School of Interdisciplinary Arts Graduate Admissions
No matter where you are on your journey, you’ll find all the resources you need below to understand our program and aid in your application process. If you’re ready to apply you can do so through the Ohio University Graduate School.
Ohio University operates on a holistic, selective review and looks for evidence of academic preparation when reviewing applications for admission. Additionally, because the School of Interdisciplinary Arts considers artistic talent in the review process, students pursuing certain academic programs must interview and/or submit additional materials for admission and scholarship consideration.
Ph.D. Admissions Requirements
The Interdisciplinary Arts Ph.D. is a full-time program of study (a minimum of four consecutive semesters). Under special circumstances, and with prior approval, part-time study may be possible. Admission is for Fall Semester only for students receiving a stipend.
- Potential candidates must have a master’s degree from an accredited American or international university. Students completing a master’s degree from the Ohio University College of Fine Arts are encouraged to apply.
- Three current letters of recommendation that address the candidate's academic achievement and potential.
- A three-to-five page essay in which the applicant discusses the philosophical and practical reasons for selecting Interdisciplinary Arts for a doctoral degree and identifies the intended primary and secondary areas of study.
- Intended primary and secondary areas of study.
- Official transcripts of all previous degree/certificate work.
- A sample research paper from the applicant's previous work.
- A personal interview is recommended.
- English Proficiency: International students must submit evidence of proficiency in the English language to be offered a teaching stipend, and must achieve at least the minimum score on the TOEFL/IELTS required by the Graduate College. Students with scores lower than the minimum may be considered for admission, but will be retested upon arrival at Ohio University and may be required to take additional intensive English courses. Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.
Application Deadline: Jan. 31 is the priority consideration for graduate teaching assistantship. Later applications may be considered, depending on enrollment and availability of financial assistance. Admission is granted for fall semester only. Students will be notified within one month of the application deadline.
International Students: This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.
M.A. Admissions Requirements
- Undergraduate degree from an accredited U.S. or international university.
- Official transcripts of previous degree
- Three current letters of recommendation that address the candidate’s academic achievement and potential
- A two-page statement of purpose in which the applicant discusses reasons for applying and the intended three areas of concentration
- A sample research paper or creative practice from the applicant’s previous work
- English Proficiency: Please review information about Ohio University's minimum English Language Proficiency requirements for graduate study.
For creative practice, the student should contact at least one appropriate College of Fine Arts instructor (outside of IARTS), indicating interest in the degree. The student’s portfolio or creative work will be reviewed by this instructor. A letter from the instructor indicating support for the student’s project, as well as the portfolio, should be included in the application (along with the other required materials). A personal interview is recommended.
Graduate Teaching Associate Opportunities
The School of Interdisciplinary Arts offers competitive graduate teaching associate stipends (currently $16,432) which include a tuition scholarship. Two maxi stipends (currently $18,219) are awarded annually. Notification of stipend/scholarship awards is approximately May 1.
Ohio University Graduate College Financial Support Information
Tuition Information
Get full, up-to-date information on tuition and fees.
Contact Us
Have a question about your application or need help navigating your Ph.D. requirements? We’re here to help.
For scholarship or portfolio questions: frohne@ohio.edu
For general admissions inquiries: graduate@ohio.edu or 740.593.2800
More on the Graduate Application Process