Top 5 Online Master's in Visual Arts

A ranking of the best online master's in visual arts degrees. Ranked by affordability, flexibility, and academic quality.
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Updated November 3, 2022

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Online MFA Visual Arts

In the increasingly diverse world of visual arts, there are now more opportunities than ever to put skill and talent to work. From museums to education, to advertising agencies, the artistically versatile are called upon for important roles. Undergraduates interested in building a future in the arts may consider a degree in entertainment management, as this will provide both a foundation and needed industry connections. A visual arts masters degree online is one of the ways career-oriented artists are advancing their capacity in the industry.

The following ranking represents the top 5 online masters degrees in visual arts. These schools were selected through a focused research process, on the key elements of a strong online degree in the visual arts.

The majority of these online visual arts programs are considered low-residency; the majority of this type of program is completed online but does require some on-campus coursework. While periodic travel may be a stretch for some, there are great benefits to joining your arts community in person.

For more general information regarding online learning, visit our ranking of the top online colleges.

Featured Online Schools

Top 5 Online Master's in Visual Arts

#1 Top 5 Online Master’s in Visual Arts

School of Visual Arts

  • New York, NY
  • 4 years
  • Campus

One of the best-known names in higher education, School of Visual Arts draws the best in the field. SVA has three masters options for those seeking the best online visual media degree; these degrees include an online MFA in art practice, an online MFA in visual narrative, and an MA in photography. All three online graduate programs are low-residency, requiring students to attend summer courses on the NYC campus. SVA’s graduate curriculum encourages students to hone their skills as they build a longterm career. SVA’s extensive network in NYC and beyond opens many promising opportunities.

Program Website

Program: Online MFA in Visual Arts / Online MA in Digital Photography

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$41,900
Out-of-state
$41,900
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$46,940
Out-of-state
$46,940
Retention Rate
87%
Acceptance Rate
71%
Students Enrolled
4,562
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

#2 Top 5 Online Master’s in Visual Arts

Savannah College of Art and Design

  • Savannah, GA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Savannah College College of Art and Design is a celebrated school in arts academia of all kinds. SCAD has an eLearning division with multiple online graduate degrees in visual arts; among these visual arts degrees include an MA or MFA in graphic design, MA or MFA in illustration, an MA or online MFA in visual arts and photography, an MFA in painting, among others. Graduates of the online degree in visual arts report feeling supported and connected to faculty and advisors. SCAD is known to have extensive connections with potential industry employers, and SCAD reports a 99% employment rate of its spring 2017 graduates.

Program Website

Program: Online MA in Visual Arts

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$37,575
Out-of-state
$37,575
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$38,475
Out-of-state
$38,475
Retention Rate
84%
Acceptance Rate
96%
Students Enrolled
14,840
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
20% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

#3 Top 5 Online Master’s in Visual Arts

Academy of Art University

  • San Francisco, CA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Academy of Art University is San Francisco-based school with an excellent reputation in the field. In 2002, this school has added two of the best online visual arts degrees to their offerings, an MA in fine arts and an online MFA in fine arts. The online MA in fine arts has concentration options in drawing and painting, printmaking, or sculpture; the more intensive online MFA degree option has the same concentrations available, with more required credit-hours. Academy of Art University’s faculty consists of high-respected practicing artists in a vast range of art mediums. This college has excellent, innovative online classroom technology, enhancing the distance-learning experience.

Program Website

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$23,112
Out-of-state
$23,112
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$25,992
Out-of-state
$25,992
Retention Rate
73%
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
9,812
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
69% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

#4 Top 5 Online Master’s in Visual Arts

Vermont College of Fine Arts

  • Montpelier, VT
  • 4 years
  • Campus

Based in the quaint city of Montpelier, Vermont College of Fine Arts has a proud history of attracting visionaries. VCFA is home to the nation’s first low-residency MFA; this online master’s in visual arts requires periodic campus visits, but the majority of artwork and academics are done long-distance. The visual arts MFA is 60-credits, and students are connected with a visual artist mentor in their hometown. VCFA provides a combination of challenging academics, top-notch instructor faculty, open creative discourse, and independence to design their career path. VCFA has numerous available scholarships to help aid in tuition costs.

Program Website

Program: Online MFA Degree in Visual Arts

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
Not provided
Out-of-state
Not provided
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$25,864
Out-of-state
$25,864
Retention Rate
Not provided
Acceptance Rate
Not provided
Students Enrolled
348
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes New England Commission on Higher Education

#5 Top 5 Online Master’s in Visual Arts

Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

  • Philadelphia, PA
  • 4 years
  • Online + Campus

Founded in 1805, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is among the best-recognized arts degree institutions. For those pursuing a visual arts MFA online, PAFA offers a low-residency master’s program; this graduate visual arts degree online is suited for students who want both the flexibility of distance learning and a community-centric campus experience. PAFA’S MFA curriculum spans visual arts, art history, studio electives, lectures, and much more.Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is known to have inspiring visiting artists; these artists conduct lectures, seminars, and other special programming.

Program Website

Program: Visual Arts MFA Online

Average Undergrad Tuition
In-state
$38,926
Out-of-state
$38,926
Average Graduate Tuition
In-state
$39,416
Out-of-state
$39,416
Retention Rate
85%
Acceptance Rate
88%
Students Enrolled
273
Institution Type
Private
Percent Online Enrollment
5% Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes Middle States Commission on Higher Education

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