The University of Missouri has played a prominent role in the teaching of the visual arts in North America since Walter Miller and John Pickard first began lecturing on campus in the 1890s. The School of Visual Studies offers graduate degrees in Visual Studies that blend disciplinary training in the history of art, material culture, and media studies with a commitment to public humanities. Through a combination of coursework; outreach, research, and teaching opportunities; and interdisciplinary collaboration with scholars in other fields and professional programs, the MA and PhD prepare students for careers in a variety of educational institutions, cultural organizations, and the creative economy generally.

University of Missouri - Columbia offers the Master of Visual Studies as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Columbia , United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 2 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for visual studies and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 21, 2027.
About Master of Visual Studies
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Master of Visual Studies at University of Missouri - Columbia
Entry Requirements
Have earned a qualifying bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited institution.
If your degree is from a U.S. college or school, the institution must be approved by one of the following U.S. Regional Accrediting Bodies:
- The Higher Learning Commission (Formerly North Central Association of Colleges and Schools)
- Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- New England Commission of Higher Education (Formerly New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education)
- Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- WASC Senior College and University Commission (Formerly Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities
If your degree is from a college or university outside of the United States, the institution must be recognized and approved by the Ministry of Education or Commission responsible for higher education in the country where the degree is earned. The degree must be equivalent to a four year U.S. bachelor’s degree, or higher degree.
Contact [email protected] with questions regarding degree equivalency.
Have earned at least a 3.0 Grade Point Average in the last 60 hours of baccalaureate coursework (required for applicants with less than a graduate certificate, graduate degree or professional degree).
English Requirements
- PTEMin 59
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 80
Tuition and Fee Information for Master of Visual Studies at University of Missouri - Columbia
How to Apply for Master of Visual Studies at University of Missouri - Columbia
Most prospective students who wish to earn a master’s, doctoral or educational specialist degree or a stand-alone graduate certificate should complete the application for admission.
If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Graduate School for assistance; by phone at 1-800-877-6312 or 573-882-6312, or via email at [email protected].

United States of America, Columbia