Art

The Bachelor of Arts in Art at the University of California offers students a comprehensive and dynamic education in the visual arts, emphasizing creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency. This program is designed to inspire students to explore diverse artistic mediums and develop their unique artistic voice. Through a combination of foundational courses and specialized electives, students gain a well-rounded understanding of art history, contemporary practices, and studio techniques. The curriculum encourages experimentation and innovation, fostering an environment where students can push boundaries and engage with contemporary issues through their artwork. Alongside studio classes, students have access to extensive resources, including state-of-the-art facilities, galleries, and a vibrant arts community on campus. Faculty composed of experienced artists and scholars guide students through individual projects, critique sessions, and collaborative works, ensuring personalized mentorship and professional development. The program also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to integrate elements from other fields such as technology, sociology, and digital media into their art practice. Graduates from the Art program are prepared for diverse careers in visual arts, including studio practice, curation, arts administration, and education. They are equipped with critical skills in visual analysis, cultural literacy, and artistic production, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the evolving landscape of contemporary art. The Bachelor of Arts in Art at the University of California is committed to nurturing innovative artists who are capable of making significant cultural contributions both locally and globally.

The core of the program is independent creative work done in consultation with faculty. MFA students can work in any medium. UCR has facilities for photography, painting, video, digital media and sculpture. Individual graduate studios are provided.

The MFA is a Plan I (thesis) master's degree program, requiring 72 units in graduate or approved upper-division undergraduate courses that must be completed with at least a letter grade of "B" or "Satisfactory."

Required courses include 48 units in graduate courses in theory and criticism, as well as individual projects and tutorials:

• Three courses of Art 285, Graduate Critique
• Art 230, Contemporary Critical Issues
• Art 240, Critical Theory
• Art 299, Research for Thesis
• Art History Graduate Seminar
• Five courses of Art 293, Directed Individual Studio Production

Of the remaining 24 units in elective courses, at least one additional course must be in Art History or Media and Culture Studies, and at least two additional courses must be taken from a department other than art.  These courses may be graduate or undergraduate courses.

MFA students will receive a degree in Visual Art. The course of study is not characterized by medium.

The thesis requirement is met by the student's MFA thesis exhibition, accompanied by a written thesis on the work exhibited. A graduate thesis committee reviews the thesis. The committee is composed of three faculty members, at least two from the Department of Art. The third faculty member may be from another department.

Teaching requirement: None; however, students are given opportunities to teach and are encouraged to do so.

Foreign language requirement: None

Normative time to degree: Three years.

Requirements

The application process for the UC Riverside MFA program is divided in TWO (2) Parts. 

Students applying to the MFA program at UCR must first start their Application with the UCR Electronic application through the UCR Graduate System http://graduate.ucr.edu/online_app.html, pay their fee and take note of their application ID for submitting a Portfolio through SlideRoom.

The First Part of the application process includes using this Graduate System Website to submit:

1. Both Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement
2. At least three (3) Letters of Recommendation 
3. Official Transcripts
4. Graduate Division Supplemental Fellowship Information Form
5. Curriculum Vitae (CV) -  Should include student’s References
6. Students must take note of their application ID to enter into Slide Room

The Second Part of the application process involves:

1. Going to your online portfolio portal (Slideroom). Students must fill out the UCR privacy notice and agreement with their slide Room ID
2. Following the instructions for submitting your portfolio of images/video
3. Uploading your Artist Statement

a.   Provide additional explanatory information that pertains to your work. This is a separate statement from your ‘Statement of Purpose and Personal History Statement.’

IV.          Uploading your Slide List

a.    Follow the instructions on Slideroom.com to make sure each image has the correct caption information

V.           Please note that students will have to pay a $10 fee to upload their images and Artist Statement to SlideRoom

If appropriate during the application process students may either: 
(1) upload the additional information as Word documents or PDFs,
(2) copy and paste the additional information in the text boxes provided, or 
(3) mail the additional information to the department, or 
(4) e-mail the additional information to the departmental address.

