The University of the Arts

Browse by Courses

• All Courses
• BA

About University

About The University of the Arts, USA
 

Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

The University of the Arts (UArts) is a private art and design university located in the heart of Philadelphia. It is one of the oldest arts schools in the U.S., offering programs in visual arts, performing arts, design, media, and writing.

---

Key Facts About UArts

Founded: 1876
Type: Private Art & Design University
Campus: Urban, located on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts
Programs Offered: Undergraduate & Graduate degrees in Fine Arts, Music, Dance, Film, Theater, and Design
Student Population: Around 1,500 students
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

---

Programs & Degrees

UArts offers 30+ undergraduate and graduate programs in:
Visual Arts & Design – Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, Fine Arts
Performing Arts – Theater, Dance, Acting, Musical Theater
Music & Audio – Jazz, Vocal Performance, Music Business, Sound Design
Film & Media – Animation, Film, Game Design, Screenwriting
Creative Writing – Poetry, Fiction, Playwriting

---

Campus & Facilities

• State-of-the-art studios, theaters, and galleries

• Merriam Theater & Levitt Auditorium for performances

• Anderson Hall & Terra Hall for visual arts programs

• UArts Libraries & Makerspace for student projects

---

Acceptance Rate & Admissions

• Acceptance Rate: Around 74% (moderately selective)

• Portfolio Requirement: Required for most art & design programs

• Average GPA: 3.2+ recommended

• Test Scores: SAT/ACT not required

---

Tuition & Financial Aid

Estimated Tuition: ~$50,000 per year
Scholarships Available: Merit-based, need-based, and artistic talent scholarships

---

Notable Alumni

• Jillian Bell (Actress, Comedian)

• Donald Byrd (Choreographer)

• Gerard Way (Lead Singer of My Chemical Romance, Comic Book Writer)

---

Why Choose UArts?

Strong reputation in the arts & design industry
Located in a vibrant arts & culture hub (Philadelphia)
Hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to creative education
Alumni network & industry connections

Study in USA

Course Programs at The University of the Arts, USA
 

Undergraduate Programs (Bachelor’s Degrees)

1. School of Art

• BFA in Animation

• BFA in Illustration

• BFA in Graphic Design

• BFA in Photography

• BFA in Painting & Drawing

• BFA in Printmaking & Book Arts

• BFA in Sculpture

• BFA in Interdisciplinary Fine Arts

2. School of Film

• BFA in Film & Video

• BFA in Animation

• BFA in Game Art

• BFA in Screenwriting

3. School of Design

• BFA in Graphic Design

• BFA in Product Design

• BFA in Interaction Design (UI/UX)

• BFA in Industrial Design

4. School of Dance

• BFA in Dance (Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Contemporary)

5. School of Music

• BM in Composition

• BM in Instrumental Performance

• BM in Jazz Studies

• BM in Vocal Performance

• BM in Music Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology

• BM in Music Education

6. School of Theater

• BFA in Acting

• BFA in Musical Theater

• BFA in Directing, Playwriting & Production

• BFA in Theater Design & Technology

7. School of Creative Writing

• BFA in Creative Writing (Poetry, Fiction, Playwriting, Screenwriting)

---

Graduate Programs (Master’s Degrees)

1. School of Art & Design

• MFA in Book Arts & Printmaking

• MFA in Studio Art

• MDes (Master of Design) in Product Design

• MA in Museum Studies

2. School of Film

• MFA in Film

• MFA in Animation

3. School of Dance

• MFA in Dance

• Certificate in Dance Pedagogy

4. School of Music & Theater

• MM in Jazz Studies

• MM in Music Education

• MFA in Devised Performance

• MFA in Theater Design & Technology

5. School of Creative Writing

• MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction, Poetry, Screenwriting)

Universities in USA

Bachelor Course Programs at The University of the Arts, USA
 

Course Program Name	Duration	Tuition Fees Per Year (USD)
BFA in Animation	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Illustration	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Graphic Design	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Photography	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Painting & Drawing	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Printmaking & Book Arts	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Sculpture	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Interdisciplinary Fine Arts	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Film & Video	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Game Art	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Screenwriting	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Product Design	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Interaction Design (UI/UX)	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Industrial Design	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Dance	4 years	$50,950
BM in Composition	4 years	$50,950
BM in Instrumental Performance	4 years	$50,950
BM in Jazz Studies	4 years	$50,950
BM in Vocal Performance	4 years	$50,950
BM in Music Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology	4 years	$50,950
BM in Music Education	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Acting	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Musical Theater	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Directing, Playwriting & Production	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Theater Design & Technology	4 years	$50,950
BFA in Creative Writing	4 years	$50,950

