Navigating the UCLA Design Media Arts Portfolio Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

The UCLA Department of Design Media Arts (DMA) program is highly competitive, emphasizing innovative and exploratory creation with digital media. This article provides a detailed overview of the DMA program's requirements, particularly focusing on the supplemental application portfolio, to help prospective students navigate the application process successfully. The Department of Design Media Arts accepts first year and transfer applications for Fall quarter only.

Introduction to the UCLA Design Media Arts Program

The Design Media Arts (DMA) undergraduate program emphasizes innovative and exploratory creation with digital media. The curriculum features a set of foundation classes followed by a broad selection of courses in media arts, games, and design. Students are encouraged to focus on one of these areas and to enrich their experience with additional classes from other areas and related classes through other departments at UCLA. This uniquely challenging and diverse program invites students to balance aesthetic sensibility with logical reasoning, formal theories with practical application, and contemporary thought with historical perspective. Rather than focusing on narrow professional development, our curriculum fosters experimentation across a range of different media. We privilege a social outlook, process, experimentation, and personal growth over conservatism and commercialism and we search for students who share the same goals. We strive to provide a broad education that encourages young people to make new connections, to analyze complex situations, and to think critically.

Curriculum Overview

The undergraduate curriculum at UCLA DMA begins with foundational courses that prepare students for the major, progressing to core upper-division classes that constitute the major itself. Some of these courses include:

Media Histories
Design Culture
Digital Image
Fabrication and Materials
Video and Motion
Typography
Interactivity
Media Arts Introduction
Design Futures
Tangible Media
Art and the Internet
3D Modeling and Motion
Game Design
Sonic Media
Interactive Animation
Game Engine
Arts Research and Practice
Art and Science Collaboration
Worldbuilding
Collaborative Game Lab
Experiments in Virtuality
Word and Image
Web Design and UI/UX
Design Systems
Disability and the Web
Type in Motion
Design Research
Ecological Arts and Justice Practice
Professional Practice
Special Topics in Design Media Arts
Capstone Senior Project in Design Media Arts

In addition to DMA-specific courses, students are required to complete general education courses and are encouraged to explore electives from across the university to broaden their academic experience.

The Supplemental Application: A Critical Component

All applicants to the Design Media Arts major must submit the DMA Undergraduate Supplemental Application via SlideRoom. The supplemental application is a critical consideration in the admission process. The deadline for submission is DECEMBER 15, 2025 (11:59pm PST). This application is a crucial element in the admission process, emphasizing creative talent and academic achievement.

Transfer Student Information

Design Media Arts will consider sophomore transfers. For more information about admission criteria, please visit. Change of major applications will be considered only for current UCLA students who have successfully completed at least one quarter at UCLA/a UC campus and are in good academic standing. Students may not apply for admission to Design Media Arts more than two times during their residency at UCLA. The Department prefers that students have fewer than 90 units at the time of application to ensure a normal degree completion time. Students with more than 121 units (excluding AP and Design Media Arts courses) will not be considered. Students who would like to change their major to add Design Media Arts as a major must attend a mandatory information sessions on one of the dates listed below. Please register through link on the date you will be attending. When you are ready to apply, please use this link. Design Media Arts uses SlideRoom to collect Change of Major application materials. If you do not have a SlideRoom account, you will be prompted to sign up for one for free.

MFA Program Overview

The Master of Fine Arts in Media Arts is a rigorous three-year program that focuses on each individual's personal and creative development within the context of media arts. Each student works toward an individual thesis project that incorporates research and theoretical exploration of a topic of their choice, with the goal of producing a refined body of work that culminates in an MFA exhibition. The program is focused on preparing students in three primary ways. First, through the acquisition and development of technical and craft-based skills in various related media. Second, by building a thorough theoretical foundation in media history and theory, and supporting each student’s journey in developing their own unique discursive framework through writing, research, and interdisciplinary engagement with other departments at UCLA. Finally, by helping students hone a sophisticated and compelling body of work, through critiques, seminars, exhibitions and one-on-one mentorship.

