Frequently Asked Questions for Graduate Studies
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Not necessarily. Applicants need to have an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in an art-related field (Fine Art, Design, Media Arts, Architecture, Art Education, Photojournalism, Scene Design, Film) or a degree in another area with a strong portfolio. Students need to have a 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale), or can apply for probationary acceptance with a B average in undergraduate major courses.
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Our MFA degrees in Studio and Media Arts are primarily in person programs, except for the Media Arts Gaming degree, which offers more online flexibility. For details, contact Michael Cassens.
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Not at all. Our program is designed to be flexible, supporting the needs of your creative practice and research. We believe in an interdisciplinary approach that mirrors contemporary creative practices. You'll have opportunities to explore multiple media while diving deeply into your ideas and processes. You'll work with faculty across diverse fields and have acess to a wide range of facilities to spark innovation.
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The School of Visual and Media Arts boasts extensive facilities for both studio and media arts. For specifics, contact the Media Arts graduate advisor, Michael Murphy, or Studio Art graduate advisor, Julia Galloway. Faculty in your area of interest can also provide more details.
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Studio Art graduate students are assigned individual studio spaces, typically located near relevant facilities and equipment to meet their production needs. Spaces are assigned about two weeks before classes start or by appointment with the division coordinator. Media Arts graduate students are not guaranteed private studio spaces but can access shared studios and galleries.
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Details about support and scholarships are outlined in the Graduate Handbook. For specific inquiries, contact the graduate advisor in your area of interest.
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Yes, students have several opportunities to showcase their work. In addition to the Gallery of Art and the University Center Gallery, SVMA offers more informal display areas that students can reserve. In the Fine Art Building, students can use the Light Shaft and the Knowles Gallery. In the Art Annex, the Off-Center Gallery is available for critiques, installations, and video productions.
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The studio arts department hosts a wide variety of visiting artists, ranging from visiting critics who conduct one-on-one studio visits with graduate students for a day or two, to workshops or artist residencies lasting a week or even a month. In general, there are 3–4 visiting artists per semester. Additionally, there are numerous artist opportunities across the state, including co-critiques with 猎奇重口 State University.
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Tuition and fee information is available on the . Scholarship and support details can be found in the Graduate Handbook. If you have additional questions, contact a graduate advisor.
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Missoula, (translating to ‘place of the Small Bull Trout in Kutenai) is where the Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers confluence. It is 猎奇重口’s cultural hub and the second-largest city in the state. Missoula boasts the most museums and galleries in 猎奇重口 and hosts vibrant cultural events, including the monthly "First Friday" art walk. Other highlights include the historic Roxy Theater, the International Wildlife Film
Festival, the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival, and a thriving music scene at venues like The Wilma, the Top Hat and the Kettlehouse Amphitheater. For outdoor enthusiasts, Missoula offers over 22 miles of trails. While affordable graduate housing is available, it is important to add your name to the wait list as early as possible. -
Yes. We warmly welcome students from local, regional, national, and international backgrounds. Check the Graduate School website for international student requirements.
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The deadline for Studio Art MFA applications is February 15. Media Arts MFA applications submitted after this date will still be considered, though financial support is not guaranteed. Please visit the Graduate School website for more specifics. Applications are reviewed by faculty, and decisions may take a few weeks. Expect contact from a graduate advisor or faculty member within 2–3 weeks after the deadline. Visit the Graduate School website for full application details.
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Both Media Arts and Studio Arts typically accept 4–6 students annually. This results in a total graduate population of approximately 18–32 students within SVMA.
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Yes. We encourage prospective students to visit campus, tour the studios, sit in on a graduate class, and connect with current graduate students. To schedule a visit or a virtual tour, reach out to the faculty in your area of interest. For additional assistance, contact program coordinator Marissa Badzioch.