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Learn how to apply for financial aid at MassArt.
Learn MoreApplying for a graduate program is less overwhelming when you understand the different parts of the process. To apply to MassArt, follow these steps, and be sure to take note of the deadlines for each.
Priority Deadline: January 2*
Applications received by the priority deadline are given first consideration for admission, scholarships, and housing.
*We will accept applications on a space available basis, after the Priority Deadline.
Apply NowApplying for Financial Aid
You should apply for financial aid at the same time you apply for admission — don’t wait until you receive your admissions decision.
Learn how to apply for financial aid at MassArt.
Learn MorePlease complete the following steps by the priority deadline of January 2.
Current MassArt BFA students and alumni may request an application fee waiver by emailing gradadmissions@massart.edu.
If you are mailing materials, please address your package to:
Office of Admissions
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
621 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
USA
Submit a one-to-two page statement describing your reasons for applying to this graduate program at MassArt, and the planned direction of your future work. Note any recent developments that support your decision to apply.
List professional and academic accomplishments including exhibitions and awards, as well as professional or other activities that convey a sense of your commitment to a life in the arts.
Submit transcripts for all previous college (post-secondary) level study
College and post-secondary school transcripts must be official and must include your most recent grades. Transcripts can be sent in one of two ways:
MassArt Transcripts
Current MassArt BFA students and alumni can request an official transcript from our Registrar’s office for free
International Transcripts
Learn about Official Transcripts for International Students & additional requirements.
Referees should be familiar with your art/design work, your academics and/or your professional work ethic. When possible, at least one reference should be from a teacher with whom you have studied.*
*Current Art Education BFA students at MassArt applying to the Master of Arts (BFA/MA 4+1 program) do not need letters of recommendation.
Students whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English.
Preparing your Portfolio*
Your portfolio should demonstrate your in-depth commitment to the arts. When reviewing applications, the Admissions Committee looks for personal direction and potential for future growth.
*Website links may be submitted as supplementary, but will not be accepted as your portfolio. The Admissions Committee wants to see your ability to synthesize and curate your portfolio.
Please review Program-Specific Portfolio Submission Guidelines, below.
Select candidates will be invited to interview with faculty. Interviews are typically about 20 minutes, and held remotely via Zoom.
In addition to the general application requirements, M.Arch applicants must also submit these specific requirements.
Please submit your portfolio as 1 PDF. This should consist of about 15-40 pages and can include: 5-10 project briefs, 20-25 images of recent work, or a combination of the two.
Limited or no prior Architecture experience?
Submit the following alternatives in your portfolio:
Applicants seeking Advanced Placement in Track I or placement in Track II, are required to submit course descriptions and syllabi to document equivalencies for the Track I pre-professional courses.
Course Descriptions
Course descriptions refer to detailed written summaries that provide information about the content, structure, objectives, and requirements of an academic course. These descriptions are typically found in educational institution catalogs, websites, or course syllabi.
Syllabi
Syllabi are instructional documents offering a comprehensive overview of an academic course. They include vital details like the course title, instructor’s information, class schedule, learning objectives, required readings, grading criteria, assignments, and any additional policies or expectations from the instructor or institution.
MassArt’s M.Arch Program Director, in collaboration with the Office of Admissions, Departmental Faculty and the Graduate Dean, evaluates all M.Arch applicants for placement into Track I (pre-professional and professional coursework) and Track II (professional coursework), and for advanced placement in Track I or for transfer credit in either program. This evaluation includes review of portfolios, college-level transcripts and documentation of prior architecture coursework or experience.
Portfolio Review
Application portfolios are reviewed for placement in the design studio sequence. Architecture studio work must be of high quality, demonstrate developed concepts and design ability, and must be comparable to work expected in corresponding M.Arch studio courses, in order for advanced placement to be granted.
Track I portfolios demonstrate design ability and may include art, fabrication, building and/or architectural work. Track I (102 credits) is designed for applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in a non-architectural discipline, and applicants with a degree in architecture who upon review do not meet the requirements for entry into Track II.
Portfolios for acceptance into Track II must demonstrate an applicant’s ability to manipulate structural and environmental systems and to integrate these systems into the design work presented. Track II applicants hold a bachelor’s degree in architecture or a related field.
Transcript Review
Application transcripts are reviewed for architectural courses from prior pre-professional or professional education. To be approved for M.Arch course substitution or transfer credit, courses must meet the minimum transfer grade of B- or better, and demonstrate parity in content and NAAB Student Performance Criteria (NAAB Conditions for Accreditation document) with corresponding M.Arch requirements.
