Admissions → Certificate Students
How to Apply
Ready to join MassArt’s vibrant community and dig into one of our certificate programs? Here’s an overview of each program’s application process.
Review each of our certificate programs’ enrollment requirements – some require an application, while others allow you to opt-in when registering for a class.
We encourage you to talk with us – we’re here to help you understand how each certificate program works and how you can enroll or apply. Certificate Info Sessions are held on Zoom twice a year for each program. There, you can meet Certificate Program Directors, hear details about the programs, and ask questions.
Visual Storytelling & Comic Arts Certificate
If you’re interested in visual storytelling, we welcome you to enroll in our Visual Storytelling and Comic Arts program and MassArt’s dedicated comics community. No application is required. For answers to questions about the program, please contact CE at ce@massart.edu, or Program Director Heide Solbrig at hsolbrig@massart.edu.
To enroll in the Visual Storytelling and Comic Arts Certificate Program, simply purchase your first class. Choose “Workshop and Enroll in Certificate Program” on any Comic Arts class page. You will be registered for the class and also enrolled in the certificate program.
If you are not yet ready to commit to the program, take a class! Classes you take now will count toward the certificate once you enroll in the program.
Communication Design Certificate
During application cycles, we review applications on an ongoing basis.
Fall Application Cycle:
February 1 to 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.
Application Requirements
There is an application fee of $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.
Level 1 courses can be taken as a stand-alone certificate or as a foundation for proceeding to Level 2.
Prerequisites:
Basic skills in drawing from direct observation; Working knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Acrobat, and either Adobe InDesign or SketchStudents 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 FallStudents 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 Director at alisa.aronson@massart.edu to determine appropriate placement.
Level 2 is a sequence of 3 courses and one non-credit workshop, which build on the basic skills learned in Level 1.
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 May)
If you believe you are qualified to be admitted directly to Level 2, please contact the Program Director at alisa.aronson@massart.edu to determine appropriate placement.
Level 3 is a sequence of 4 courses which challenge students to conceive of and design complex and comprehensive design systems at a more creative and sophisticated design level.
To advance from Level 2:
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 January)
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
Application reviews are completed one month after the deadline. Decisions are sent by email.
- 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.
Application Requirements
There is an application fee of $35. Please pay online via credit card.
In a two page statement, describe your experience and training in fashion design. Please 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
Application reviews are completed one month after the deadline. Decisions are sent by email.
Fall Application Cycle:
February 1 and June 15. Fall semester starts in September.
Applications for the The Furniture Design Certificate are accepted only for the Fall semester.
Application Requirements
There is an application fee of $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 furniture design. Please 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.
Industrial Design Certificate
The Industrial Design Certificate Program is not accepting applicants at present.
Application Requirements
There is an application fee of $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 should demonstrate basic skills in visual language (drawing from observation, color, composition, 2D, and 3D design) as well as some proficiency and interest in design.
In a two page statement, describe your experience and training in industrial design. Please also describe your interest in the certificate 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 help you with the application process or answer questions about our programs.
Please contact us at:
Email: ce@massart.edu
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