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Author: Blake Huggins, PhD

Blake Huggins, PhD, is a writer, researcher, and educator based in New England. He writes with specific expertise in the higher education, healthcare, and technology spaces. Blake holds a PhD from Boston University and has taught college courses in writing, composition, religion, and philosophy.
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Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Jordan Cosselman graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in English. She joined the OMD team in 2021 with the goal of making graduate education more approachable for students from all walks of life. She's especially interested in helping students understand the ROI of a master's degree, so they feel confident in their investment.

Online Master of Fine Arts (MFA): Finding the Right School

Unlock your creative potential and boost your earning power by getting your online MFA from a top-ranked program. Find a list of the best schools and explore specializations in this guide.The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

The following professionals lent their expertise to this article:

Author: Blake Huggins, PhD

Blake Huggins, PhD, is a writer, researcher, and educator based in New England. He writes with specific expertise in the higher education, healthcare, and technology spaces. Blake holds a PhD from Boston University and has taught college courses in writing, composition, religion, and philosophy.
Check Expertise: Graduate EducationOnline LearningBusiness Administration
Graduate EducationOnline LearningBusiness Administration

Editor: Jordan Cosselman

Jordan Cosselman graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in English. She joined the OMD team in 2021 with the goal of making graduate education more approachable for students from all walks of life. She's especially interested in helping students understand the ROI of a master's degree, so they feel confident in their investment.
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If you’re ready to advance your career in the fine arts, an online MFA program can give you the skills and confidence you need to achieve your goals. Earning a Master of Fine Arts online builds a core set of in-demand skills that you can take into the workplace to challenge, engage, and lead others.

Numerous schools offer affordable and accredited online MFA programs, so how do you pick the right one for your career goals?

This guide breaks down the different MFA specializations and spotlights popular online programs to help you find the one that’s right for you.

Start with our ranking of the top online MFA programs:

FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:


In-Depth Look at 3 Quality Online MFA Programs

While these schools didn’t make our top list above, they each offer accredited, high-quality online MFA programs worth considering.

Review the spotlights below to see how they align with your budget, learning style, and career goals.

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) offers 11 online MFA specializations, including: animation, design for sustainability, fashion, graphic design, illustration, game development, luxury and brand management, motion media design, painting, photography, and writing.

  • Credits: 90 total
  • Format: Fully online, asynchronous learning with critiques, discussion boards, and access to industry-standard tech tools
  • Student Experience: Small classes, 1-on-1 mentorship from award-winning faculty, and access to master classes, digital workshops, and virtual library tools
  • Networking: Extensive opportunities to connect with industry leaders and global organizations

🎓 SCAD’s programs are designed for working professionals and creatives on the go, with plenty of ways to specialize further within your chosen area

University of Arkansas at Monticello

The School of Arts and Humanities offers two online MFA programs: creative writing and debate & communication.

  • Credits: 48 (can be finished in 4 terms)
  • Residency: Not required
  • Capstone: Thesis project + comprehensive exam
  • Funding: Limited graduate assistantships available (teaching undergrads + tuition support)
  • Creative Writing Focus Areas: Literary analysis, critical thinking, multiple aesthetic approaches
  • Debate & Communication Focus Areas: Administration, coaching, and qualitative research

🎓 All coursework is fully online, and students are encouraged to move through the program at a pace that fits their personal and professional lives.

School of Visual Arts (SVA) – NYC

The School of Visual Arts in New York City offers two online MFA tracks: art practice and visual narrative.

  • Credits: 60 total
  • Format: Hybrid low-residency | Online coursework during the year + intensive summer sessions in NY
  • Capstone: Original thesis project, crafted and presented to the public
  • Student Support: Access to SVA’s advisement center, technology tools, and career development services
  • Art Practice: Interdisciplinary, covering multiple mediums and genres
  • Visual Narrative: Blends creative writing and visual art

🎓 This hybrid model ensures online learners still benefit from the hands-on components that define fine arts education.


Advantages of Online MFAs

Online and hybrid MFA programs make fine arts education more accessible than ever. As an online student, you’ll benefit from the best of both worlds: you’ll learn from the same seasoned experts leading traditional programs, but you won’t have to disrupt your professional commitments or upend your life to go to campus.