 

BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) in USA

Masters Course Programs at The University of the Arts, USA
 

Course Name	Duration	Tuition Fees Per Year (USD)
MFA in Book Arts & Printmaking	2 years	$50,950
MFA in Studio Art	2 years	$50,950
MFA in Film	2 years	$50,950
MFA in Animation	2 years	$50,950
MDes (Master of Design) in Product Design	2 years	$50,950
MA in Museum Studies	2 years	$50,950
MFA in Dance	2 years	$50,950
Certificate in Dance Pedagogy	1 year	$25,475
MM in Jazz Studies	2 years	$50,950
MM in Music Education	2 years	$50,950
MFA in Devised Performance	2 years	$50,950
MFA in Theater Design & Technology	2 years	$50,950
MFA in Creative Writing	2 years	$50,950

PhD/Doctorate Course Programs at The University of the Arts, USA
 

Course Name	Duration	Tuition Fees Per Year (USD)
PhD in Creativity	3 years	$50,950

The University of the Arts, USA for International Students
 

Why Choose UArts as an International Student?

Top-ranked arts university with interdisciplinary learning.
No SAT/ACT required for international applicants.
Strong industry connections in Philadelphia and beyond.
Hands-on learning with access to studios, theaters, galleries, and workshops.
Diverse student community from over 20+ countries.

---

Intake & Application Deadlines

• Fall Intake (August/September) – Application deadline: Rolling Admissions

• Spring Intake (January) – Application deadline: Rolling Admissions

• Some programs may have earlier deadlines, so early applications are recommended.

Admission Process of The University of the Arts, USA
 

Step-by-Step Admission Process

1. Choose a Program

• UArts offers undergraduate (BFA, BM), graduate (MFA, MM, MA, MDes), and PhD programs in art, design, music, dance, theater, film, and writing.

• Check portfolio/audition requirements (varies by program).

2. Submit an Online Application

• Apply through the UArts Application Portal or Common Application (for undergraduates).

• No application fee is required!

3. Provide Required Documents

• Official transcripts (translated into English if necessary).

• Statement of purpose/personal essay.

• Letters of recommendation (graduate programs may require 1-2).

• Resume/CV (for graduate programs).

4. Submit Portfolio or Audition (if required)

• Art & Design Programs: Portfolio of 10-20 pieces of original work.

• Music & Theater Programs: Audition or recorded performance.

• Creative Writing Programs: Writing samples (fiction, poetry, screenplay, etc.).

5. English Proficiency Test (for International Students)

If English is not your first language, submit one of the following:

Test	Minimum Score Required
TOEFL iBT	80+
IELTS	6.5+
Duolingo English Test	105+
PTE (Pearson Test of English)	53+

Note: Some students may be exempt if their previous education was in English.

6. Apply for Scholarships & Financial Aid

• All applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships.

• International students are also eligible for talent-based and need-based scholarships.

7. Receive Admission Decision

• UArts follows rolling admissions, meaning decisions are made continuously.

• Applicants typically receive a decision within 2–4 weeks after submission.

8. Confirm Enrollment & Apply for Visa (International Students)

• Once admitted, submit the enrollment deposit to secure your spot.

• International students will receive a Form I-20 for an F-1 student visa application.

Intake And Eligibility of The University of the Arts, USA
 

Intake Periods

Intake	Application Deadline	Semester Start
Fall Intake	Rolling (Priority: March 1)	August/September
Spring Intake	Rolling (Priority: November 1)	January
Summer Intake	Select Graduate Programs Only	May/June

Note: Some programs, especially in performing arts, may have specific deadlines. Applying early increases chances for scholarships!

---

Eligibility Criteria

1 Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) Eligibility

Educational Qualification:

• High school diploma (or equivalent).

• Minimum GPA of 2.5 – 3.0 (varies by program).

English Language Proficiency (for international students)

Test	Minimum Score Required
TOEFL iBT	80+
IELTS	6.5+
Duolingo English Test	105+
PTE (Pearson Test of English)	53+

Portfolio/Audition Requirements:

• Art & Design Programs: Portfolio of 10-20 pieces showcasing creativity.

