Organizer Information
The University of Utah is a public research university in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States. Its College of Fine Arts includes the Department of Art & Art History, the Department of Film & Media Arts, the School of Dance, and other arts-related academic units. Relevant options include undergraduate film and visual arts study, graduate programs in studio art and film, and interdisciplinary arts education.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: University of Utah
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate and graduate
- Degrees Offered: BA, MA, MFA, and other degrees in related arts disciplines
- Academic Fields: Film and Media Arts, Fine Arts, Art History, Photography, Graphic Design, Illustration, Painting and Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture, Dance, and Arts Education
- Relevant Programs: Film & Media Arts; Art MFA; Art History MA; Photography & Digital Imaging; Graphic Design; Illustration; Painting and Drawing; Sculpture Intermedia; Master of Arts in Teaching – Fine Arts; Screendance Graduate Certificate.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes, subject to program-specific admission and immigration requirements
- Application Period: Fall admission for the MFA in Film & Media Arts and MFA in Studio Art
- Application Deadline: 31 October 2026 for international applicants to Film & Media Arts MFA; 15 January 2027 for Studio Art MFA
- Start of Studies: Fall semester for the two MFA programs listed above
- Application Fee: See the applicable application-fee information below
- Tuition: Varies by study level, residency classification, and program
- Funding: Graduate assistantships, scholarships, and fellowships are available for eligible students.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
- The university offers study options across film production, animation, documentary and experimental filmmaking, photography, digital imaging, graphic design, illustration, painting, printmaking, sculpture, art history, and interdisciplinary contemporary art. Film & Media Arts students can explore narrative filmmaking, sound production, screenwriting, new media, and film history.
- Admission depends on the individual program. Applicants should consult the relevant program requirements before selecting a field or preparing creative materials.
General Eligibility
- Both domestic and international applicants can apply to relevant programs, subject to each program's admission standards. Graduate applicants must satisfy the university's graduate admission requirements and the relevant department's additional criteria.
- For the MFA in Film & Media Arts, applicants may hold a bachelor's degree in a field unrelated to film. For the MFA in Studio Art, applicants are expected to demonstrate an appropriate studio-art background.
Educational Background
- Film & Media Arts MFA: A bachelor's degree from an accredited university is required; an undergraduate degree in film or a related field is not mandatory.
- Studio Art MFA: Applicants are expected to hold a BFA in art or a degree with equivalent studio-art preparation. The department identifies a background of at least 42 studio-art credit hours and 12 art-history credit hours in its graduate program information.
- The university evaluates whether prior qualifications meet its graduate admission standards. Applicants with international qualifications should check the graduate admissions requirements applicable to their credentials.
Language Requirements
- English is the language of instruction for the programs covered here. International graduate applicants must satisfy the university's English-proficiency requirements unless an applicable exemption is approved. Accepted tests, minimum scores, and exemption conditions should be checked through the university's official English proficiency requirements.
Application Fee
| Application category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate application | $55, nonrefundable, as stated in the university's published admissions guide. |
Graduate application fees are handled through the graduate application system. Confirm the amount displayed for the selected program before submitting.
Tuition
The university's 2026–2027 cost-of-attendance estimates provide the following figures for full-time graduate students in the general graduate category, which includes Film & Media Arts and Fine Arts. These are estimated tuition-and-fee totals for two semesters, not tuition alone.
| Study level | Applicant classification | Annual tuition & fees | Billing structure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graduate — general, including Film & Media Arts | Utah resident | $9,264 | Two semesters |
| Graduate — general, including Film & Media Arts | Nonresident | $30,106 | Two semesters |
Funding & Financial Support
Graduate funding opportunities include:
- Teaching assistantships: MFA students in Film & Media Arts may receive a stipend and at least a 75% tuition waiver through the Graduate School Tuition Benefit Program. Awards can cover up to six semesters, subject to satisfactory teaching performance and academic progress.
- Scholarships and fellowships: Students may apply for funding offered by the College of Fine Arts and the university.
- Studio Art funding: The Department of Art & Art History identifies scholarship assistance and graduate or teaching assistant opportunities. Eligible students in good standing may apply for a graduate research fellowship for their second year.
Funding is competitive and should not be considered guaranteed. Applicants should verify eligibility and international-student conditions for each award.
University Services & Academic Support
- The Department of Film & Media Arts provides access to production and teaching facilities, including soundstages, a cinema, computer laboratories, animation facilities, color-grading facilities, 16mm production spaces, and equipment available for student checkout.
- The Studio Art MFA also offers an artist-in-residence initiative that supports dialogue, interdisciplinary practice, collaboration, and engagement with contemporary art.
Application Requirements
MFA in Film & Media Arts
- Transcripts from all previously attended higher-education institutions.
- A personal-intent letter of no more than 750 words addressing creative, personal, and career goals.
- Contact information for three references, who are asked to submit recommendation letters.
- A film or video creative submission of no more than 20 minutes, including at least one complete work.
- A separate document identifying the work's medium, completion date, applicant's role, and other relevant information.
MFA in Studio Art
Applicants should prepare the department's required application materials, including a letter of intent, a detailed artist statement, portfolio materials, and recommendation letters. The department does not require the GRE. Consult the official MFA application instructions for the complete current checklist.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
- Film & Media Arts MFA — International Applicant Deadline: 31 October 2026
- Film & Media Arts MFA — General Application Deadline: 30 November 2026
- Studio Art MFA — Application Deadline: 15 January 2027
- Studio Art MFA — Expected Admission Notifications: Around the beginning of March 2027
- Film Teaching Licensure Program — Application Deadline: 1 November, before the anticipated licensure year; applicants should confirm the applicable cycle with the department.
Location
University of Utah — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Additional Details
- International applicants seeking an F-1 student visa must provide financial documentation and a valid passport for I-20 processing after admission. The university requires proof of funds covering estimated expenses, and additional documentation may be necessary for dependents or transfer students. Certificate-only admission does not establish I-20 eligibility.
- Applicants should distinguish between admission to a degree program and admission to a certificate or licensure option, as their eligibility and immigration implications may differ.