Application process
To apply for the MFA in Visual Art program, please submit all required materials through the University of Nevada, Reno Graduate School application portal. Select Art: Visual Arts (MFA) as your intended program. The application deadline is February 15 each year.
Required materials
- Letters of Recommendation: Three letters of recommendation from professional references are required. These should speak to your artistic practice, academic preparedness, and potential for success in a graduate program.
- Statement of Purpose: Submit a statement (1–2 pages) that introduces your art practice and clearly explains why you are pursuing an MFA. Address what you hope to accomplish in the program. Include your full name at the top of the document.
- Portfolio: Submit 10–15 examples of your artwork in a single PDF file (maximum size: 15 MB). Each image should include: your full name, title of the work, medium, dimensions, and date completed. Brief descriptions may be included if needed. If you are submitting time-based or video work, please include active links within the PDF. Please upload the PDF with your other application materials through The Graduate School's application portal.
- Additional Materials: Any other materials required by the Graduate School, as indicated in the online application platform, must also be submitted.
- Writing Sample: Please submit an undergraduate thesis paper that you wrote independently. The paper does not need to be related to art if your undergraduate degree is in another field. If you did not write a thesis paper, please submit an academic paper that presents your own original thesis or argument, supported by evidence and properly cite sources.
