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    University of California-Santa Barbara

    Master of Fine Arts in Art

    Last verified against the official program page on .

    Santa Barbara, USMFAIn-person2 years
    $79,038.00
    Tuition
    over 24mo
    6%
    Acceptance
    of applicants
    8
    Cohort
    students
    72
    Credits
    $135.00
    App fee

    Master of Fine Arts in Art at University of California-Santa Barbara is a 72-credit, 2-year, in-person MFA program based in Santa Barbara, US. Tuition is $79,038.

    About the program

    Two-year program focusing on studio production, field studies, and theoretical work in a multi- and interdisciplinary context across areas like electronic and digital art, painting and drawing, print and publishing, sculpture and spatial studies, performance, video, installation, and theory and criticism. Culminates in a written thesis and exhibition.

    Focus: both
    US News: 40

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    Admissions

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    GPA thresholds, GRE/TOEFL/IELTS minimums, essay counts, recommendation letters, prerequisites, admissions contacts, and country-specific requirements like APS certification, portfolio submissions, or GATE scores.

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    Deadlines

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    Exact application deadlines for each term (Fall, Spring, Summer, Rolling), with priority and final dates where the program distinguishes them.

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    Standardized tests

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    Which tests are required, optional, or waived (GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo), minimum scores including separate verbal / quant sections, and program codes for score reporting.

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    After the program

    Post-study work rights

    12 months OPT (US)

    $19,704.00
    Annual living cost

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    Self-reported profiles of past applicants to this program.

    Prerequisites

    Specific coursework this program expects you to have completed: calculus, linear algebra, programming, statistics, and subject-specific prerequisites where applicable.

    Recommendations

    Exact count of letters required, whether academic vs professional references are preferred, and any program-specific guidance on who to ask.

    Essays

    Number of essays required (statement of purpose, personal statement, diversity statement), prompts where the program publishes them, and whether supplemental essays are optional or mandatory.

    Contact

    Direct email and phone for the admissions office handling this program, plus a link to the program-specific inquiry page where available.

    Frequently asked questions

    How much does Master of Fine Arts in Art at University of California-Santa Barbara cost?
    The total estimated tuition for Master of Fine Arts in Art at University of California-Santa Barbara is $79,038 across 72 required credits.
    Is Master of Fine Arts in Art at University of California-Santa Barbara online or in-person?
    Master of Fine Arts in Art at University of California-Santa Barbara is offered in-person.
    How long does Master of Fine Arts in Art at University of California-Santa Barbara take to complete?
    Master of Fine Arts in Art at University of California-Santa Barbara is structured around 2 years and 72 credits.
    What GPA is required for Master of Fine Arts in Art at University of California-Santa Barbara?
    Per the program's published guidance: minimum 3.0 GPA
    How competitive is Master of Fine Arts in Art at University of California-Santa Barbara?
    Master of Fine Arts in Art at University of California-Santa Barbara reports an acceptance rate of approximately 6%.