Supplemental materials

• • GRE scores are NOT required for the MFA Program
  • Transcripts from ALL colleges or universities attended
  • A Statement of Purpose
    • Your Statement of Purpose should provide a clear and detailed description of your academic interests and career objectives. It should include some description of what you have studied so far, and of any relevant work experiences.  We would like to know what you expect your area(s) of specialization within the field to be, and what preparation you have had so far in these areas; if there are particular faculty or resources that attract you to study at UC Riverside.
  • A Personal History Statement
    • In an essay, discuss how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. Please include any educational, familial, cultural, economic, or social experiences, challenges, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how you might contribute to social or cultural diversity within your chosen field; and/or how you might serve educationally underrepresented segments of society with your degree.
  • Three (3) Letters of Recommendation
  • CV - Curriculum Vitae
    • Should include students References
  • The application fee ($80 for domestic applicants; $100 for foreign applications)
    • This fee can ONLY be paid with a credit card
    • Students who do not have access to credit cards may contact the Graduate Admissions Office for check or money order payment options.  951-827-3313

Requirement for SlideRoom (Portfolio Submission)

1. • Portfolio Must be uploaded into SlideRoom website
     • Students must include their UCR Application ID # into SlideRoom
     • A Maximum of 20 Images can be included in your SlideRoom portfolio
     • Students can also upload ‘video’ portfolios onto SlideRoom
   • Slide List
     • Your slide list should correspond to each image in SlideRoom which should include: title, date, dimensions and medium.
   •  Short Artist Statement
     • Provide additional explanatory information that pertains to your work. This is a separate statement from your ‘Statement of Purpose.’

Foreign Applicants   

The Graduate Division allows limited funding to the Art Department pertaining to international students, and the department is not able to make attractive financial aid packages. Please note that the MFA program in Visual Arts is a three (3) year program and students that go beyond the normative time will have to pay for tuition and fees on their own behalf. If an international student is accepted into the program they along with the other domestic students within the program are required to maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. If your GPA falls below this minimum the student runs the risk of losing their funding and having to pay for tuition and fees.  Please note that tuition and fees per quarter are substantially higher for international students and does not cover the cost of living. Also, remember that you must fill out the Financial Verification form to provide evidence that you have adequate monies in order to be admitted.

The University of California offers a variety of financing options for students pursuing Art programs across its campuses. These options include federal and state financial aid, scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and loan opportunities designed to make education accessible and affordable. Federal financial aid is available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which students must complete annually to determine eligibility for need-based assistance such as Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG). Additionally, students can apply for federal student loans, including Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, which have fixed interest rates and flexible repayment plans.

State-sponsored financial aid programs are also accessible to California residents, with the Cal Grant system being the most prominent. Cal Grants are need-based awards that can substantially reduce the financial burden of university tuition and fees. To qualify, students must complete the FAFSA and meet specific academic and financial criteria. Some campuses offer their own scholarships and fellowships specifically for Art students, recognizing the importance of artistic achievement and academic excellence. These institutional awards are often merit-based and can cover tuition, supplies, or living expenses.

Work-study programs provide students with part-time employment opportunities on or near campus, allowing them to earn money to support their studies while gaining valuable experience. Many positions are related to art and university cultural activities, offering practical engagement with the field. Graduate students may have access to research assistantships, teaching assistantships, or specialized arts grants that support creative projects and academic research.

Students are encouraged to explore external sources of funding, including private scholarships from arts foundations, local community organizations, and corporate sponsors committed to supporting the arts. The university’s financial aid offices provide comprehensive counseling and resources to assist students in identifying and applying for suitable funding opportunities.

Overall, the University of California’s Art programs are supported by a robust network of financial assistance options designed to help students manage costs, reduce debt, and focus on their artistic development and academic goals. To maximize available resources, students are advised to complete all necessary applications early, maintain good academic standing, and seek guidance from financial aid advisors regularly to stay informed about new funding opportunities and changes in eligibility criteria.

The University of California offers a comprehensive Art program designed to cultivate students' creativity, technical skills, and critical understanding of artistic practices. This program provides students with a broad-based education in fine arts, encompassing drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital media, allowing them to explore a wide range of artistic expression. The curriculum emphasizes both studio practice and theoretical coursework, fostering the development of individual artistic voice alongside a deep understanding of art history, contemporary issues, and cultural contexts. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated studios, workshops, and galleries that support experimental and traditional art forms. The faculty comprises experienced artists and scholars committed to mentoring students and encouraging innovative approaches to art-making. Throughout the program, students participate in exhibitions, workshops, and internships that provide valuable professional experiences. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in fine art, design, education, and other creative industries, equipping them with skills that are applicable in diverse artistic fields. Additionally, students are encouraged to engage critically with societal issues through their artwork, fostering a socially conscious perspective. The university's strong network of alumni and industry contacts offers students opportunities for collaboration and employment after graduation. With a focus on fostering artistic excellence and personal growth, the Art program at the University of California strives to support students in developing as creative, thoughtful, and skilled artists ready to contribute to the cultural landscape.