Admissions
Welcome to IAIA Office of Admissions—we are excited you are applying to the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) for your educational journey. IAIA is the only four-year degree fine arts institution in the world devoted to contemporary Native American and Alaskan Native arts. As such, we dedicate ourselves, our curriculum, our facilities, and our energies to preparing our students for success and leadership, which reflects Native cultures and values. As one of 37 tribal colleges located in the United States, we are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and are a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.
The mission of the Institute of American Indian Arts is “to empower creativity and leadership in Indigenous arts and cultures through higher education, lifelong learning, and community engagement.” This mission is more than a statement. It is the driving force behind all that we do and the guiding principle for our dedicated faculty and staff.
Many of the country’s most illustrious contemporary Native American artists, poets, writers, musicians, and cultural leaders are IAIA alums, while others are affiliated with IAIA as faculty, staff, visiting artists, and scholars. Among these are Fritz Scholder (Luiseño), Joy Harjo (Mvskoke Nation) ’68, David Bradley (Chippewa) ’79, Dan Namingha (Hopi-Tewa) ’69, Allan Houser (Chiracahua Apache), T.C. Cannon (Kiowa, Caddo), Layli Longsoldier (Oglala Lakota) ’09, Linda Lomahaftewa (Hopi, Choctaw) ’65, Cara Romero (Chemehuevi) ’05, Cannupa Hanska Luger (Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara) ’11, George Rivera (Pojoaque Pueblo) ’84, Dr. Jessie Ryker-Crawford (White Earth Anishinaabe) ’00, Roxanne Swentzell (Santa Clara Pueblo), Rose Simpson (Santa Clara Pueblo) ’18, Kathleen Wall (Jemez Pueblo) ’14, Patricia Michaels (Taos Pueblo) ’89, and many more.
Contact
(505) 424-2325
(505) 424-4500 (fax)
Schedule Appointment
Institute of American Indian Arts
Office of Admissions and Recruitment
83 Avan Nu Po Rd
Santa Fe, NM 87508
Explore Degree Programs
We invite you to explore our degree programs and certificates to find out which program is right for you. Below are the programs we offer at IAIA.
Request Info
Virtual Tours
Before you begin your application process please take time to check the application information below to ensure you are completing the correct application. For any questions regarding the application information, please contact the Office of Admissions for assistance and information.
Campus Safety and Fire Report
IAIA places a high priority on the safety and security of its students, faculty, staff, families, and visitors. Our campus community relies on a peaceful, safe, and secure environment. Preserving this environment is a responsibility everyone on campus must share. Download and view the IAIA Campus Safety and Fire Safety Report.
Freshman
Applicants who have never attended college; or are a graduating high school student with college credit earned through a dual enrollment program (regardless of the number of college credits earned); or have completed less than 24 college credit hours since graduating from high school or have earned a GED.
Freshman Admissions Requirements
| No. | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Admissions application |
| 2 | Non-refundable $25 application fee |
| 3 | Official high school transcripts, GED, or HiSet |
| 4 | Official college transcripts (if applicable) |
| 5 | Tribal enrollment documentation (if applicable and optional) |
Admissions Process
New Freshmen applications are reviewed and decisions returned as quickly as possible once your application is complete. To be reviewed for admissions, your file needs the have an application, an application fee (unless waived), and official high school transcripts.
Essays, portfolios or recommendations are not necessary.
Application Form
Please submit an online application by the priority consideration deadline for the term to which you want to attend.
Priority Deadlines
- Fall Term—July 27
- Spring Term—January 4
Application Fee
$25 nonrefundable application fee.
Official Transcripts
Official high school transcripts, official GED test scores, or official HiSET scores can be sent to the Office of Admissions. If you have completed college courses (dual credit), official transcripts need to be sent directly from each college. IAIA Admission is provisional until the Admissions Office receives a complete, final and official transcript verifying graduation or completion.
College Placement Scores
IAIA is no longer using college placement scores for registration purposes. We will provide an IAIA assessment during orientation, which will be used for Math and English course placement.
