The UNLV Department of Art invites artists to apply for the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) Program in Art. We are seeking applications that present unique perspectives, rigorous artistic skill and research, and a 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 powerful sensory experiences and shared knowledge through art practice and exhibition.
Application Deadline
The annual deadline to apply is Feb. 1.
How To Apply For The UNLV MFA Art Program
The application is a two-step process:
- The application to the Graduate College via the Graduate College website.
- The Artist PDF packet to be submitted directly to the Department of Art Graduate Coordinator.
Please note that both steps require you to submit their corresponding application materials separately. The Graduate College application materials are submitted through the Graduate College website, and the Artist PDF packet must be emailed to Wendy Kveck at art.gradcoord@unlv.edu.
Application Part One: Graduate College Application
Visit the UNLV Graduate College website to access the application. This portion of the application requires:
- The application for admission
- Three letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
During this step of the application, you may apply for a graduate assistantship. Visit the MFA Graduate Assistantship page for more information.
Application Part Two: Application Supplemental Materials
In addition to the previously mentioned items, applicants who wish To be considered for admission to the program, applicants must submit items one to three as a single PDF file:
- A written statement of intent (500-800 words). The statement of intent should describe the motivations and objectives of your artistic research and discuss how the UNLV MFA Art Program, faculty, community, and time to focus on art will help you further your academic and career goals.
- Portfolio of 20 recent work samples which represent your strongest work from the past three years, with an emphasis on work from the past year. Please submit high-quality images (jpeg files max dimension of 1024 px @ 72 dpi, up to 5MB each). We recommend submitting no more than 1-2 large images per page for ideal viewing. Under each image please include the title, medium, dimensions, date, and a 30-word max description, as applicable, for each work. For time-based or interactive media please submit as a link (website link, Vimeo or YouTube channel link) and note that we will review up to 15 minutes of time-based work per applicant. Include title, media details, password for password protected videos, date, and a 35-word max synopsis, as applicable, for each work.
- Curriculum Vitae/Resume with relevant experience and education.
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Label PDF: first name_last name_MFA_year.pdf ie. J_Chavez_MFA_2024.pdf
These materials should be emailed to Wendy Kveck at art.gradcoord@unlv.edu with the subject heading “Fall 2024 MFA Art Application” no later than February 1, 2024. We look forward to receiving and reviewing your applications.
Selection Criteria
Selection criteria for graduate students include:
- Potential for dynamic growth and leadership within the Department of Art, the College of Fine Arts, and the UNLV and Las Vegas communities.
- Artistic excellence: the work demonstrates exceptional research and skill in its execution.
- Content of the work: the artist presents a unique perspective and ambitious, creative exploration of formal and conceptual relationships within the work and a consideration of historical/contemporary social, political, or cultural context. The artist poses interesting questions and transforms ideas into new forms that are productive, exciting, and promising for future work.
- Professional experience.
Virtual Information Sessions
Our virtual information sessions discuss the personal and professional benefits of graduate education at UNLV, the MFA Art program, and the graduate school application process. Presentations are followed by a Q&A session with the Department of Art graduate coordinator and current MFA Art students.
Please direct questions about the information sessions, MFA Art Program and application to Wendy Kveck at art.gradcoord@unlv.edu.
Register for upcoming information sessions by viewing our events below.