Organizer Information
The University of San Francisco (USF) is a private Jesuit university in San Francisco, California, United States. Its College of Arts and Sciences offers undergraduate and graduate programs across visual arts, design, media, architecture, art history, and museum studies. The university's Ann Getty Institute of Art and Design connects creative disciplines through interdisciplinary learning, exhibitions, internships, and community-engaged projects.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of San Francisco
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate, graduate
- Degrees Offered: BA, MA, MFA, MS, PSM, and other institution-wide degrees
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, Art History, Museum Studies, Film Studies, Media Studies, Creative Writing, Performing Arts
- Relevant Programs: Architecture, BA; Art History & Museum Studies, BA; Design, BA; Fine Arts, BA; Media Studies, BA; Film Studies, minor; Museum Studies, MA; Writing, MFA; Writing for Young Readers, MFA
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Varies by program and entry term
- Application Deadline: Undergraduate: 1 November or 15 January, depending on admission plan and term; graduate: program-specific
- Start of Studies: Fall and spring undergraduate entry; graduate entry varies by program
- Application Fee: Undergraduate: US$70
- Tuition: Undergraduate: US$63,880 per academic year; Museum Studies MA: US$1,735 per unit
- Funding: Merit scholarships, need-based financial aid, and program-specific graduate scholarships
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
USF offers programs for students interested in studio practice, visual communication, built environments, cultural heritage, and media production.
Relevant undergraduate programs include:
- Fine Arts, BA: Studio-based artistic practice and critical engagement with contemporary social and cultural issues.
- Design, BA: Graphic, digital media, information, and environmental design.
- Architecture, BA: Architecture, community design, urban design, and related fields.
- Art History & Museum Studies, BA: Art history, visual analysis, and museum-related study.
- Media Studies, BA: Media analysis, storytelling, and production.
- Film Studies, minor: Film-related study alongside an eligible major.
At graduate level, the Museum Studies, MA focuses on curatorial practice, collections management, heritage preservation, museum education, and cultural organizations. The university also offers Writing, MFA and Writing for Young Readers, MFA.
General Eligibility
- USF accepts domestic and international applicants. Eligibility depends on the intended degree, program, and applicant category.
- First-year undergraduate applicants apply with secondary-school academic records. Transfer applicants follow separate admission requirements. Graduate applicants must satisfy the academic and supporting-document requirements of their chosen program.
- Applicants should consult the individual program's admissions instructions before preparing materials, particularly when applying to graduate study.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate applicants must meet USF's first-year or transfer admission requirements, as applicable.
- For the Museum Studies, MA, applicants must hold a bachelor's degree. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended but not required, and no particular undergraduate major is preferred. The program welcomes applicants from varied academic backgrounds, including art history, studio art, photography, design, anthropology, history, journalism, and related disciplines.
- Other graduate programs establish their own degree prerequisites and admission criteria.
Language Requirements
- English is the language of instruction. Requirements differ between undergraduate and graduate applicants.
- Undergraduate international applicants: USF publishes the following minimum English proficiency scores. Applicants with scores below the preferred thresholds but meeting the minimums may be admitted through the Academic English program.
| Test | Minimum score | Preferred score |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT (pre-2026 scale) | 65 | 80 |
| TOEFL iBT (2026 scale) | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| IELTS Academic | 6.0 | 6.5 |
| Duolingo English Test | 100 | 125 |
| PTE Academic | 46 | 53 |
- Graduate international applicants: Minimum scores depend on the school and program. For the Museum Studies, MA, the College of Arts and Sciences' applicable requirements should be consulted; the university's graduate English proficiency table lists IELTS 6.5, TOEFL iBT 90, Duolingo English Test 115, and PTE Academic 61 for Museum Studies.
- USF recognizes specified exemptions based on citizenship, previous education, or other qualifying English-language credentials. Applicants should verify eligibility under the relevant admissions policy.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee | Waiver information |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | US$70 | Waivers are available through the Common App, NACAC, or College Board, subject to applicable conditions |
| Graduate | Program-specific application instructions apply | Check the relevant graduate application |
Tuition
| Study level/program | Tuition | Billing structure | Other mandatory fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate, full-time Hilltop campus | US$63,880 | Academic year, fall and spring | US$612 in listed annual fees |
| Undergraduate, fewer than 12 or more than 18 credits | US$2,275 per credit | Per credit, fall/intersession/spring | Applicable fees may also apply |
| Museum Studies, MA | US$1,735 per unit | Per unit; 32 units required for the degree | US$80 annual graduate student fee; health insurance may apply |
| Other graduate programs | Program-specific | Varies by program | Program-specific fees and insurance charges |
- For full-time undergraduates, the US$612 listed fee total includes a US$302 student activity fee and a US$310 transportation fee. The university-sponsored undergraduate health insurance plan costs US$4,477 if charged; eligible students with alternative qualifying coverage may waive it.
