portal
- Graduate Application Portal
- International Undergraduate Admissions Portal
Deadline & Timeline
Undergraduate — Spring 2027
- Application Opens: 1 August 2026
- Final Application Deadline: 15 December 2026
Undergraduate — Fall 2027
- Application Opens: 1 August 2026
- Early Action Deadline: 15 November 2026
- Housing Application Opens: 15 November 2026
- Scholarship and Financial Aid Deadline: 15 February 2027
- Housing Priority Deadline: 15 February 2027
- Final Application Deadline: 7 April 2027
- Scholarship Acceptance Deadline: 15 June 2027
Graduate — Fall entry
- MFA in Interdisciplinary Art Application Deadline: 15 February
- MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts (Low-Residency) Priority Deadline: 1 March
- MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts (Low-Residency) Final Deadline: 1 May
- MFA in Creative Writing (Low-Residency) Priority Deadline: 1 March
- MFA in Creative Writing (Low-Residency) Final Deadline: 1 May
Graduate — Spring entry
- MFA in Creative Writing (Low-Residency) Priority Deadline: 1 September
- MFA in Creative Writing (Low-Residency) Final Deadline: 1 November
Location
University of Nevada, Reno — Reno, Nevada, United States
Additional Details
- The MFA in Interdisciplinary Art is a full-residency program, while the MFA in Interdisciplinary Arts and MFA in Creative Writing offer low-residency formats. Applicants should compare each program's residency schedule, curriculum, and admission requirements before applying.
- International students should also account for housing, meals, health insurance, and personal expenses when planning their total study budget. Tuition and fees may change under university and state higher-education policies.