College for Creative Studies MFA Program
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Requirements for
Application + Admission

General Application Requirements                                                    

  • Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the adoption of cutting-edge technology in their design processes and an interest in future trends
  • Must have completed, or be in the final year of completing, an undergraduate degree in a design or related discipline
  • Accomplished a high standard of skills in drawing and possess well-developed skills in three-dimensional spatial perception and form, as related to either general design and/or transportation design
  • Submit a completed online application available here, with the $100 application fee
  • Official college transcript(s). Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 college grade point average
  • A portfolio in a digital format (either CD and/or personal web-site) that communicates the applicant's problem-solving skill as well as technical and aesthetic skill levels
  • Original sketchbook (if seeking admission to Transportation Design)
  • A statement of purpose: the applicant's objectives in seeking an MFA. This document also serves as the applicant's writing sample
  • Submit a resume/curriculum vitae
  • Three recommendations from people who know the prospective student’s academic or professional record and potential for graduate study.
  • Candidates will be contacted for an interview.

International Applicants

In addition to the requirements listed above:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum composite score of 600 on the paper-based test, 250 on the computer-based test, or 100 on the internet-based test. The TOEFL is not required if the student’s undergraduate degree program was taught in English.
  • Each transcript must be translated into English and must include the school’s grading scale so that we may convert your academic class grades. Please submit descriptions of your studies in each university studio class so that we can determine their eligibility for transfer.
  • Official certification from a financial institution documenting funds to cover one year’s tuition and expenses ($43,235). The actual amount available for studies must be stated in U.S. dollars.
  • All payments must be made by credit card, check (drawn on U.S. bank) or international money order.
  • I-20’s are issued after all requirements are met.

Transfer Credit

Transfer credit, if applicable, will be determined during the portfolio review. Transfer credit is not granted for any subject in which less than a B (3.0) has been earned. Maximum credits awarded for transfer is nine (9). More details concerning transfer policies are available through the Graduate Office.

Statement of Purpose

A “Statement of Purpose” (500–1,000 words) must accompany the application and is considered part of your portfolio. It should express your motivation for pursuing graduate study, include your areas of interest, and describe key influences on your design thinking and practice — cite: designer’s works, design themes, design concepts, or a combination of these.

Portfolio

Submit a well-organized professional portfolio that demonstrates your conceptual and formal expertise. You may include images, time-based media, interactive media, drawings, models or other visual / creative artwork. You may include examples of personal, as well as academic and professional work. Your portfolio should consist of digital files, including up to 20 to 30 digital images submitted on a CD or DVD or via a website. Please present all digital work formatted for PC or Mac. Time-based media should be in QuickTime format. Candidates for MFA Transportation must also include an original sketchbook. Film slides or VHS tape will not be accepted.

Include a brief description sheet with a checklist identifying each work by number, title, dimensions, medium, completion date, and any other relevant information. You should also include a contact sheet of the images on your disk. It is very important that your full name and address are clearly noted on your CD, DVD and your description sheet. Label images with name, title, and associated number on the checklist.

Résumé / Curriculum Vitae

The résumé must include your educational and professional background, as well as other related experiences and activities, including community work and service.

Reserving Space

Commitment fee forms are included with acceptance letters. To reserve space in the program, prospective students must complete the commitment fee form and return it to the Admissions Office with the $100 commitment fee. The commitment fee is applied directly to the first semester’s tuition. This fee is non-refundable.

Deadlines for the fall semester are August 1 for completed applications and August 15 for commitment fees. For international students, the commitment fee deadline is July 1.