The Fine Arts at Old Dominion University is a Master program designed for students who want to build the knowledge and skills required for careers in this field. Delivered on campus at the university's main campus in Aberdeen, United States of America, the program is taught in English and takes 2 years to complete. Students study in a Full Time environment while preparing for future professional opportunities. The next intake starts on August 28, 2027.

About Master of Fine Arts

The linked bachelor's programs in art history, studio art and fine arts and the M.A. in humanities make it possible for exceptional students to count up to 12 hours of graduate courses toward both an undergraduate and graduate degree. Students must earn a minimum of 150 credit hours (120 for the undergraduate degree and 30 for the graduate degree). Please refer to the Humanities section of this Catalog for additional information on the linked programs.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) is a professional degree that focuses on intensive work in the following visual arts majors: 3D Media & Materials Studies, Graphic Design, Painting & Drawing, and Photography & Print Media.
While our students pursue a wide range of careers upon completing their degree, some of the most common paths include arts administration, museum and gallery curators, community organizers, civil, environmental and human rights law and advocacy work, higher education, non-profit leadership, and social entrepreneurship.

Disciplines

College of Arts & Letters

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Fine Arts at Old Dominion University

Entry Requirements

Application and $50 fee
Equivalent U.S. Bachelor's Degree
All prior Secondary/High School or College/University transcripts along with Diploma or Leaving Certificate.
Demonstrated English Language Proficiency
Financial Documentation (seeking F/J visas only)
Passport identification
Requirements & deadlines vary by program
1. Standardized Test Results (GRE, GMAT, MAT, MCAT, PRAXIS)
2. Essay/Personal Statement/Resume
3. Letters of Recommendation

Send all materials & correspondence to

International Admissions
Old Dominion University
2101 Dragas Hall
Norfolk, VA 23529 USA

Required Credentials

As a service to applicants, the Office of International Admissions evaluates all foreign academic credentials. All documents submitted during the application process become the property of Old Dominion University and cannot be returned.

Transcripts, translations and standardized tests must be official, sealed, stamped by the institution or testing agency and sent directly to the Office of International Admissions at Old Dominion University.
Testing authorities may include the Registrar or the Principal/Controller of Examinations.
When English is not the language of instruction, academic transcripts are required in both English and one's native language. Certified official translations by a licensed or professional translator must accompany academic documents not written in English. Translations of official documents completed by the student will not be accepted.
Once submitted, no additional documents can be uploaded through the online application. If you wish to include additional credentials, attach and send them directly to [email protected]. Please be sure your name and date of birth are clearly indicated in the email subject line.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 6.5
TOEFLMin 79

Career Opportunities after Completing Master of Fine Arts

Careers

Check out these ideas from ODU Career Development Services and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET). A median salary is a midpoint of what people typically earn–half of those surveyed earned above the median salary, and half earned below.

Set and Exhibit Designers

$59,590 Median Salary

Design special exhibits and movie, television, and theater sets. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.

Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary

$78,720 Median Salary

Teach courses in drama, music, and the arts including fine and applied art, such as painting and sculpture, or design and crafts. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators

$57,520 Median Salary

Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.

Museum Technicians and Conservators

$44,970 Median Salary

Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.

Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Fine Arts at Old Dominion University

Application Fee 50

How to Apply for Master of Fine Arts at Old Dominion University

Your Choice

The Common Application, which allows you to complete one application and designate it to be used for multiple institutions, OR the new Old Dominion University Application. The choice is yours.

Our Commitment

Whichever method you choose, the admissions staff at Old Dominion University is committed to processing your application in a timely manner. Questions concerning the admissions process may be directed to [email protected], 757-683-3685. Questions relative to The Common Application need to be directed to the Help Center found at commonapp.org

Old Dominion University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Visit https://www.odu.edu/equity for more information.