Overview

The Art Practice M.F.A. at University of California, Berkeley offers a transformative environment for twelve selected graduate students to refine their creative and critical impact. This two-year programme is designed for individuals already deeply engaged in their artistic practice and possessing high technical proficiency. By combining independent study with rigorous coursework, the curriculum helps students situate their work within both local and global contemporary art contexts.

Why Art Practice at University of California, Berkeley?

Students benefit from a unique interdisciplinary environment, encouraged to take university-wide courses in diverse fields such as Geography, Philosophy, and Cognitive Science. The programme fosters professional growth through a Visiting Artist Lecture Series and direct studio visits with internationally renowned figures. Peer-to-peer critique is central to the experience, ensuring students learn to articulate the functions and possibilities of their work. Furthermore, the final thesis exhibition is hosted at the prestigious Berkeley Art Museum, providing a high-profile platform for graduating artists.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 6570 per year
National fee: USD 6570 per year
Local fee: USD 6570 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on creative research, critical theory, and professional dissemination. Modules may include:

Graduate Coursework
Independent Study
Cross-disciplinary Research
Peer Critique and Discussion
Teaching Practicum
Creative Research
Thesis Exhibition

Careers with Art Practice

The programme is dedicated to graduating working artists who maintain a significant cultural and artistic presence. Graduates are prepared for professional roles in the global art world, including exhibiting in museums and galleries, engaging in public art projects, and contributing to academic or critical publications. The experience gained through teaching mentorships also prepares students for potential careers in higher education and arts instruction. By establishing a rigorous pace of creative research, the university ensures graduates are ready to navigate the complexities of a professional art career.

Programme Structure

Courses Include:

Peer-to-peer discussion and critique form the heart of Berkeley’s MFA Program. Students respond to their classmates’ work, and learn to think, speak and write critically about art’s functions and possibilities.

A Visiting Artist Lecture Series, along with studio visits, offer graduate students the chance to connect with internationally-known artists. Students also will have the opportunity to teach in the second year, mentored and closely supported by a faculty member.

Exhibitions in the first and second year of study require students to maintain a rigorous pace of creative research and establish a professional art practice. The final thesis exhibition, completed after the second year of study, is held at the Berkeley Art Museum.

To obtain additional information about the program, we kindly suggest that you visit the programme website, where you can find further details and relevant resources.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 24 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

60 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Berkeley, United States

Disciplines

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

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Admission to the department is based on acceptance by the UCB Graduate Division and a faculty review of complete applications.

Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for the last two years of upper-division coursework. For the MFA degree, applicants are evaluated on their creative work, and all applicants must submit a portfolio of work consisting of a maximum of twenty still images.

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

6570 USD / year

≈ 6570 USD / year
Out-of-State

6570 USD / year

≈ 6570 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6570 USD / year

≈ 6570 USD / year

Living costs

Berkeley

United States

1750 - 2820 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

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Scholarships Information

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

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

Berkeley

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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