Graduate
Students in our Graduate Studies programs will address the issues of sustainable communities, new modes of mobility, human-technology experience, color and materials solutions and supporting art educators. They will develop deep knowledge and skills that will enable them to make a powerful effective impact on people’s lives through design.
Deadlines and Application
We strongly recommend that individuals submit their completed application and all required materials at their earliest convenience. Begin your application today.
Priority Deadline: January 15
Early notification of admissions decision and scholarship amount
General Deadline: February 15
International Application Deadline: April 1
Final deadline for international applicants who will need a Visa to study in the U.S.
Rolling Admissions: After April 1
Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis after the priority and general deadlines.
Enrollment Deposit Deadline: May 1
Pay your enrollment deposit as soon as you decide to attend CCS, or by May 1.
Graduate Application Requirements
Upload a current transcript(s) (unofficial or official electronic version) of your transcript. Official copies will be requested if offered admission.
International Applicants
Submit a certified English translation of your transcript(s) from all postsecondary schools attended – undergraduate and higher.
The documents should include the following:
- A full translation of all courses and enrollment information: program, degree, dates of attendance, etc.
- Complete listing of courses with scores/marks and credits for all years attended in your Bachelor’s degree and/or Master’s degree.
- Official grading scale/system
Submit a current resume/curriculum vitae detailing your educational, work, and community service or volunteer experience to [email protected].
Provide two (2) recommendation letters to [email protected]. 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 supervisor. Applicants can submit up to three (3) recommendation letters as part of their application.
All applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit TOEFL, IELTS, and Duolingo English Test scores. Request scores are sent to CCS electronically by the exam agency (ETS or Cambridge English Assessment). Our TOEFL (ETS) code is 1035.
Minimum test scores required
- 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.
CCS Undergraduate BFA Graduating Seniors (Class of 2026) and alumni have a simplified application process.
Requirements
- General Application
- Portfolio/Slide Deck (review Program Specific Requirements)
- Letter of recommendation from CCS faculty or Program Chair
- Resume/CV
- Statement of Purpose (Required for Interdisciplinary Design & Media applications only)
All CCS alumni who have earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree will automatically receive a $5,000 award, along with the CCS Graduate Scholarship. Additionally, applicants to the Design for Sustainability and Interdisciplinary Design & Media programs may be eligible for a limited number of $5,000 scholarships through the Dean’s Alumni Award for Graduate Studies.
If your program requires a portfolio, please follow these best practices.
- Please do not include drawings of existing or famous characters anime or cartoon or game characters, create original characters instead.
- If you are submitting a sketch, be sure that the sketch is a strong representation of your skill and ideas, and has a strong composition, movement, line quality, etc.
- Don’t shoot all your photographs in one day or one session to create all the pieces for your portfolio; instead, show us how you use photography over time to document a unique perspective of the world around you.
- When recording and editing sound, double-check your volume levels.
- Supplemental written-word creative work can be submitted but it will not complete the visual art portfolio requirements detailed above
- If you are going to link to a Google folder to share your work, make certain the Share Setting is “Anyone with the link” can view it since we have a team of people who may need to access it.
Program Specific Requirements
Experience CCS for Yourself
One of the best ways to learn about CCS is to see campus for yourself. Whether in a virtual or in-person format, students have opportunities to check out our facilities, hear from faculty and students and view our inclusive and supportive campus.
Request an Appointment
If you need help with the admissions process or are unsure of where you stand with your portfolio, our friendly Admissions team can help! On-campus and virtual appointments are available.
Chat with a Chair
Connect with the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research or a Program Chair to learn more about a specific program and CCS.
The College for Creative Studies admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.