Here are just a few of the advantages online MFA programs offer.

1. Affordability

Online programs are often less expensive, with some schools offering reduced tuition for distance learners.

Learn more about the cost of online master’s programs.

2. Convenience and Flexibility

While most “online” MFAs still include some in-person components, core courses are usually taken online, with a mix of asynchronous and synchronous formats to fit busy schedules.

3. Peer Workshopping

Studying online doesn’t mean going it alone. Expect critiques and collaboration via interactive online tools or in-person residencies.


What You’ll Learn in Online MFA Programs

While curricula vary by specialization, most online MFAs follow a similar structure:

  1. Core Courses: Broad exploration of fine arts and your specific discipline
  2. Electives/Specialization: Deeper dives into your chosen medium
  3. Capstone Project: A thesis, exhibition, or performance that showcases your artistic approach

Art History Survey

This course offers a broad survey of art history beginning with the ancient world, moving through the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and up to the present.

Students learn about different approaches to art and aesthetics, how those approaches interact with culture, and how they develop alongside other disciplines in the humanities.

Principles of Graphic Design

This course introduces students to the main techniques and methods of graphic design practice. It looks at typography, design theory, and the emergence of new media.

Students develop proficiency in key software packages specific to their interests and learn to conceptualize, research, and execute different design projects.

Approaches to Literary Theory and Art Criticism

A core course in most writing programs, this class cultivates a broad knowledge base in theoretical methods of criticism in literature and the arts.

It looks at the development of literary interpretation along with other analytical frameworks specific to the modern period. Students develop clear critical and communication skills through presentations and analysis of written texts.

Computer-Generated Modeling and Design

Students in this class receive instruction in the modeling tools and surface techniques used in the animation industry. The class also looks at storyboarding and previsualization.

You’ll develop key skills in modeling living forms and use insights from recent media theory to enhance expressive gestures, figurative motion, and fluid representation.

Fashion Structures and Materials

This course develops familiarity with fashion materials, related technologies, and the creative processes involved in each.

It helps students develop their own style and approach to fashion, informed by contemporary art and realization techniques in the fashion industry. Students experiment with three-dimensional development and work to build a representative portfolio.

Specialization Options

A key part of any online MFA program, specialization is paramount due to the broad nature of the fine arts. Most programs require you to choose a concentration early on.

Popular options include:

Creative Writing

Earning an online MFAin creative writing prepares you to work in publishing, authorship, criticism, and editing.

Depending on the program, this specialization may focus more on fiction, nonfiction, translation, or poetry. Along the way, you will cultivate key skills in genre analysis, literary theory, and written communication.

Example: Southern New Hampshire University

Design Thinking

This specialization builds broad-based competency in the fine arts, applicable in a range of professional contexts. It looks at how different approaches to design help address complex domestic and international problems.

Instruction in this interdisciplinary area begins with art history and design methodology and works to combine that knowledge base with organizational analysis.

Example: Radford University

Graphic Design

An online graphic design MFA builds the key skills needed for professional success in advertising and user experience. It focuses on the intersection between visual art, modern technology, and entrepreneurship.

Students learn to tell visually compelling stories using innovative and intuitive tools and to manage brand voices across an industry.

Example: Savannah College of Art and Design

Game Development and Interactive Design

Earning an online MFAin game development and interactive design cultivates proficiency with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and virtual reality.

Aspiring professionals learn to create models and simulations in responsive environments using motion media and animation tools.

Additional topics include the methodology of play (also called ludic methodology), immersive design, and human experience prototypes.

Example: Savannah College of Art and Design


Accreditation for Online MFA Programs

Any school you consider for your online MFAshould have proper institutional accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation establish guidelines for this quality-assurance process. They also recognize the independent agencies that administer accreditation.

Those agencies grant regional or national accreditation to schools that meet standards of quality and excellence. Potential online MFA programs should be housed within a school that holds one of these forms of institutional accreditation.

Some programs may have additional credentials like programmatic or specialized accreditation. This credential isn’t always necessary and does not replace institutional accreditation, but it does offer additional, discipline-specific backing. In the fine arts, programs typically receive accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design.


