This is an archived copy of the 2019-20 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.utexas.edu/.

Admission and Degree Requirements

Master of Fine Arts

In addition to meeting all general admission requirements laid out by the Graduate School, applicants to the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree program must submit a portfolio, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and design work. The GRE is not a requirement for admission to the MFA program; but students who have taken the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT or other graduate-level standardized tests are encouraged to submit their score reports with their application.

Applicants for admission to the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree program are expected to be self-motivated, experienced practitioners of design with a strong portfolio of recent work, a clearly stated rationale for undertaking graduate study in design, and a well-defined area of investigation around which they propose to focus their coursework, research, and creation in the program.

Candidates for the MFA degree must complete at least 60 semester hours of coursework, chosen with the advice and approval of the graduate adviser. Students must complete at least 42 hours of studio coursework, at least 30 of which must be graduate studio courses in design; nine hours of academic studies concerned with design; and at least six hours in areas of study other than design. Remaining hours may be selected from courses in any area of study at the University. Up to nine hours of upper-division undergraduate coursework in any subject may, with the approval of the graduate adviser, be counted toward the degree.

Master of Arts

In addition to meeting all general admission requirements laid out by the Graduate School, applicants to the Master of Arts (MA) degree program must submit a personal statement, writing sample and/or sample of creative/professional work, current résumé/CV, and two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic and professional potential. The GRE is not a requirement for admission to the MA program, but students who have taken the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, MCAT or other graduate-level standardized tests are encouraged to submit their score reports with their application.

Candidates for the MA degree must complete at least 40 credit hours of coursework. Twenty-six credit hours will be in design and fourteen credit hours will be prescribed electives specific to the student’s track (area of focus). The MA degree does not require a Master’s thesis or report.

Dual Degree Programs

The School of Design and Creative Technologies offers the following dual degree programs in cooperation with other divisions of the University. More information is available from the graduate adviser.

Field(s) of Study Degree(s)
MedicineDoctor of Medicine