• Music, Dance, Theater: Audition or recorded performance required.

• Creative Writing: Writing samples (fiction, poetry, scripts).

Other Requirements:

• Personal statement/essay.

• Letters of recommendation (optional but recommended).

---

2 Graduate (Master’s) Eligibility

Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

• Minimum GPA of 2.8 – 3.0 (varies by program).

English Language Proficiency (for international students)
(Same as undergraduate requirements)

Portfolio/Audition Requirements:

• Art & Design Programs: Portfolio submission required.

• Music, Dance, Theater: Audition or performance video needed.

• Creative Writing: Writing samples (fiction, poetry, screenwriting).

Other Requirements:

• Statement of purpose.

• Resume/CV (for professional programs).

• 1-2 letters of recommendation (varies by program).

---

3 PhD Eligibility (PhD in Creativity)

Educational Qualification:

• Master’s degree in any discipline.

• Demonstrated professional experience in art, design, writing, or creative industries.

Research Proposal:

• Statement outlining research goals and creative approach.

Other Requirements:

• Portfolio/writing samples.

• Personal interview (if shortlisted).

Scholarship Available at The University of the Arts, USA
 

Scholarship Name	Eligibility Criteria	Award Amount (USD per year)	Applicable To
International Merit Scholarship	Based on GPA, artistic talent, and portfolio	Up to $15,000	International Undergraduate & Graduate Students
Talent-Based Scholarship	Awarded based on audition/portfolio quality	N/A	Undergraduate & Graduate Students
Presidential Scholarship	Outstanding academic & artistic achievements	Up to $20,000	Undergraduate Students
Dean’s Scholarship	High academic performance and artistic potential	Up to $15,000	Undergraduate Students
Creative Writing Scholarship	Strong writing samples and academic performance	N/A	BFA in Creative Writing Students
Music Excellence Scholarship	Exceptional talent in music performance or composition	N/A	BM & MM Music Students
Dance Performance Scholarship	Based on dance audition & artistic ability	N/A	BFA & MFA Dance Students
Theater Arts Scholarship	For students excelling in acting, directing, or playwriting	N/A	BFA & MFA Theater Students
Graduate Assistantships	Work-study roles for graduate students	Tuition Reduction	Graduate Students
Endowed & Donor Scholarships	Need-based or merit-based awards funded by donors	N/A	Undergraduate & Graduate Students

The University of the Arts, USA Campus & Accommodation Facilities
 

Category	Details	Cost Per Year (USD)
Campus Location	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA	N/A
Campus Size	Urban Campus in Center City Philadelphia	N/A
Housing Options	On-campus dorms & off-campus apartments	N/A
Residence Halls	- Juniper Hall (Freshmen) - Spruce Hall (Freshmen & Upperclassmen) - Pine Hall (Upperclassmen)	N/A
Room Types	- Shared rooms (double occupancy) - Private rooms (limited availability) - Apartment-style suites (for upperclassmen)	N/A
Amenities	- Wi-Fi, laundry, study lounges - 24/7 security - Common kitchens - Fitness center access	N/A
Meal Plans	Various meal plan options at on-campus dining locations	$3,500 – $5,500
Cost – Shared Room (Double Occupancy)	Shared room with common facilities	$10,650
Cost – Private Room (Single Occupancy)	Private bedroom in a shared suite	$12,800
Cost – Apartment-Style Housing	Private bedroom, living space, kitchen	$14,500
Off-Campus Housing	Available near campus (independent housing options)	$12,000 – $18,000
Security & Safety	24/7 security, keycard access, emergency services	Included in housing cost
Parking Facilities	Limited on-campus parking (permit required)	$500 – $1,000 per year

Students Life at The University of the Arts, USA
 

Creative & Interdisciplinary Environment

One of the defining aspects of UArts is its interdisciplinary approach. Students from different artistic backgrounds frequently collaborate on projects, performances, and exhibitions, creating a dynamic and inspiring campus atmosphere. Whether it’s a theater student working with animators or musicians composing for film students, cross-disciplinary learning is a key part of the experience.

On-Campus Housing & Community

First-year students live in on-campus residence halls that encourage interaction and creativity. The housing facilities provide common areas for students to meet, work on projects, and relax. Upperclassmen can opt for apartment-style living with more independence while still being part of the campus community.