Creative Career Salary Outlook with an MFA

An MFA is the terminal degree in studio arts, positioning you for professional practice, gallery representation, academic teaching, and senior creative leadership roles. Graduates work as visual artists, graphic designers, creative directors, art faculty, and studio managers — across galleries, design agencies, brand studios, publishing houses, and higher education. The credential is required for most full-time teaching positions at the college and university level.

Design and creative roles vary widely in compensation, with corporate creative directors and brand design leaders at the top of the range. Graphic designers in agency and in-house corporate settings tend to earn more than those in traditional fine arts or nonprofit contexts.

Check the salary table below to see what graphic designers earn across states, and benchmark creative career compensation in your area.

Graphic Designers

BLS May 2025

Sort by:

U.S.

$62,960

75th: $81,830 90th: $104,910

Alabama

$51,070

75th: $67,430 90th: $89,130

Alaska

$62,570

75th: $77,980 90th: $103,440

Arizona

$58,510

75th: $75,290 90th: $88,590

Arkansas

$46,220

75th: $58,230 90th: $79,730

California

$75,130

75th: $99,240 90th: $129,560

Colorado

$66,330

75th: $85,810 90th: $118,560

Connecticut

$72,700

75th: $84,790 90th: $106,830

Delaware

$60,130

75th: $76,820 90th: $92,920

District of Columbia

$87,920

75th: $114,280 90th: $136,660

Florida

$61,660

75th: $80,680 90th: $101,860

Georgia

$60,250

75th: $77,670 90th: $100,110

Hawaii

$58,070

75th: $78,420 90th: $91,080

Idaho

$50,350

75th: $64,550 90th: $82,140

Illinois

$62,560

75th: $81,320 90th: $98,750

Indiana

$55,480

75th: $70,260 90th: $98,020

Iowa

$50,310

75th: $63,640 90th: $75,510

Kansas

$53,630

75th: $64,560 90th: $86,260

Kentucky

$52,960

75th: $65,330 90th: $81,690

Louisiana

$49,910

75th: $62,570 90th: $76,300

Maine

$60,030

75th: $74,120 90th: $79,000

Maryland

$75,120

75th: $94,930 90th: $109,630

Massachusetts

$76,710

75th: $95,990 90th: $108,970

Michigan

$57,350

75th: $70,400 90th: $86,320

Minnesota

$63,860

75th: $78,380 90th: $96,960

Mississippi

$45,640

75th: $57,720 90th: $75,480

Missouri

$56,750

75th: $70,920 90th: $83,270

Montana

$56,890

75th: $70,980 90th: $104,780

Nebraska

$56,700

75th: $65,590 90th: $78,840

Nevada

$62,890

75th: $79,510 90th: $88,890

New Hampshire

$60,490

75th: $78,190 90th: $95,680

New Jersey

$73,790

75th: $92,040 90th: $122,940

New Mexico

$56,730

75th: $70,520 90th: $75,680

New York

$77,340

75th: $100,370 90th: $131,250

North Carolina

$58,450

75th: $74,410 90th: $95,380

North Dakota

$56,470

75th: $63,760 90th: $75,700

Ohio

$60,080

75th: $77,150 90th: $99,370

Oklahoma

$53,630

75th: $65,980 90th: $80,980

Oregon

$66,040

75th: $103,220 90th: $170,680

Pennsylvania

$60,730

75th: $80,480 90th: $102,090

Rhode Island

$78,220

75th: $93,370 90th: $107,580

South Carolina

$57,170

75th: $72,530 90th: $90,000

South Dakota

$48,390

75th: $57,560 90th: $66,620

Tennessee

$57,270

75th: $75,170 90th: $92,540

Texas

$60,150

75th: $75,540 90th: $92,910

Utah

$62,310

75th: $79,000 90th: $96,810

Vermont

$65,690

75th: $92,790 90th: $123,500

Virginia

$72,310

75th: $95,420 90th: $121,680

Washington

$72,710

75th: $93,490 90th: $115,210

West Virginia

$40,350

75th: $48,550 90th: $61,640

Wisconsin

$59,900

75th: $73,360 90th: $85,050

Wyoming

$45,150

75th: $57,010 90th: $82,990

Data does not reflect school-specific information.


