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Certificate Programs: How to Apply
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS & DEADLINES for certificate programs
Please view the requirements for each certificate program and apply below. Program faculty review applications in the month following the deadline. Applicants will be notified by email.
Enroll in the Visual Storytelling and Comic Arts Certificate Program by purchasing your first class! Select "Workshop and Enroll in Certificate Program" on any Comic Arts class page to register for the class and also join the certificate program.
COMMUNICATION DESIGN Certificate
During application cycles, we review applications on an ongoing basis.
- Fall Application Cycle: February 1 and June 15. Fall semester starts in September.
- Spring Application Cycle: September 1 to November 1. Spring semester starts in January.
- Summer Application Cycle: February 1 to April 15. Summer semester starts in May.
The application fee is $35. Please pay online via credit card.
In one or two paragraphs, briefly describe your interest in this program and what you hope to do with the skills you achieve.
Level 1: High school transcripts are required and college transcripts are encouraged if you have them.
Level 2 & 3: College transcripts are required.
- Prerequisites
- Basic skills in drawing from direct observation; Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, and either Adobe InDesign or Sketch
- Students applying to Level 1 are NOT required to submit a portfolio, resume, or college transcripts
- We strongly recommend submitting transcripts if plans are to continue on to Level 2.
- Level 1 Start Dates
- Students who are accepted/enroll in the Spring may start their program in Summer or Fall
- Students may take Foundations of GD and/or Typography before enrolling in the program; course grades for courses taken pre-program must be B- or higher to count towards certificate completion
If you believe you are qualified to be admitted directly to Level 2 or Level 3, please contact the Program Coordinator at alisa.aronson@massart.edu to determine appropriate placement.
- To advance from Level 1:
- Completion of Level 1 with all course grades B+ or higher
- Transcript showing 60 college credits; or professional and/or life experience that has prepared you for the higher levels in the program (please submit a 500 word essay to explain your qualifications and how this program fits your career aspirations).
- Students wishing to enroll in Level 2 without having completed Level 1:
- 60 college credits are required (submit transcripts)
- Application portfolio must show skills and design work equivalent to Level 1 completion
Level 2 Start dates
- please note: Level 2 courses begin in Spring (mid Jay)
If you believe you are qualified to be admitted directly to Level 2, please contact the Program Coordinator at alisa.aronson@massart.edu to determine appropriate placement.
- To advance from Level 2:
- Completion of Level 2 with Portfolio "Pass"
- Completion of Level 2 with Portfolio "Pass"
- Students wishing to enroll in Level 3 without having completed Level 2:
- 60 college credits are required (submit transcripts)
- Application portfolio must show skills and design work equivalent to Level 2 completion
Level 3 Start Dates
- Please note: Level 3 courses begin in Winter (early Jan)
If you believe you are qualified to be admitted directly to Level 3, please contact the Program Coordinator at alisa.aronson@massart.edu to determine appropriate placement.
- Computer (laptop or desktop)
- Reliable internet connection
- Ability to run Adobe Creative Cloud on your computer (note: Adobe CC subscription free with MassArt ID; check Adobe’s minimum system requirements to make sure your computer can run the latest version)
- strongly recommended: 20” (or larger) monitor (attach to laptop, or as part of desktop system)
- Note: although this is a remote program, learning to design projects for print (brochures, flyers, posters, magazines or other print publications, letterhead, etc.) may require students to print their work. Having an in-home printing device may be helpful, but is not required
- Other materials or books as required for specific courses
FASHION DESIGN Certificate
- Fall Application Cycle: February 1 and June 15. Fall semester starts in September.
- Spring Application Cycle: September 1 to November 1. Spring semester starts in January.
- Summer Application Cycle: February 1 to April 15. Summer semester starts in May.
The application fee is $35. Please pay online via credit card.
In a two page statement, describe your experience and training in the program of your choice. Also describe your interest in this program and what you hope to achieve during your course of study.
Supplement your application with a résumé outlining your accomplishments and experience.
Create an original collage of found images that illustrates your interest in, and perspective on the fashion industry. The collage should be no smaller than 8.5" x 11" and no larger than 14" x 17". Please upload a digital copy of your collage to the online application.
One or two recommendations from teachers or employers supporting your application are welcomed but optional.
High school transcripts are required
FURNITURE DESIGN Certificate
- Fall Application Cycle: February 1 and June 15. Fall semester starts in September.
We only accept applications for the The Furniture Design Certificate for the Fall semeseter.
The application fee is $35. Please pay online via credit card.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED.
In a two page statement, describe your experience and training in the program of your choice. Also describe your interest in this program and what you hope to achieve during your course of study.
Supplement your application with a résumé outlining your accomplishments and experience.
One or two recommendations from teachers or employers supporting your application are welcomed but optional.
High school transcripts are required
Portfolios for design certificate applicants demonstrate any existing skills in woodworking and/or other areas of artistic practice and visual language.
The application fee is $35. Please pay online via credit card.
All applicants for the Industrial Design Certificate must have completed a Bachelor's Degree.
Portfolios for design certificate applicants are expected to demonstrate basic skills in visual language (drawing, color, composition, 2D, and 3D design) as well as some proficiency and interest in design. A majority of the images should demonstrate proficiency in drawing from observation.
In a two page statement, describe your experience and training in the program of your choice. Also describe your interest in this program and what you hope to achieve during your course of study.
Supplement your application with a résumé outlining your accomplishments and experience.
One or two recommendations from teachers or employers supporting your application are welcomed but optional.
College transcripts showing at least a bachelor's degree are required.
Questions?
We are happy to assist you with the application process or answer any questions about our programs. Please contact us at ce@massart.edu with any questions.
ce@massart.edu • T: 617.879.7200 • F: 617.879.7171