In addition, transfer credit is approved only for graduate level courses as evidenced on a graduate transcript, and courses must not have been applied towards a prior degree. Undergraduate courses may be approved for course exemptions or waivers. Course content is reviewed based upon documentation submitted for evaluation as described below. Transcripts are also reviewed to determine the number of non-architecture-major courses students have taken in their undergraduate degrees.
Submission Of Documentation
Applicants submit documentation in their admissions application, for review towards program placement, when they have prior architectural courses or experience. This includes M.Arch applicants who would like to be evaluated for advanced placement in Track I, for admission into Track II, or for transfer credit in either program.
All evaluations must be complete prior to matriculation and are final. Submission and review of course and work experience documentation does not guarantee acceptance towards M.Arch requirements.
Courses Requiring Documentation
See M.Arch Program Requirements and Course Descriptions for comparison with prior educational experience.
Track I: Applicants may provide documentation for any successfully completed college-level coursework or work experience corresponding to the following M.Arch requirements. With the exception of Structures Overview, these are the Track I first year pre-professional requirements.
Track II: Applicants must provide documentation demonstrating completion of all M.Arch Track I first year pre-professional requirements – excluding EDAD-502 Methods and Materials and EDAD-532 Sustainable Architecture – in their prior educational or work experience. Any missing requirements must be taken in addition to Track II requirements.
Documentation Must Include
Definitions
After review, a program evaluation specifying the accepted coursework and the balance of degree requirements to be taken at MassArt is issued to accepted applicants following the review. All program requirements missing the required documentation remain in the balance of courses to be taken in the M.Arch program. Required credits for M.Arch program completion are followed: Track I requires 81-102 credits depending on accepted prior coursework; Track II requires 60 graduate credits with a maximum of 6 graduate transfer credits. See Graduate Academic Policies. Registration information will be sent to applicants by the Program Director and Graduate Programs Office.
The M.Arch program begins in early June. International students are encouraged to submit program deposits as early as possible in order to obtain the I-20 and student visas.
Resources
In addition to the general application requirements, MAT applicants must also submit a portfolio.
Our BFA Art Education students may apply for an expedited Master’s program at the beginning of their last semester.
Current Art Education BFA students at MassArt applying to the Master of Arts (BFA/MA 4+1 program) do not need letters of recommendation.
MassArt BFA students not majoring in Art Education may apply to an expedited Master’s program for PK-12 visual art teacher license endorsements.
In addition to the general application requirements, MDes applicants must also submit a portfolio.
Design & Arts Candidates
Share stories and images of what you’ve made. Describe the brief, your role, and the outcomes. Demonstrate your design/innovation method and highlight key insights or inspirations that shaped your work.
Design Research Candidates
Share stories about uncovering insights that drive bold work. Describe the research questions posed, the learning methods, and your role in the process. Demonstrate your ability to learn from end users, your collaboration with other disciplines, and the use of storytelling to drive impact.
Business or Engineer Candidates
Share stories about shaping work, organizations, or offerings that leverage the power of design methods. Describe the context, your role, and the space made for creative solutions and/or human insight to move the outcomes in meaningful ways. Demonstrate your familiarity with design methods and disciplines in pursuit of innovative outcomes.
Advice for all candidates
For some applicants portfolios will be commonplace and for others this may be the first time you create a portfolio. A successful portfolio might center around one larger story or multiple shorter stories. All applicants are encouraged toward visual storytelling and imagery. While the goal of the program is to help you become a master of design innovation, your application portfolio might focus on method and your awareness of opportunities for innovation through design. It is okay if you haven’t dramatically changed the world yet.
In addition to the general application requirements, MFA Dynamic Media Institute applicants must also submit a portfolio.
In addition to the general application requirements, MFA Film/video applicants must also submit these specific requirements.
In addition to the general application requirements, MFA Low Residency applicants must also submit a portfolio.
In addition to the general application requirements, MFA Photography applicants must also submit these specific requirements.
In addition to the general application requirements, MFA Studio Arts applicants must also submit these specific requirements.
In addition to the general application requirements, postbaccalaureate applicants must also submit a portfolio.
In addition to the general application requirements, postbaccalaureate applicants must also submit a portfolio.
In addition to the general application requirements, TPP applicants must also submit a portfolio.
If you’re from outside the United States, please review our application deadlines and additional application requirements.
International StudentsAdmissions decisions are released electronically via the MassArt Applicant Portal, beginning in early March. Decisions are released on a rolling basis. Please allow four to six weeks for your application to be reviewed and to receive a decision.
If you have any questions during the application process please contact Graduate Admissions