Overview

The Art programme at San Diego State University offers a rigorous Master of Fine Arts curriculum designed to foster professional creative practice and academic expertise. This 60-unit course provides students with the essential theoretical education and technical training required for high-level activity in the contemporary visual arts sector.

Candidates are expected to achieve a significant level of distinction through an original body of work. The curriculum culminates in a professional exhibition and a written report, which students must defend during an oral examination. This process ensures that graduates possess the critical thinking skills necessary for both independent practice and higher education teaching roles.

Why Art at San Diego State University?

Students benefit from expansive facilities that include dedicated studio spaces and state-of-the-art equipment tailored to various artistic disciplines. The university's location provides convenient access to prestigious institutions such as the San Diego Museum of Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, which serve as vital research resources.

The School of Art and Design is a central hub within the regional creative community, offering links to numerous commercial galleries and specialized libraries. Faculty members bring a broad range of research interests to the programme, ensuring that students receive diverse mentorship across multiple traditional and emerging media.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 8548 per year
National fee: USD 8548 per year
Local fee: USD 8548 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum integrates professional seminars with interdisciplinary critiques to support diverse research interests. Modules may include:

Pedagogy of Art and Design
Ceramics
Exhibition Design and Curatorial Practice
Furniture Design and Woodworking
Graphic Design
Jewellery and Metalwork
Painting and Printmaking
Photography
Sculpture

Careers with Art

Graduates are prepared for a variety of professional pathways within the global art and design industries. The programme specifically equips students with the credentials and experience required for college-level teaching in the visual arts. Many alumni establish successful careers as independent studio artists, exhibiting their work in international galleries and museums.

The diverse training provided also allows graduates to pursue roles in exhibition design, curatorial practice, and socially-engaged art initiatives. By developing advanced technical skills and theoretical knowledge, students are positioned to lead and innovate within creative organisations, design firms, and cultural institutions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Applied Design

Ceramics

Fiber

Furniture & Woodworking

Jewelry and Metalsmithing

Graphic Design

Interior Architecture

Multimedia and Photography

Painting and Printmaking

Sculpture

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-24 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Diego, United States

Disciplines

Fine Arts View 125 other Masters in Fine Arts in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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

Complete the Cal State Apply Application

Create an SDSU WebPortal Account

Submit Official Transcripts and Diploma/Degree Certificate

Submit Official Test Scores

Submit Program Specific Documents

Applicants who have earned a three-year baccalaureate degree from an international institution, may be considered for admission.

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

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Out-of-State

11548 USD / year

≈ 11548 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8548 USD / year

≈ 8548 USD / year

Additional Details

Non-resident tuition: Add $444 per unit to the basic tuition and fees listed above.

Living costs

San Diego

United States

1400 - 2455 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.

Art

About

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

Additional Details

Living costs

San Diego

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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