The UNLV Department of Art invites artists to apply for the Fall 2026 Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Program in Art. We are seeking applications that present unique perspectives, artistic rigor and exploration, and potential for dynamic growth. We welcome artists from diverse backgrounds who want to participate in the dialogues within contemporary art and culture and the creation of meaningful aesthetic experiences and shared knowledge through studio practice and exhibition.
Priority Application Deadline December 1, 2025
Final Deadline February 1, 2026
The MFA Experience
The three-year Master of Fine Arts (MFA) program is studio based and research focused with an emphasis on creative practice, interdisciplinarity, community engagement, and professional development. Each MFA candidate is provided with private studio space with 24-hour access and approved access to department studio labs. Throughout the program students conduct practice and text-based research, presenting their work in studio visits, exhibitions, MFA Open Studios, and group critique with faculty, peers, visiting artists, curators, scholars, and community members. Graduate students have the unique opportunity to develop their art and research in proximity to the expansive context of the Las Vegas Strip and the Mojave desert landscape. Our small cohort cultivates community and a supportive artist network. The full cohort consists of 10 to 12 candidates, with the department admitting three to four new students each year.
By the end of the three-year program, each MFA candidate will have developed a significant body of creative work and possess a critical awareness of their art within a broad and diverse context of contemporary culture, art, design, history, and theory. The program culminates in a public solo thesis project at the Donna Beam Gallery their final semester. Our MFA Art alumni go on to exhibit, curate, write, teach, and work as cultural producers.
Graduate Assistantships
We encourage all applicants to apply for a Graduate Assistantship during the application process. Graduate Assistantships are awarded based on the submitted application and portfolio materials. We will be awarding Graduate Assistantship packages to all of our accepted applicants for Fall 2026.
Assistantship packages include:
- Tuition waivers*
- $21,000 stipends for 9-month contracts
- Healthcare insurance
* If the candidate enrolls in 9 credits each Fall and Spring and 3 credits each summer, the GA tuition waiver is the equivalent of a full-tuition waiver, minus fees.
Graduate assistants work in various roles that offer career training in teaching, curating, research, arts administration, and professional development. Graduate assistantships financially support and advance students who have rare opportunities to: contribute to the development of curriculum; manage studios and shops; and work alongside community members, local organizations, and other departments. It is expected that the Graduate Assistant will spend up to 20 hours per week fulfilling requirements in their assigned areas.
Virtual Information Sessions
Our virtual information sessions will discuss the personal and professional benefits of graduate education at UNLV, the MFA Art program, and the graduate school application process. Our presentation will be immediately followed by a Q&A session with Wendy Kveck, Department of Art Graduate Coordinator, Alina Lindquist, 1st year MFA candidate and Graduate Program Assistant, and current MFA Art students. For more information, contact art.gradcoord@unlv.edu.
Register here:
Thursday, October 16 at 6:00 PM Pacific Time
Wednesday, November 12 at 6:00 PM Pacific Time
Important Links
Find more detailed information about the Department of Art MFA Degree Program.
Visit the Graduate College page for comprehensive information about Graduate Assistantships and how to apply.
Please direct questions about the MFA Art Program and application to Wendy Kveck at art.gradcoord@unlv.edu.
See College Art Association’s guidelines on how to write an Artist’s Resume.
NYFA’s resource for writing an artist resume.
We look forward to receiving and reviewing your applications!