Transfer Students
Applicants who have completed 24 or more transferable college credits at any accredited institution.
Admissions Process
Transfer applications are reviewed and decisions returned as quickly as possible once your application is complete and includes an application, an application fee (unless waived), and official transcripts for all colleges, two letter of recommendations, personal statement and a portfolio in the intended program of study.
A complete application will be sent to the Admission Review Committee to determine acceptance. The review process can take 1-2 weeks.
Application Form
Please submit an online application by the priority consideration deadline for the term to which you want to attend.
Priority Deadlines
- Fall Term—July 27
- Spring Term—January 4
Transfer Admissions Requirements
| No. | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Admissions application |
| 2 | Non-refundable $25 application fee |
| 3 | Official college transcripts from all institutions indicating a minimum of 24 transferable semester credits |
| 4 | Two letters of recommendation—at least one from a teacher, counselor, or community leader (non-family member) |
| 5 | Statement of interest (one page, typed) |
| 6 | A portfolio in the intended area of study (see Portfolio Requirements) |
| 7 | Tribal enrollment documentation (if applicable and optional) |
Statement of Interest Requirements
A one-page typed statement in a 12-point font addressing the following:
- Your educational and life goals and how the college can help you fulfill them.
- An example of a leadership role you held in your community.
- A situation in which you had to overcome adversity.
Portfolio Requirements
The portfolio requirements vary among the majors and have specific requirements. Please submit a portfolio in the intended area of study. IAIA is not responsible for lost or misdirected items. Portfolios will not be returned.
The portfolio requirements vary among the majors and have specific requirements. Please submit a portfolio in the intended area of study.
Major Program: Creative Writing Portfolio Requirement
- 15 to 20 pages of original work (poetry, fiction, playwriting, or nonfiction)
Major Program: Indigenous Liberal Studies Portfolio Requirements
1,000 word essay including:
- What you expect to gain through participation in the Indigenous Liberal Studies Program/Native American Studies program.
- What experience you have had as a member of or working for an Indigenous or local community.
- What issues facing Indigenous or local communities seem most important to you.
Major Program: Museum Studies Portfolio Requirements
700-word statement of interest in the Museum Studies program. The statement should include:
- Goals and any special training or previous relevant employment or other experience.
- Current knowledge of the museum/cultural center field.
- The kinds of experiences he/she hopes will be a part of his/her college education.
- Reasons for choosing the Museum Studies degree program.
Major Program: Cinematic Arts & Technology Portfolio Requirements
- Up to five individual films (narrative, documentary, animation or experimental in nature), with a total running time of no more than 20 minutes. Applicants are encouraged to submit work on DVD media when possible, which should be able to be played on a standard DVD player. Applicants must check their work to meet this requirement. Do not send .flv, .swf or Windows Media files. If an applicant’s work is posted on the web, he/she should send the URL(s)as part of the portfolio as well.
- A short film demonstrating foundational skills and promise toward the program.
Major: Performing Arts Portfolio Requirements
500 word essay, MLA format, that describes:
- Your experience in theater or performing arts
- Why you want to continue your experience in the Performing Arts program at IAIA
Or, the following:
- A 4–7 minute video compilation of your previous work in a designated area of theater and/or dance, music, and
- 250–300 word essay, MLA format, that explains why you want to pursue a performing arts degree at IAIA (theater only)
Major Program: Studio Arts Portfolio Requirements
A minimum of 10 art pieces (photographs only) related to the applicant’s intended major and created within the past two years.
- Applicants may email their files as a Power Point or Word document to the Office of Admissions at admissions@iaia.edu.
Please do not submit:
- Original paintings or artwork.
- Original three-dimensional pieces, such as jewelry, pottery, or sculpture.
Certificate and Online
Applicants who would like to earn a certificate in Business and Entrepreneurship, Museum Studies, or Native American Art History either in-person or online. For students with no college credit or less than 24 transferable college credits must apply as a Freshman. Visit the Online Certificate Programs page for more information.
