Graduate Design & Production Admissions
UNCSA offers Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degrees in the School of Design & Production (D&P) in several concentrations. Applicants must meet the minimum educational requirements.
Application Deadlines
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Early Application Date |
Monday, November 3, 2025 (11:59 p.m. EST) |
| Application Deadline | Thursday, January 15, 2026 (11:59 p.m. EST) |
Dates and Deadlines
Early Application Date
Provides an opportunity for candidates to complete the application process early and receive a decision prior to the new year. Applicants must submit the following by November 3, 2025:
- UNCSA online application
- application fee
- required application documents
- portfolio
- interview no later than December 5, 2025
Application Deadline
Applicants must submit the following in order to meet the January 15, 2026 deadline:
- UNCSA online application
- application fee
- required application documents
- portfolio
Interview
After completing the application, candidates are provided information about how to schedule their required faculty interview. Interviews are scheduled on a "first to apply, first to schedule" basis. Because interview slots are limited, applicants are encouraged to keep multiple dates available.
At the interview, applicants should be prepared to discuss their portfolio. Admission decisions are based on both artistic and academic merit.
On-campus,
In-person Interview
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Interview Dates
Interview Dates
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Location UNCSA Agenda
Information Session
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Virtual Interview (Zoom)
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Applicants to be provided links for attending an interview and the required virtual Q&A session. |
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Virtual Interview Dates
Interview Dates
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Virtual Q&A Session
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Admissions Criteria
Prerequisites
Applicants to all graduate Design & Production programs should have completed an undergraduate degree or be scheduled for completion of a degree prior to the upcoming Fall semester.
Test Scores (International Applicants)
International Applicants
International applicants are required to submit TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo scores. Minimum
score requirements are:
- TOEFL iBT or TOEFL iBT Home Edition: 79
- IELTS Academic: 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: 100
Completed Application, Fees & Required Documents
- Complete the online application.
- Pay your Application Fee: $95 for U.S. citizens and permanent residents, $130 for
international applicants or non-resident aliens. Application fees are non-refundable.
Payment Options- Online: Follow payment instructions at the end of the application or on your Admissions Portal.
- Check or Money Order (through a U.S. bank): Make payable to "UNCSA" and include your full legal name. Mail your payment and fully legible name of the applicant to the Office of Admissions.
- International Applicants: Use Flywire to pay your application fee online through an international bank or pay by check or money order through a U.S. bank as listed above.
- Upload all Required Application Documents prior to your listed application deadline.
Please note: If applying to two different UNCSA art schools (Design & Production, Filmmaking and Music), a second completed application and application fee are required.