International Graduate Students
Welcome to Graduate study in the United States of America.
We are pleased that you are interested in studying at CCS! The importance of international influences is recognized by CCS as an integral part of the educational experience. By assisting students from all over the world who attend CCS, we hope to create an atmosphere of dynamic idea exchange among students and faculty. We feel this is crucial to academic success at CCS and eventually the success of our alumni in the creative workplace.
We hope to make your admissions process as smooth as possible. If you have any questions, please contact the office of Graduate Admissions directly. For opportunities to meet one of our representatives in your home country, go to our Visit Us page for updated events abroad.
For more information regarding graduate study in the USA, please refer to the Education USA website.
Applicant Requirements
In addition to the items listed in the general requirements section, international students must complete the following:
- Submit your official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score by mail directly from the testing agency (Electronic delivery can be requested for tests taken after 10/1/2015). The minimum required scores are: Internet version: 80; paper-based version: composite score of 527; computer-based: 197. For more information visit www.toefl.org. CCS’s school code is 1035. Photocopied test results are not accepted. The International English Language Testing System (IELTS) may be considered in place of the TOEFL test. The minimum required IELTS score is 6.5. Successful completion of ELS 112 also may be used in place of the TOEFL test. Please visit www.els.edu for more information. If your degree was taught in English, an English proficiency test is not required. The Graduate Admissions office will offer conditional admission to qualified candidates who do not meet the English proficiency standards at the time of application.
- Please upload a scanned copy of a certified English translation version of your transcript(s) and diploma or degree. The documents should include the translation of your courses along with the school’s official grading scale, so we are able convert your grades and/or a cumulative Grade Point Average for your degree or recent years of study.
Admitted Students Requirements
Once you are accepted to the graduate programs the Office of Graduate Admissions will request the following items:
(Please note: Information regarding the documentation and submission of these items will be provided via email communication after your enrollment deposit is received)
- Transcript(s) and verification of degree/diploma
A hard copy of the final/official version of your English translated transcript(s) along with degree/diploma confirmation will be requested if admitted to a graduate program. Students will not be allowed to start their program if this documentation is not received by the start of new student orientation. - Statement of Financial Feasibility
This is a bank statement, documenting current, available funds. In order to apply for an F-1 visa, you will have to be able to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds at your disposal to cover the all-inclusive estimated cost of attendance at CCS for one entire academic year. You can learn more about the estimated cost of attendance, here. You are allowed to subtract your scholarship from the estimated cost of attendance. - Affidavit of Support
If your Statement of Financial Feasibility is in someone else’s name, such as a parent or relative, then that person will have to complete an Affidavit of Support. - Visa Information Form
This is an additional document that the Office of Graduate Admissions will provide this document for you to complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a letter of recommendation and who should write it?
The required two letters of recommendation are meant to give our admissions committee a better understanding of who you are. They should be written by professors, employers or professional colleagues. The main purpose is to assess your work ethic and ability to succeed in graduate study. For questions or more information regarding letters of recommendation, you may email the Office of Graduate Admission.
What is an official transcript?
Transcripts are your official academic records from your school(s). Unofficial or official scanned copies of your transcript(s) are part of the initial admissions requirements and should be uploaded to your SlideRoom application. Non-English transcripts must be submitted with an official English translation (see Application Requirements for more details).
Final/official transcripts are required only if admitted to the graduate programs. Admitted applicants will need to send transcripts via mail to the Graduate Admissions Office. All documents must bear the seal of the school and have an authorized signature. Photocopies are not accepted unless they are officially attested as exact copies of the original. Records should be submitted for all post-secondary schools attended and should provide a list of courses taken, yearly examination results and conferral of degrees.
Does CCS offer conditional admission?
Yes, “conditional admission” may be offered if an applicant has enrolled in an ELS course that will be completed prior to the start of the academic year. Applicants seeking “conditional admission” must submit all required materials and provide documentation that they are enrolled in the English language course at an ELS Language Center. Your status as “conditional” is lifted after you receive the required score on your exam or completion of the ENG112 course. Email Graduate Admission for more information.
Does CCS offer scholarships to international students?
All applicants for the graduate programs are automatically considered for CCS Scholarships upon completion of the admission requirements. Awards are based on the portfolio review, academic achievement, the interview and the applicant’s potential for success.
Beyond the CCS scholarship, new and returning international students are awarded an additional International Student Grant in the amount of $1,500 in the first semester of enrollment, each academic year.
Does CCS have Graduate Assistantships for international students?
International graduate students are welcome to apply for any graduate assistant positions. GA (graduate assistant) positions available on a limited basis each academic year for both new and current students. Types of positions within the Graduate Programs Office vary from research, tutoring, clerical/administrative or studio/lab support.
Students are also welcome to apply for work-study positions in other departments at CCS. Work-study job listings are managed through the Office of Financial Aid.