Priority Deadlines
- Fall Term—July 27
- Spring Term—January 4
Certificate Admissions Requirements
| No. | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Admissions application |
| 2 | Non-refundable $25 application fee |
| 3 | Official high school transcript or GED (Freshman only applicants, see Freshman Requirements) |
| 4 | College placement score (Freshman only applicants, see Freshman Requirements) |
| 5 | Official college transcripts from all institutions indicating a minimum of 24 transferable semester credits |
| 6 | Tribal enrollment documentation (if applicable and optional) |
Low Residency MFA in Creative Writing
The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program with two intensive residency periods per year (summer and winter), is designed as a two-year program and requires the completion of 48 credit hours. Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative Writing with the following areas of emphasis—Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, and Screenwriting.
Low Residency MFA in Studio Arts
The Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts (MFASA) is the second of IAIA’s low residency graduate degree programs, following the MFA in Creative Writing (MFACW), which was launched in 2013. The low residency model provides a professional degree in Studio Arts while allowing students to live at home and continue participating in work, family, and community. Students can graduate with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Studio Arts with the following areas of emphasis: Integrated Practice, Studio Arts 2D Practice, and Studio Arts 3D Practice.
Low Residency MFA in Cultural Administration
MFA in Cultural Administration (MFACA) is IAIA’s third Master of Fine Arts program which dovetails, with the other two, Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (MFACW), and Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts (MFASA). Focused upon social equity and the support of cultural community growth, MFACA integrates administrative tools and techniques with socially engaged leadership through the blending of organization skills and community outreach programming.
International
Applicants who are or will be in the US with a valid visa status i.e., F1, J1. Applicants that are Canadian First Nations, must FIRST complete an International application until the Jay Treaty verification is provided, where they will then be changed to domestic applicant.
- International students must apply for admission at least six months prior to the date of expected enrollment.
- International applicants must have graduated from a school equivalent to the twelfth grade in the United States.
- International students are not eligible for federal financial assistance.
- All international students in F-1 status must take at least 12 semester hours in their degree plan each semester while attending IAIA.
- An I-20 A-B will not be issued from the Institute until the applicant has completed the admissions file and has been accepted.
- All documents submitted with the application must be official or original.
Admissions Process
International students must apply for admission at least six months prior to the date of expected enrollment. Complete applications will be sent to the review committee for admissions and can take 1–2 weeks. After your application is reviewed, the process will begin to establish I-20 paperwork to get your F-1 Visa and can take 1–2 weeks. Student transferring from another US institution, must also adhere to the transfer application requirements.
Priority Deadlines
- Fall Term—February 4
- Spring Term—July 4
International Admissions Requirements
| No. | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Admissions application |
| 2 | Non-refundable $25 application fee |
| 3 | Official transcripts in English of all previous academic work |
| 4 | An official score report of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), with a minimum score of 500 (paper test), 173 (computerized), 61 (iBT), or an English as Second Language (ESL) score of 109 |
| 5 | Medical and physical document with proper immunization records |
| 6 | Two letters of recommendation—at least one from a teacher, counselor, or community leader (non-family member) |
| 7 | Statement of interest (one page, typed) |
| 8 | Statement from a recognized financial institution or responsible sponsor indicating sufficient funds in US dollars to cover academic and living expenses for the duration of the anticipated academic program |
| 9 | All International students are required to provide proof of medical and travel insurance |
| 10 | IAIA International Transfer Form (transfer applicants only) |
| 11 | A portfolio in the intended area of study (transfer applicants only, see Transfer Portfolio Requirements) |
| 12 | Download and view International F-1 Students Application Requirements and Information |
Non-Degree
Non-degree and audit students are full-time or part-time students who wish to take a course or courses during the semester without earning credit toward a degree. If non-degree and audit students later wish to apply to a degree program, students must submit all of the required items for admission to that degree program before the respected application deadline.
