Interdepartmental Program
No
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Integrated Visual Arts (IVA) graduate program is committed to the professional development of artists and arts innovators. It offers unique opportunities for collaboration with students and faculty from around the world in art and design programs that represent a wide spectrum of professional activities.
The 63 credit Master of Fine Arts in Integrated Visual Arts at Iowa State University is a distinctive and unique interdisciplinary program offering study across the following areas: ceramics, computer applications, drawing, textiles, illustration, jewelry/metalsmithing, painting, printmaking, photography, furniture design and areas outside of Art & Design. The Integrated Visual Arts program offers an innovative curriculum aligned with emerging art and design markets.
Degrees Offered:
- Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)
How long does it take to earn a degree?
- Median time to earn the master’s: 2.9 years (Methods)
Learning Goals
- Develop a fully realized creative direction that provides a platform for continued professional research and visual expression.
- Produce a body of work that demonstrates a high level of creative investigation and accomplishment.
- Acquire a professional level of technical proficiency in one or more media areas.
- Effectively communicate ideas verbally and in writing.
- Know the current and historical contexts within which their creative pursuits exist.
- Develop a well-formed personal creative philosophy.
- Understand current ethical and social issues relevant to the visual arts.
- Use relevant theory in pursuing creative university level scholarship.
- Understand the structure and organization required for university-level art instruction.
515-294-3366
Melissa Stenstrom
msten@iastate.edu
Graduate Coordinator Assistant
College of Design Business Center
146 College of Design
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 50011-3094
Program Homepage
Program Handbook
Application Requirements
Application Deadlines:
Please submit your application and supporting materials by January 15 for fall admission and November 1 for spring admission. Submission by these dates ensures consideration for a graduate assistantship. Applications received after these dates may be considered for program admission, but applicants may have fewer assistantship options.
Application Details:
This program is open to domestic and international students.
Application Instructions
Admission Requirements
Graduate College Requirements:
- 4 year Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent)
- Academic Records/Transcripts
- Minimum 3.0 GPA (Program may alter requirement.)
- Proof of English Proficiency.
Program Specific Requirements:
International Requirements:
- Financial Statement: Application
- English Proficiency Minimum:
| TOEFL Paper (PBT) |
550 |
| TOEFL Internet (iBT) |
799 |
| IELTS |
6.5 |
| PTE |
53 |
| Duolingo (approved through spring 2026) |
115 |
Program Virtual Tour
Does this Program Offer a Distance Option?
No
Program offers a Coursework Only?
No
Program Director
emorgan@iastate.edu
Program Staff
msten@iastate.edu
janders@iastate.edu
annegn@iastate.edu