Costs and Financial Aid for Online MFA Programs

Cost is a big factor for any course of study, and online MFA programs are no different. Securing financial aid and understanding the expenses before you enroll can help lessen the burden once the program begins. Many programs offer their own financial aid opportunities through scholarships, fellowships, and other awards. Private organizations and key stakeholders in the arts often do the same.

Tuition rates for these programs often fluctuate and depend on factors such as the type of school (public or private), your enrollment status, and where you plan to live during your online MFA program. Use the handy table below to gain a fuller understanding of the range of costs involved.

What Your Online Master’s in Fine Arts Could Cost

ProgramNo. of CreditsCost/CreditTotal Cost
Lesley University:
MFA in Visual Arts
60$1,150$69,000
University of Nebraska Omaha:
MFA in Writing
60$514$30,840
University of Houston-Victoria:
MFA in Creative Writing
38$367.68$13,237

FAQs About Earning Your Master of Fine Arts Online

What are the admissions requirements for an online master of fine arts?

Admission specifics, criteria, and deadlines can vary quite a bit depending on the school and your chosen area of specialization. Contact program administrators in advance to make sure you are clear on the details. Nevertheless, online MFA programsuse a similar process and will likely ask for items such as the following:

  • An accredited bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
  • Official transcripts with a minimum GPA.
  • Several recommendation letters from individuals who can speak to your artistic abilities and potential for success.
  • A professional resume detailing relevant work experience.
  • A written statement of purpose that discusses your background, career goals, and fit within the program.
  • A portfolio or creative sample representative of your work and approach (specifics on this vary widely depending on the program and specialization).

Some programs may also ask for an admissions interview. This can be completed remotely in most cases.

How long will it take to finish my master of fine arts online?

In most cases, you’ll be able to set your own pace within the parameters of the school you attend. In-person elements may follow a set schedule, but when it comes to online coursework, you’ll have a lot of freedom to take as few or as many credits as you’d like each term.

A typical program requires around 60 credits, which means full-time students can graduate with an online MFA in two years. For example, see the offerings at Radford University, Lesley University, and the University of Georgia. Most programs can also accommodate part-time enrollment, but this will likely extend your timetable by a year or two.

Can I earn my MFA 100% online or do I need to visit campus?

Most schools with an online master of fine arts use a low-residency model. This typically means you will take your core coursework entirely online and will participate in several intensive, immersive experiences on campus throughout the program. These sessions usually occur during the summer and give you the opportunity to engage with faculty and peers. They provide the type of hands-on engagement characteristic of the fine arts and usually involve a public presentation of work.

Specifics on this differ and depend on both the individual program and your area of study. Some programs may forgo these components (writing-focused programs, for example). In those cases, you can complete all program requirements online without visiting campus.


Top-Ranked Online MFA Programs

Whether you’re drawn to visual arts, creative writing, or performing arts, this list of the best online MFA programs can help you launch your search for the perfect program for you.

Our experts reviewed and ranked programs by quality, curriculum, accreditation, affordability, and student support services. The result is finding the best programs today:

Private · NECHE
2
Private · MSCHE
3

Lindenwood University

Saint Charles, MO
Private · HLC
Public · HLC
5
Private · NECHE
Public · HLC
7

Governors State University

University Park, IL
Public · HLC
Public · HLC
Public · SACSCOC
Private · NWCCU
Public · MSCHE
12

Goucher College

Baltimore, MD
Private · MSCHE
Public · MSCHE

Blake Huggins, PhD AUTHOR

Blake Huggins, PhD, is a writer, researcher, and educator based in New England. He writes with specific expertise in the higher education, healthcare, and technology spaces. Blake holds a PhD from Boston University and has taught college courses in writing, composition, religion, and philosophy.

Read More About Blake Huggins

Jordan Cosselman EDITOR

Jordan Cosselman graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno with a BA in English. She joined the OMD team in 2021 with the goal of making graduate education more approachable for students from all walks of life. She's especially interested in helping students understand the ROI of a master's degree, so they feel confident in their investment.

Read More About Jordan Cosselman