School of Interdisciplinary Arts Graduate Admissions

The Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Arts 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. Students completing a Master’s degree from the Ohio University College of Fine Arts are encouraged to apply.

Potential candidates must have a Master’s degree from an accredited American or international university. The following materials also must be submitted:

• Admission application form from the Ohio University Graduate College.
• Three current letters of recommendation that address the candidate's academic achievement and potential.
• A three-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.

• English Proficiency Requirements:

  Proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English is essential to your success at Ohio University. Non-native speakers of English must submit official results of one of two standardized tests: the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), as part of the application packet.

• International students must submit an affidavit of financial support as evidence of financial responsibility.
• All applicants must follow the Admission Policies and Procedures specified in the OHIO Graduate Catalog.
• A personal interview is recommended.

Application Deadline: January 31, 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.

Potential candidates must possess an undergraduate degree from an accredited U.S. or international university. The following materials must be submitted:

• 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
• Admission application form from the OU Graduate College
• A sample research paper or creative practice from the applicant’s previous work

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.

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.

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.