MFA Curriculum Breakdown

The MFA curriculum is structured across three years, each with a distinct focus:

First Year: Provides a foundation in Media Arts. The 252 ABC course sequence provides a foundation in craft and skills in the areas of computer programming and software development, 3D literacy and virtuality, and in physical media such as 3D printing, mechanics and robotics. The 282 and 269 Seminars provide an introduction to contemporary topics in theory relevant to media arts; The 403 and 404 critique and one on one tutorial classes offer opportunities to develop context for discussion, critique and development of students' work.
Second Year: Centered on exploration, offering opportunities to explore a wide range of topical courses that introduce various craft skills, techniques, and critical approaches, and begin working on research towards their written thesis during this year with support from 289 special topics, and the 269 thesis writing seminars. Students are encouraged to take elective courses from the wider offerings at DMA and UCLA at large.
Third Year: Centered on focus, and honing each student's individual or collaborative practice; and is designed to support the development and completion of a thesis project and finalizing the written thesis paper. The curriculum in the third year is more loose and shifted more towards critique and independent work through one on one tutorials.

A minimum of 101 quarter units of upper division and graduate Design Media Arts courses are required. For a complete list of DMA and other UCLA courses and course descriptions, consult the UCLA General Catalog.

MFA Faculty Advising

Each entering student is assigned two faculty advisors by the department based on student input and faculty availability. The initial faculty advisors are charged with the responsibility of reviewing the first-year student’s progress a minimum of three times in the academic year and may or may not eventually become a member of the student’s thesis committee. In the second and third years, the Graduate Thesis Committee is responsible for reviewing, at least once every quarter, the student’s progress toward a thesis project and documentation. The Graduate Thesis Committee, approved by the departmental chair, has a minimum of three members: two senate faculty members from the Department of Design Media Arts, and one senate faculty member from the Department of Media Arts or any UC campus department. The comprehensive MFA examination consists of a written thesis and a concentrated body of work that will be presented in a master of fine arts exhibition.

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MFA Application Requirements

The focus of the MFA program in media arts is the use of digital media in an art context. Applicants must have completed a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in order to apply. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 in the last two years of upper-division undergraduate work is also required. The applicant’s bachelor’s degree need not be in media arts, though applicants with degrees in interdisciplinary programs that emphasize media arts are preferred. Applicants are expected to have working knowledge of a variety of software. In addition to the University's minimum requirements and those listed above, all applicants are expected to submit a statement of purpose, artist statement, and faculty choice statement. A portfolio consisting of up to 10 pieces of original work (up to five of which can be videos) is required. All applicants are also required to provide two letters of recommendation with the application. Formal faculty review of graduate applicant portfolios takes place in February of each year.

MFA Financial Support

Various merit- and eligibility-based financial support is available to entering and continuing graduate students at UCLA. Entering DMA graduate students are offered financial assistance at the time of admission based on the strength of their application; continuing students are usually informed of their financial support before the beginning of their second and third year of study. In addition to the tuition and fees listed here, the department has proposed a Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST) of $9,000 per year for both residents and nonresidents in 2026-2027, pending approval by the UC Regents. Some or all instruction for all or part of the Academic Year may be delivered remotely. Tuition and fees have been set regardless of the method of instruction and will not be refunded in the event instruction occurs remotely for any part of the Academic Year. Figures for tuition and fees represent currently approved or proposed amounts and may not be final. Actual tuition and fees are subject to change by the University of California as determined to be necessary or appropriate.

Portfolio Requirements: Showcasing Your Creative Identity

The portfolio is the most important admission criteria. The portfolio should showcase your passion, individuality, and experimentation! The supplemental application requires a portfolio of creative work. While specific requirements may vary slightly from year to year, the general categories remain consistent. Here's a breakdown of the portfolio requirements based on the application year 2023-2024:

The Self Portrait:
- Reflect on your unique experiences, background, culture, history, upbringing, and circumstances that have shaped your identity.
- Create an artwork in the media of your choice that helps the admission committee understand who you are.
- The self-portrait can be a still image or a multimedia file (audio and/or video) limited to 10 seconds.
- Include a description of 100 words or less explaining how your piece addresses the self-portrait project.
The Word Project:

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- Represent or respond to the word "RISK" (or the word provided for the specific application year) in the media of your choice.
- Documentation: One still image or a multimedia file (audio and/or video) limited to 10 seconds.
- Include a description of 100 words or less explaining how your piece addresses the theme.
Book:
- Using primarily typography and color, make an alternative cover for your favorite book.
- The book can be fiction or non-fiction and doesn't need to be in English as long as it is important to you.
- Think about what the themes, ideas, or characters mean to you and how you can express them in your design.
- You may use illustrations, patterns, images, and shapes, but make sure that your cover makes prominent use of typography.
- Documentation of this project is one still image, or a multimedia file (audio and/or video). The multimedia file is limited to 10 seconds in length.
- Include a description of 100 words or less to describe how your piece addresses the theme.
Self-Chosen Best Work From Your Portfolio:
- Upload your best piece of work.
- Documentation of this project is one still image, or a multimedia file (audio and/or video). The multimedia file is limited to 10 seconds in length.
- Include a description of 200 words or less to describe how your piece addresses the theme.
Portfolio (5 Unique Works):
- Upload 5 images that showcase your passion, individuality, and experimentation.
- While you may include examples of work from past years, it's encouraged to submit mostly current, fully realized works.
- Note: No descriptions are allowed for the 5 portfolio pieces.
Optional Multimedia:
- You may submit one (1) multimedia file limited to 30 seconds.
- You may also submit a short description (500 characters / approximately 200 words).

Insights from a Successful Applicant

One successful applicant shared their portfolio, application, and advice, offering invaluable insights for prospective students. Key takeaways include:

Start Early: The portfolio pieces require significant time and effort. Starting early allows for relaxed brainstorming and natural development of ideas.
Read the FAQ: Thoroughly review the supplemental FAQ page for essential information and to feel prepared.
Plan Ahead: Ensure you can finish everything before the deadline, accounting for potential technical issues or delays.
Present Your Work Professionally: Pay attention to detail in captions, documentation, and overall presentation to showcase your work in the best possible light.

Detailed Breakdown of Application Sections

The supplemental application typically includes the following sections:

Academics & Extracurriculars:
- Include academic history from grades 9-12 and current courses.
- List extracurricular activities, both arts-related and non-arts-related. Quality matters more than quantity.
Unofficial Transcripts:
- Submit transcripts from all institutions attended.
Department Statement:
- A short essay (500 characters) explaining why you wish to study at UCLA's DMA program.
- Be yourself and explain why you're applying to DMA and what you hope to accomplish! Keep it specific to yourself and don't be influenced by what I wrote. The DMA faculty like to see what's unique about every applicant, and you want to share your own story.
Influences:
- List your top 5 creative influences (designers, painters, directors, etc.).
- Explain what inspires you about their work (1000 characters).
- Once again, be yourself! If you are having trouble coming up with ideas, brainstorm a list of anything you turn to when you're looking for inspiration, or of anyone’s work that inspires you. You can be specific, like specific people, or you can be broad - like companies or other content producers.
Portfolio:
- The heart of the application. Show what you like to create and be yourself. Don’t overthink your pieces or force yourself to create things only for the sake of wondering what you think they will like.

Community College Transfer Information

For students transferring from community colleges, it's important to note:

The DMA program emphasizes visual, audio, analytical theoretical, and technology-mediated work in design and media arts.
This is NOT a graphic design major, but an academic program that supports a diversity of interests around design, media, technology, and culture.
Look broadly across your available course curriculum, in any and all areas having to do with art, architecture, design, computer science, information systems, multimedia, interactivity, communications, journalism, et al, to identify possible matches for coursework in drawing, color theory, two-dimensional and three-dimensional form, digital media/computer design, programming for media arts, letterforms and typography, design history, design culture, and interactivity and media arts.
The availability of arts coursework at community colleges can differ, so you may not find exact equivalents for all classes. However, this will not negatively affect your admission. Look for the closest matches in your curriculum, and if a course wasn't completed at your current institution, you can take it at UCLA.
Substitutions for lower-division requirements will be determined by the department in the summer following admission. Syllabi or other descriptive course documentation may be required for consideration.

Recommended Preparation (Not Required)

One course each in drawing, color theory, two-dimensional and three-dimensional form, digital media/computer design, programming for media arts, letter forms and typography, design history, design culture, and interactivity and media arts.
- Most transfer students complete these courses at UCLA.
All students must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA at the time of application November 30).
Students MUST complete the requisite two English courses and one Math course by the end of Spring prior to transfer. Students are encouraged to take their required English and Math courses as early as possible with at least one English course completed by the end of Fall.
Completion of IGETC is not required but strongly recommended.
Design|Media Arts considers sophomore transfers.

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