- For graduate students, the published 2026–2027 cost information lists US$80 in annual graduate student fees and US$4,585 in health insurance for applicable full-time enrollment. Insurance waiver eligibility depends on the university's policy.
- The Museum Studies, MA, has a published estimated total tuition cost of US$55,520 for its 32-unit curriculum. This is tuition only, not the complete cost of attendance.
Funding & Financial Support
USF offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities, with eligibility depending on the applicant's status and program.
- Undergraduate international students: Applicants are automatically considered for merit scholarships based on academic achievement, according to the international first-year admissions page.
- Museum Studies, MA: A limited number of competitive merit scholarships are available. Applicants who submit by the 1 February priority deadline receive priority consideration for available merit-based awards.
- Museum Studies Dean's Scholarship: Eligible applicants who apply by the priority deadline may be considered for a US$15,000 award toward first-year tuition.
- Double Dons Scholarship: Eligible USF alumni and current students may receive a scholarship covering 20% of program tuition, subject to restrictions and non-combination rules.
- Other financial support: USF provides information on institutional aid, external scholarships, student employment, and educational loans.
Scholarships are competitive where stated and should not be treated as guaranteed funding. International graduate applicants should confirm eligibility for individual awards.
University Services & Academic Support
USF provides academic and creative resources relevant to arts and media students.
- Design studios and fabrication: The Design program describes facilities supporting drawing, digital fabrication, woodworking, and other design processes.
- Media production facilities: The Media Lab supports film, podcast, and video production for students enrolled in production courses.
- Exhibitions and creative collaboration: The university's arts programs provide opportunities to exhibit student work, collaborate with visiting artists, and engage with community organizations.
- Museum and cultural-sector experience: The Museum Studies, MA, includes a required internship.
- International student support: USF's international admissions teams provide applicant guidance, while International Student and Scholar Services supports relevant student needs.
Access to particular studios and production facilities may depend on program enrollment or course participation.
Application Requirements
- Requirements vary by program and study level.
- Undergraduate applicants
- The university's first-year application process includes:
- A completed application through an accepted application platform.
- Secondary-school academic records and supplementary materials applicable to the applicant.
- The nonrefundable application fee, unless a waiver is granted.
- English proficiency evidence for international applicants who do not qualify for an exemption.
- USF is test-optional for undergraduate admission, subject to its published exceptions and policies.
Applicants must submit:
- Academic transcripts from relevant colleges and universities.
- A statement of purpose of approximately 500 words addressing their motivation and goals for graduate study in museum studies.
- A current resume or CV.
- Two letters of recommendation, including at least one academic reference.
- Required international applicant documentation, where applicable.
A portfolio is optional for Museum Studies applicants. The program encourages materials documenting museum-related work, internships, academic projects, or volunteer experience. The GRE is not required.
Applicants to other graduate programs must follow the requirements published for their specific degree.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
Undergraduate admission
- Application Opens: 1 August annually for the following spring and fall terms.
- Early Decision I / Early Action Deadline: 1 November.
- Early Decision I / Early Action Supplemental Materials Deadline: 5 November.
- Early Decision I / Early Action Decision Notification: Mid-December.
- Early Decision II / Regular Decision Deadline: 15 January.
- Early Decision II Supplemental Materials Deadline: 29 January.
- Regular Decision Supplemental Materials Deadline: 5 February.
- Early Decision Deposit Deadline: 1 March.
- Regular Decision Deposit Deadline: 1 May.
- Spring Undergraduate Application Deadline: 1 November.
- Spring Undergraduate Deposit Deadline: 1 December.
- Fall Transfer Application Deadline: 1 March.
- Fall Transfer Deposit Deadline: 1 June.
- Spring Transfer Application Deadline: 1 November.
- Spring Transfer Deposit Deadline: 1 December.
These dates follow the university's published undergraduate admissions calendar. Financial aid deadlines and supplemental material deadlines may differ by applicant category.
Museum Studies, MA — Fall 2027
- Priority Application Deadline: 1 February 2027.
- Priority Scholarship Consideration Deadline: 1 February 2027.
- Priority-Round Admission Decisions: By 1 April 2027.
- Final Application Deadline: 1 April 2027.
- Final-Round Admission Decisions: By 1 May 2027.
- Start of Studies: 24 August 2027.
Location
University of San Francisco — San Francisco, California, United States
Additional Details
- USF's academic portfolio includes both arts-focused degrees and interdisciplinary programs; applicants should distinguish majors, minors, and graduate degrees when comparing options.
- The Museum Studies, MA, is a full-time, on-campus program requiring 32 units over approximately 16 months, including an internship and a capstone paper or project.
- Portfolio requirements are not universal across the arts. For example, the Museum Studies program explicitly treats portfolio materials as optional.
- Graduate admissions materials and deadlines are program-specific. Applicants should consult the relevant department before submitting an application.
- Tuition, fees, health insurance, and living expenses are separate components of the overall cost of attendance.