- Pay regular tuition and fees and are subject to IAIA’s rules and regulations
- Must live off-campus
- Register for classes after degree-seeking students have registered–this registration is through the admissions office on a space available basis and with the permissions of the Instructor and the Academic Dean
- May not request credit status for a class after the last day to add a course according to the Academic Calendar
- Are not eligible for Financial Aid from IAIA
Priority Deadlines
- Fall Term—August 4
- Spring Term—January 4
Non-Degree Admissions Requirements
| No. | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Admissions application |
| 2 | Non-refundable $25 application fee |
| 3 | Official college transcripts (optional to demonstrate fulfillment of a prerequisite course) |
Readmission
Students who wish to return to IAIA who have previously attended IAIA and have been away for more than two consecutive semesters must complete the Readmissions Application. Students need to have left in good academic standing and not have a financial hold on their student account.
Priority Deadlines
- Fall Term—August 4
- Spring Term—January 4
Readmissions Requirements
| No. | Item |
|---|---|
| 1 | Admissions application |
| 2 | $25 non-refundable application fee |
| 3 | Official college transcripts (if applicant attended another college or university during their time away from IAIA) |
Admissions Happenings
List of Events
Past Admissions Happenings
List of Events
2023 Spring IAIA Powwow
The 2023 Spring IAIA Powwow is on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 1:00–5:00 pm (MDT).
IAIA Making History Symposium
Join the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) for the Making History Symposium, a day-long symposium about the history of IAIA.
IAIA 2022 Fall Powwow
Save the date for the 2022 IAIA Powwow on Saturday, October 1, 2022, from 11:00 am–5:00 pm (MDT).
IAIA 2022 Annual Open House
SFCC’s Open House is from 11 am to 3 pm, and IAIA’s is from 1 pm to 5 pm.
Admissions: Info Session for Prospective Students
You are invited to this virtual session to learn about IAIA academic programs, the application process, student life, and more.
Admissions: Info Session for Transfer Students
Join us for this virtual session to review our academic programs and talk about the transfer process.
Admissions: Meet Current IAIA Students
Join us for a panel with a few of our IAIA students.
Admissions: Cinematic Arts and Technology Webinar
Attend this virtual session to learn more about the Cinematic Arts & Technology program, courses, and the technology available for IAIA students.
Admissions: Admitted Student Webinar
We invite you to attend this virtual session to prepare for the Fall 2021 Semester.
IAIA Spring Transfer Day (Cancelled)
We invite prospective undergraduate transfer students interested in continuing their degree in art-related programs to visit and learn about the opportunities IAIA provides in the areas of art, film, creative writing, performing arts, museum studies, and Indigenous studies.
IAIA Spring Visit Day (Cancelled)
We invite New Mexico high school students interested in pursuing art-related programs to visit and learn about the opportunities IAIA provides in the areas of art, film, creative writing, performing arts, museum studies, and Indigenous studies.
IAIA Shadow Program
High School seniors who are interested in art-related college majors will be able to shadow a current IAIA student for a two-day overnight program. Selected participants will be matched with an IAIA student.
Mary Silentwalker
(San Felipe Pueblo/Navajo)
She/Her/Hers
Associate Dean
Admissions and Retention
P (505) 424-2307
E mary.silentwalker@iaia.edu
Tyisha Mitchell
(Colorado River Indian Tribes/Diné)
Outreach Coordinator
Admissions and Recruitment
P (505) 424-2312
E tyisha.mitchell@iaia.edu
Nena Martinez Anaya
Dean of Students
P (505) 424-2331
E nanaya@iaia.edu
Tamara Riley
(Laguna, Mescalero Apache, and Acoma)
Outreach Program Assistant
Admissions and Recruitment
P (505) 424-2345
E tamara.riley@iaia.edu
Veronica Bustamante
Office Manager
Admissions and Recruitment
P (505) 424-2311
E veronica.bustamante@iaia.edu
Curtis Wilhelmi
(Menominee)
Admissions Recruiter
Admissions and Recruitment
P (505) 424-2315
E curtis.wilhelmi@iaia.edu