Overview

The Art programme at the University of California, Santa Barbara offers a rigorous environment for students to refine their creative practice through a theory-based curriculum. This Master of Fine Arts degree focuses on preparing individuals for successful careers as professional artists and educators within the global cultural landscape.

The department encourages a cross-disciplinary approach to art production, situated within a broad cultural studies framework. Students are not required to specialise in a single medium, allowing for a fluid exploration of various creative techniques and academic research. This flexibility ensures that graduates can adapt to the evolving demands of the contemporary art world.

Why Art at the University of California, Santa Barbara?

The University of California, Santa Barbara provides a distinctive teaching environment that prioritises a cross-disciplinary philosophy. By avoiding rigid specialisation, the institution allows students to merge traditional techniques with modern digital practices, creating a unique space for experimental art production.

The programme is highly regarded for its focus on theory and criticism, which provides a solid foundation for those looking to enter academia or high-level professional practice. The department’s location and institutional strengths offer students a vibrant atmosphere for creative growth and cultural engagement.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 14430 per year
National fee: USD 14430 per year
Local fee: USD 14430 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Electronic and Digital Art
Painting & Drawing
Print and Publishing
Sculpture and Spatial Studies
Performance
Video
Installation
Theory and Criticism

Careers with Art

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse professional paths within the creative industries. Many alumni pursue successful careers as practicing artists, exhibiting their work in galleries and museums internationally. The curriculum also provides the necessary credentials for those seeking roles in higher education as art instructors or professors.

Beyond studio practice and teaching, the skills gained during the course are applicable to various sectors, including cultural curation, arts administration, and theory-based research. The emphasis on critical analysis and professional practice ensures that students are well-equipped for the competitive arts job market.

Programme Structure

About Our Team

The Graduate Admissions and Outreach unit manages the central processing of all graduate admission applications and verifies that all applicants have met university admissions requirements. We work closely with prospective students and departments to assist with the online application, general admission procedures, and policies.

Additionally, in the summer and fall, we attend recruitment fairs, forums, and conferences to attract a diverse and exceptional pool of applicants to apply to our graduate programs. We also host summer programs and collaborate with other campus organizations to invite prospective students to the campus for research opportunities, scholarly activities, and graduate preparatory workshops.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-11 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Santa Barbara, United States

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Visual Arts View 438 other Masters in Visual Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Online application

Statement of Purpose, Personal Achievements/Contributions, and Resume or CV (submitted in the online application)

Three Letters of Recommendation (submitted online)

Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (submitted online)

Portfolio required.

Final/Official transcripts will be required for all applicants who are admitted and have indicated their intent to enroll at UC Santa Barbara by submitting a Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year
Out-of-State

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14430 USD / year

≈ 14430 USD / year

Living costs

Santa Barbara

United States

1640 - 2480 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Art.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Santa Barbara

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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