Clubs & Student Organizations

UArts has a variety of student-led clubs and organizations, including:

• Fine Arts & Design Clubs (Illustration Club, Photography Club)

• Performance Groups (A cappella, Dance Ensembles, Improv Teams)

• Film & Media Clubs (UArts Film Society, Animation Club)

• Student Government Association (SGA) (Advocates for student needs)

• Diversity & Inclusion Groups (LGBTQ+ organizations, cultural clubs)

Performances, Exhibitions & Events

Being an arts-focused university, UArts hosts numerous shows, performances, exhibitions, and festivals throughout the year. Students regularly showcase their work in:

• Galleries and studios on campus (for fine arts and design students).

• Live theater and dance performances in professional venues.

• Film screenings and animation showcases at school-sponsored events.

• Music concerts and recitals featuring student compositions and performances.

Life in Philadelphia

UArts is located in Center City, Philadelphia, offering students access to a thriving arts scene, including:

• World-class museums (Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Barnes Foundation).

• Theater & music venues (Kimmel Center, The Wilma Theater).

• Local art galleries, street performances, and creative hubs.

• Historic sites and cultural attractions.
  Philadelphia is also home to internship and networking opportunities in the film, music, theater, and design industries.

Dining & Social Life

UArts students enjoy various on-campus dining options as well as Philadelphia’s diverse food scene. The city is famous for its cheesesteaks, food markets, and diverse international cuisine, giving students plenty of places to explore.

‍ Health & Wellness

The university offers:

• Fitness & wellness programs (yoga, gym access, mental health support).

• Student health services for medical and counseling needs.

• 24/7 campus security to ensure student safety.

Career & Internship Opportunities

UArts helps students transition from college to careers through:

• Internships in Philadelphia’s creative industry (film studios, design firms, theaters).

• Networking events & industry collaborations.

• Career counseling & portfolio development assistance.

Placements in The University of the Arts, USA
 

Career Services & Placement Support

UArts’ Career Services Office provides:
Resume & portfolio reviews
Internship & job search assistance
Mock interviews & career counseling
Networking events & job fairs
Alumni mentorship & industry connections

Many students gain internships during their studies, which often lead to full-time job offers after graduation.

---

Employment & Salary Trends

• Placement Rate: 80-85% of UArts graduates find employment or continue further education within six months of graduation.

• Freelance & Entrepreneurship: Many UArts graduates work as freelancers, independent artists, or entrepreneurs.

• Average Starting Salary: $40,000 – $70,000 (varies by industry & experience).

---

Industry Connections & Top Hiring Companies

UArts graduates work in film, animation, theater, graphic design, game development, music, dance, and more. Some top employers include:

Film, Animation & Media:

• DreamWorks Animation

• Disney

• NBCUniversal

• Pixar

• HBO

Performing Arts & Theater:

• Broadway productions

• The Wilma Theater

• Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Design & Fine Arts:

• Adobe

• Pentagram

• Philadelphia Museum of Art

• Macy’s Creative Studio

Music & Audio Production:

• Sony Music

• Atlantic Records

• Recording studios & live event companies

Game Design & Interactive Media:

• Electronic Arts (EA)

• Ubisoft

• Smashworks Animation

---

Internship & Experiential Learning Opportunities

UArts encourages students to take internships during their studies. Some top internship partners include:

• Philadelphia Film Society (for filmmakers & animators)

• Philadelphia Magazine (for writers & designers)

• Philadelphia Ballet & Opera (for dancers & musicians)

• Major design studios & ad agencies

---

Alumni Success & Notable Graduates

UArts has a strong network of successful alumni, including:

• Gerard Way – Lead singer of My Chemical Romance, comic book writer

• Jillian Bell – Actress, comedian, writer

• Donald Byrd – Choreographer, Tony Award nominee

• Cynthia Link – Former principal dancer at the Pennsylvania Ballet

Acceptance Rate of The University of the Arts, USA
 

The University of the Arts (UArts) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has an acceptance rate of approximately 74%.

Type: Moderately Selective
Admissions are based on:

• Portfolio or audition quality (for arts-related programs).

• Academic performance (GPA 2.5 – 3.0+ preferred).

• Personal statement & recommendation letters (optional but recommended).

Campus Location of The University of the Arts, USA
 

Address:
The University of the Arts
320 South Broad Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19102,
United States