Graduate Admissions
Application Deadlines
January 15: Priority Deadline
February 15: General Deadline
Application Requirements:
Portfolio
Upload projects, sketches and other items that communicate your technical and design expertise and problem-solving skills. Review individual program requirements/recommendations on the Portfolio Guidelines page.
Transcripts
Upload a current transcript(s) (unofficial or official electronic version) of your transcript. Official copies will be requested if offered admissions.
International Applicants: Submit a certified English translation of your transcript(s). The documents should include the translation of your courses along with the school's official grading scale, so that we can convert your grades and/or a cumulative Grade Point Average for all years attended in your bachelor's degree.
Statement of Purpose
Upload a statement of purpose that outlines your areas of interest, experiences, influences, as well as objectives for seeking an MFA at CCS. Please review program of interest content and objectives details:
Color and Materials Design
Applicants for the Color and Materials Design program must submit a 750-1000 word statement of purpose that outlines the following:
- Your rationale for applying to the Color & Materials Design Graduate Program.
- Your motivation for studying design
- What are you hoping to achieve in your graduate education? E.g. Do your interests lie in research
based practice or professional color and materials design practice? - Describe the qualities and characteristics, both personal and professional, that you feel you will
bring to an interdisciplinary collaborative project
Interaction Design and Transportation Design
Applicants for the Integrated Design, Interaction Design or Transportation Design program must submit a 500-1000 word statement of purpose that outlines the following:
- What is your motivation for studying design?
- What are you hoping to achieve in your graduate education? Career path and/or personal enrichment?
- Why do you think CCS is the place for you?
- What characteristics, both personal and professional, do you feel you will contribute to a team-based project?
Systems Design Thinking
Applicants for the Systems Design Thinking program must submit a 500-1000 word statement of purpose that outlines the following:
- What is your motivation to be a part of the Systems Design Thinking program?
- What are you hoping to achieve in your graduate education? Career path and/or personal enrichment?
- Why are you pursuing a graduate education at CCS?
- What characteristics, both personal and professional, do you feel you will contribute to a team-based project?
The personal statement will serve as a writing sample and must be uploaded as a PDF and include the program of interest and applicants name as the document header.
CV/Resume
Submit a current resume/curriculum vitae detailing your educational, work and community service/volunteer experience.
Letters of Recommendation
Provide two (2) recommendation letters. Recommendations should come from individuals who are able to address your creative ability, academic and/or professional record, learning style and potential for graduate education. At least one letter should be provided by an academic reference or professional supervisors. Applicants can submit up to three (3) recommendation letters as part of your application.
International Applicants
Additional Requirements:
English Proficiency Exam: All applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test scores. Request scores be sent to CCS electronically by the exam agency (ETS or Cambridge English Assessment). Our TOEFL (ETS) code is 1035.
Minimum scores: TOEFL- Internet version: 80; paper-based version: composite score of 527; computer-based: 197
IELTS: 6.5
Duolingo English Test: 90
If the primary language of instruction for your undergraduate degree was English, you can request the requirement be waived in your SlideRoom application. Please provide a direct link to institutions website with details of the language of instruction. Applicants requesting a waiver will be contacted directly by the Office of Graduate Admissions regarding the decision.
Transcripts: Upload a certified English translation of your transcripts, along with the school’s official grading scale, so we can convert your grades and/or a cumulative Grade Point Average. Please also provide an English translated degree certificate, if available.