11 Best MFA Programs in Riverside, CA in 2026

Riverside, California offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, making it an excellent location for aspiring artists and writers to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree. Here are the 11 best MFA programs in Riverside for 2024 based on reputation, affordability, and program offerings:

1. University of California, Riverside

• Highly ranked public research university
• Offers a Studio Art MFA with concentrations in ceramics, graphic design, painting and drawing, photography, print media, and sculpture
• Two-year program includes studio work, art history seminars, and teaching assistantships
• Graduates have gone on to careers as professional artists, college instructors, curators, and more

UC Riverside provides MFA students valuable hands-on creative experience through access to professional-grade studios and technology. The program focuses both on developing students‘ artistic skills and preparing them for diverse career paths.

2. California Baptist University

• Private Christian liberal arts university
• MFA in Visual Art with concentrations in drawing/painting, sculpture, graphic design, photography, and more
• Three-year program combines studio work with biblical integration seminars
• Emphasis on preparing students for careers in art education and studio art fields

California Baptist University‘s faith-based approach makes it a unique option for MFA candidates seeking spiritual development alongside artistic training. Small class sizes ensure personalized attention from distinguished Christian faculty.

3. Riverside Community College District

• Affordable public community college district
• Studio Arts MFA degree offered through a partnership with the Claremont Colleges
• Two-year, 60-unit program concentrated in drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, digital art
• Focus on developing conceptual foundation and creative professional practice

This highly affordable option offers MFA students access to the prestigious Claremont Colleges‘ arts curriculum and resources at a fraction of the usual cost. Graduates emerge prepared for arts careers or further graduate study.

4. La Sierra University

• Private Seventh-day Adventist university
• Master of Arts in Visual Art designed for K-12 art teachers
• 36-unit program explores art history, studio work, and teaching methodology
• Develop skills to inspire creativity and visual literacy in school settings

La Sierra‘s program prepares educators to bring quality arts instruction to K-12 classrooms. Candidates study under successful artists while gaining pedagogical tools to confidently teach studio arts.

5. JFK University

• Private nonprofit university focused on social justice
• Low residency MFA in Creative Writing and Consciousness offers poetry, fiction and nonfiction tracks
• Students participate in 10-day summer residencies combined with online study
• Focus on transformative writing integrating mind, body and spirit

This unique program guides evolving writers in using literary arts for self-discovery and consciousness expansion. The hybrid format provides flexibility for working artists and writers.

6. Riverside City College

• Public community college with renowned arts departments
• MFA transfer pathway agreement with Laguna College of Art and Design
• Students complete 60 units at RCC before transferring to complete MFA
• Prepares talented visual artists for rigorous graduate study

This affordable feeder program builds a strong artistic foundation before transferring to the prestigious Laguna College of Art and Design‘s top-ranked MFA program.

7. Mt. San Jacinto College

• Public community college located in San Jacinto Valley
• Partnership with University of California Riverside grants MFA pipeline
• Students participate in UC Riverside Extension courses before applying to UCR MFA
• Excellent preparation for highly competitive UCR graduate admission

Talented Inland Empire artists can access UC Riverside‘s top-ranked MFA program through this strategic partnership. MSJC builds skills and portfolio quality before students apply to finish at the UCR School of Art‘s graduate studios.

8. California State University, San Bernardino Palm Desert Campus

• Satellite campus of public state university system
• Upper-division and graduate art courses offered on small campus
• Chance to qualify for teaching credential in art education
• Pathway to apply for MFA programs at partner Cal State campuses

While not a full degree-granting institution itself, CSUSB‘s Palm Desert Campus does provide essential upper-division fine arts studies allowing students to prepare exceptional portfolios to apply for prestigious MFA programs elsewhere.

9. Online MFA Programs

Several accredited universities now offer online MFA degrees in creative writing, visual arts, and more. This can be an affordable and flexible option for Inland Empire residents who work or have families. Top online MFA providers include Seton Hill University, Lindenwood University, and Chatham University.

10. Low-Residency MFA Programs

Low-residency MFA programs based around the country provide a hybrid option with intensive short campus residencies combined with online study. Notable low-residency MFA providers include Vermont College of Fine Arts, Pacific Northwest College of Art, and Lesley University.

11. Southern California MFA Partnerships

Some colleges in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties partner with arts institutions elsewhere in Southern California to facilitate admission to elite MFA programs. For example, California State University San Bernardino runs an honors track for undergraduates focused on preparing exceptional portfolios for Columbia University’s MFA. Partnership opportunities like this allow Inland Empire students to access top metro programs that would usually be unavailable.

In summary, Riverside offers an assortment of MFA programs matching different artistic disciplines, budgets, schedules and educational priorities. From nationally ranked universities to affordable community college partnerships, the city provides quality options for regional artists and writers to prepare for successful creative careers through graduate study.