Overview

The Art M.F.A. programme at The City University of New York provides a rigorous environment for creative development within the world’s most vibrant artistic hub. Students engage in advanced studio practice while receiving mentorship from a faculty of internationally recognised artists and critics. This curriculum balances traditional techniques with contemporary innovation to prepare graduates for professional excellence.

Why Art at The City University of New York?

The university offers an unparalleled location in the heart of the New York art world, providing students with direct access to global museums, galleries, and a community of distinguished visiting professionals. Facilities include private sky-lit studios, advanced digital laboratories, and an extensive printmaking suite. A defining feature of the programme is the final thesis exhibition, which typically takes place in prestigious galleries across Manhattan or Brooklyn, offering students significant professional exposure. Furthermore, the Art Department grants the Charles G. Shaw Awards to students demonstrating exceptional distinction in painting.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 855 per credit
National fee: USD 855 per credit
Local fee: USD 470 per credit

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

Syllabus

The curriculum requires 48 credits, including core studio sequences, art history requirements, and elective units. Modules may include:

Graduate Studio
Thesis Research
Art History
Digital Art
Drawing and Painting
Photography
Printmaking
Sculpture
Independent Study

Careers with Art

Graduates of this programme frequently establish successful careers as professional artists, with many represented by commercial galleries worldwide. The fine-arts sensibilities developed during the course also allow alumni to excel in diverse creative industries and academic roles. Common career paths and achievements include:

Professional Fine Artists and Sculptors
University Professors and Art Educators
Art Directors and Curators
Commercial Illustrators and Graphic Designers
Architects and Fashion Designers
Art Restorers and Conservators

Alumni have secured prestigious honours such as the Guggenheim, Fulbright, and Pollock-Krasner fellowships, reflecting the high standard of training provided. Many graduates also find employment with major institutions including the Brooklyn Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and MoMA PS1.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

The Classical Period in Greek Art

Renaissance Painting in Florence and Vicinity during the Fifteenth Century

Problems in Late Gothic and Renaissance Art and Architecture

Baroque Art in Italy

Latin American Art, 1492 to the present

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-28 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-02-15 00:00:00

More details

Rolling Admissions after deadline

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

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

Credits

36 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

New York City, United States

Disciplines

Visual Arts View 432 other Masters in Visual Arts in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

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

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

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

Transcripts from all colleges and universities attended.
Two letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Portfolio: Include up to 20 still and/or moving images that best reflect your studio practice.

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

30780 USD / year

≈ 30780 USD / year
Out-of-State

30780 USD / year

≈ 30780 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16920 USD / year

≈ 16920 USD / year

Additional Details

Residents: $5,545 per semester

Living costs

New York City

United States

1819 - 3968 USD / month

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

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.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

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

Additional Details

Living costs

New York City

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners