The Department of Art, Art History and Design is proud to offer three unique graduate degree programs, distinct from one another yet deeply interrelated. Each of these MFA programs is a full-time, five-semester, 2.5-year-long program anchored by five 10-day in-person residencies at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe campus each January and August during your time.
This program combines immersive studio practice, critical study and residencies to advance creative research and contemporary artistic practice.
This program empowers working artists to advance their practice through intensive residencies, mentorship and independent study.
This program blends residencies, distance learning and personalized mentorship to help writers create meaningful, publishable work.
Our MFA programs are designed to meet artists where they are, offering both full-residency and low-residency options. The full-residency program provides an immersive, on-campus experience for students seeking a dedicated, full-time creative environment. Our low-residency programs allow working professionals to balance their studies with other commitments through remote learning and intensive residencies. Together, these pathways ensure that artists at different stages of life can pursue advanced study in a way that fits their goals and lifestyle.
Each MFA program is anchored by a series of five 10-day residencies at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. These residencies provide hands-on learning, critiques, readings, lectures, gallery exhibitions and collaborative experience in a close-knit, inspiring environment embedded within the spectacular beauty of Lake Tahoe. Working together simultaneously during residencies, students connect with a vibrant creative community of faculty, visiting artists and writers, and over 50 graduate student cohorts in all three MFA programs.
While each MFA program is distinct, the programs are deeply interconnected, bringing together artists and writers across disciplines. Students build lasting relationships with peers, faculty and visiting artists, fostering a supportive, collaborative network that extends well beyond graduation.