How to Apply

Otis College accepts graduate applications for the fall and spring semesters for MFA Fine Arts, and for the fall semester for MFA Graphic Design. Admission is rolling after the application deadline and will be considered on a space-available basis.

Fall Semester Entry 

MFA Fine Arts and MFA Graphic Design - Fall
Application Opens: August 1
Priority Deadline: January 15*

Spring Semester Entry 

MFA Fine Arts
Application Opens: August 1
Priority Deadline: November 1

*After this date, applications will be accepted on rolling admission basis as space remains available. 

1. Online Application: Submit the online application at admissions.otis.edu/apply.
2. $50 application fee: The fee is nonrefundable and can be paid online after you submit your application.
3. Resume: This can be uploaded with your application. 
4. Statement: This can be uploaded with your application. 
   • MFA Fine Arts Applicants: Please submit an artist statement.
     • An artist statement is an important element of the MFA application. Please address the following prompts in your statement. A word count of 500-800 words is recommended. 
       • Describe your artistic practice and process (ideas, research, materials, ways of making, etc.)
       • Describe your artistic goals and aspirations
       • What motivates you to pursue an MFA at Otis College of Art and Design?

   • MFA Graphic Design Applicants: Please answer each question below in the form of a paragraph. Please provide any specific examples and direct references when necessary. 

     1. For what reason(s) are you applying for an MFA in Graphic Design? Why Otis specifically? (Feel free to list any classes, faculty, or opportunities Otis provides that inspire you). 

     2. Who or what is currently inspiring your design practice? Are there any contemporary graphic designers that are influencing your practice? How and why?

     3. Tell us about one creative hobby, and one area in which you consider yourself an expert.

5. Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from any college or university where you pursued undergraduate study and where you earned your bachelor’s degree. International students must submit official foreign language transcripts as well as certified translations. Unofficial transcripts can be submitted with your application and used to evaluate you for admission. Please upload them through the application or applicant portal.
6. Portfolio: For Fine Arts or Graphic Design, submit 15-20 images (see Preparing a Portfolio below). 
7. Letters of Recommendation (optional): Up to three letters of recommendation can be submitted through the online application, but are optional.

• English Proficiency Exam 
  • If you are an international applicant whose primary/native language is not English and you are applying for Fine Arts, Graphic Design or Public Practice, you should take one of the three tests recognized by Otis College: the TOEFL, the IELTS, or the Pearson Test of English. The minimum scores required for MFA admission are a 79 on the TOEFL ibt, 6.5 on the IELTS or 58 on the Pearson Test of English or 105 on the Duolingo English Test.
  • Applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction may meet our English proficiency requirement. A transcript is required to make this determination.
  • The English proficiency requirement may not be required for native English speakers who are citizens of any of the following countries and attend schools where English is the primary language of instruction: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, India, South Africa and Common Wealth Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago).
  • Contact the Admissions office at gradadmissions@otis.edu or 310.665.6820 for additional information.
  • Interview (by request) - Departments may request interviews over video conference as a part of the application process. 

Admissions requirements for the Graduate Programs are designed to give admitted students a high probability of success in academic and studio work. Technical competence in the area of concentration is a primary factor in the admissions process.

Completion of an accredited BFA, BA, or BS degree is required. For Fine Arts, it is preferred that students have a degree in art or a related field, but all applicants with a prior bachelor’s degree will be considered for admission.

Submitting your Application Materials

You can check to see if your application materials have been received by logging in to your applicant account. Application materials should be submitted digitally whenever possible. Our mailing address is Otis College of Art and Design, Attn: Admissions, 9045 Lincoln Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045.

Graduate Fine Arts, Graduate Graphic Design: 
Specific portfolio requirements for each program can be found online here.  The portfolio will be uploaded online through the application portal.

English Proficiency Exam

If you are an international applicant whose primary/native language is not English and you are applying for Fine Arts or Graphic Design, you should take one of the three tests recognized by Otis: the TOEFL, the IELTS, or the Pearson Test of English. The minimum scores required for MFA admission are a 79 on the TOEFL ibt, 6.5 on the IELTS or 58 on the Pearson Test of English or 105 on the Duolingo English Test.

Applicants who have earned a bachelor's degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction may be waived of this requirement.

The English proficiency requirement may also be waived for native English speakers who are citizens of any of the following countries and attend schools where English is the primary language of instruction: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, India, South Africa and Common Wealth Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago).

Contact the Admissions office at gradadmissions@otis.edu or 310.665.6820 for additional information.

 

Visa Requirements

International Students who require an F-1 student visa must submit the following:

• I-20 Request Form 
• Financial Guarantee Form
• A bank statement or other documentation from the parent’s or sponsor’s bank or sponsoring organization certifying that sufficient funds for support of the student’s education and living expenses are available.
• A copy of the current passport photo page.
• If the student is currently holding an F-1 visa, then a copy of the I-20 and visa are also required. The SEVIS Release Form will also be required.

Communication must be in English or accompanied by certified English translation, and funds should be in U.S. dollars. Address these letters to Otis College of Art and Design Admissions Office. When all required documents are received, an I-20 will be issued for the student. The student may take this document to a U.S. Embassy or Consulate to obtain an F-1 Student Visa