Admission Policies and Procedures

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Susan B. Gandy

sgandy@uarts.edu
Director of Admission
First Floor, Dorrance Hamilton Hall
215-717-6030

The admission requirements and procedures are designed to help the University select, from among the men and women applying, those best qualified to benefit from the educational opportunities at The University of the Arts. The University prefers applicants who express themselves through visual images, performance, and creative writing; who demonstrate intellectual abilities through their academic record; who wish to increase their awareness of themselves and their world; who address their environment in a positive, individualistic manner; and who bring energy, concern, and humor to their inquiry. The University values diversity, liveliness, thoughtfulness, and curiosity, and seeks in its students a broad range of intellectual, artistic, extracurricular, and personal energies. Admission is offered without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, age, or handicap. Each applicant is considered individually, and the Director of Admission may make an exception to any requirement.

Admission to The University of the Arts is based on both academic performance and artistic development. Each college at The University of the Arts has special admission criteria related to its course of study. The admission committee examines every applicant’s academic record for evidence of rigorous, scholarly preparation. In addition, each college at the University has separate requirements for evaluating a candidate’s artistic progress. Entrance to the College of Art and Design requires the candidate to present a visual portfolio. The College of Performing Arts requires students to pass an audition in their specific discipline. The College of Media and Communication asks candidates to present a media or writing portfolio. Because the portfolio and audition requirements are specific to each program, interested applicants should contact the Admission Office for a full explanation of the University’s expectations.

Admission to the University is based upon a combination of factors; candidates for admission must assume responsibility for all of the admission requirements when submitting an application and realize that the Admission Committee will base its decision on the sum total of these factors.

International applicants should also refer to the section of this catalog titled International Students.

All applicants are encouraged to visit The University of the Arts for an information session and portfolio review or audition. Information sessions with the Admission staff offer students and their families the opportunity to learn more about the application process, programs of study, campus life, and financial aid. Portfolio reviews, interviews, and auditions are part of all applicants’ entrance requirements and are separate from the information sessions. In addition to demonstrating their artistic abilities during the portfolio review or audition, students should be prepared to discuss their academic record, personal achievements, extracurricular activities, and professional goals.

1. Application Form. Paper forms are available from the Office of Admission or downloadable from the University Website; they also may be electronically submitted at http://www.uarts.edu/applynow. All candidates are required to submit a completed application for admission and a $60 application fee. The application fee for international applicants who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents is $75. The University of the Arts will waive the application fee in cases of extreme family financial need. A fee-waiver request is required from a high school guidance counselor, two-year college counselor, or other authorized person.
2. Secondary School Record. An official copy of the secondary school transcript is required of all applicants. A curriculum of college preparatory subjects is recommended. Specific course distribution is not required, although a minimum of four (4) years of English and two (2) years of history is strongly recommended. Remaining courses should be selected from the approved college preparatory program, including study in languages, mathematics, science, humanities, art history, psychology, and sociology. These courses should be augmented by study in visual art, music, dance, drama, or creative writing.
3. Homeschooled Applicants. The University of the Arts welcomes applications from students who are homeschooled. Homeschooled students must present a secondary school diploma issued by their public school district. For Pennsylvania residents, The University of the Arts also accepts secondary school diplomas issued by Erie Area Homeschoolers, Buxmont Christian Educational Institute, and Pennsylvania Homeschoolers Accreditation Agency, all of which are approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to award secondary school diplomas. Homeschooled applicants who are unable to present a secondary school diploma recognized by their state or school district are required to submit the GED (General Education Diploma).
4. Standardized Test Scores. The submission of official standardized test scores is required for admission although applicants who have completed a college-level English Composition course with a grade of “C” or better, or applicants who have been out of school for more than five years, are not required to submit standardized test scores. The SAT or ACT are the acceptable standardized tests. The University of the Arts’ CEEB code is 2664. The ACT code is 3664. Candidates for admission from Puerto Rico or Latin America may substitute or augment the SAT or ACT with the Prueba de Aptitud Academica (PAA).
5. International Students. International students whose native language is not English must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A TOEFL score of 500 paper-based 173 computer-based 61 Internet-based or an IELTS score of 6.0 and above is required for undergraduate admission. Graduate programs require a TOEFL score of 550 paper-based 213 computer-based 79 Internet-based or an IELTS score of 7.0 or above.

   In lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS, completion of Level 112 in the English Language Program offered by any one of 40 ELS Language Centers located throughout the USA will be accepted for both undergraduate and graduate admission. Information about these programs may be obtained directly from:

   ELS Language Centers
   1357 Second Street, Suite 100
   Santa Monica, CA 90401-1102 USA
   Telephone: 310-458-7400
   Fax: 310-458-7404
   www.els.com

6. Recommendations. Applicants are required to submit a letter of recommendation from a teacher, guidance counselor, or employer. Recommendations should comment on the applicant’s demonstrated abilities in the arts, maturity, ambition, determination, and seriousness of purpose.
7. Personal Statement. All applicants are required to submit a 150- to 300-word essay. The statement should be typed on a separate sheet of paper and attached to the application. The applicant should list his/her name, Social Security number, and the semester for which he/she seeks admission on the statement.
8. Artistic Presentation. Refer to the Portfolio and Audition requirements published in the application packet.
9. Interview. Although not required, all applicants are encouraged to visit The University of the Arts and interview with a member of the Admission staff or University faculty. Applicants to the College of Art and Design are expected to present their portfolio during the interview. Applicants to the College of Performing Arts or the College of Media and Communication should be prepared to discuss their academic record, personal achievements, extracurricular activities, and goals. The interview also provides the applicant with an opportunity to ask questions about the University. Applicants should feel free to note questions about the application process, programs of study, courses, instructors, student life, or financial aid and bring these with them to the interview.
10. Financial Aid, Federal Loans, Scholarships. The University encourages electronic aid application. Students may submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. For those without Internet access, the FAFSA can be obtained from a high school guidance counselor. Submit the FAFSA to the Federal Student Aid Program by March 1 for priority consideration. List The University of the Arts as the institution to receive your information. The Title IV Code for The University of the Arts is 003350. For additional information, see the Financial Aid section of this Catalog.

Transfer students are admitted to The University of the Arts under policies that vary from college to college. The University considers any applicant who has been enrolled in a college-level program of study after secondary school to be a transfer applicant. Transfers enjoy a preferred position among applicants for admission since it can be assumed they have matured in their goals and have demonstrated their abilities at the college level.

Transfer Application Requirements

The application process for undergraduate transfer students is the same as for freshmen with the exception that, in addition to the process described in the above section, applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges attended. Candidates should include a listing of any courses in which they are currently enrolled or intend to complete prior to matriculation at The University of the Arts. To aid in the assessment of transfer credits, a catalog containing the course descriptions, credit assignment, and credit-hour ratio for each college attended should be sent to the Office of Admission. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for transfer.

Transfer of Credit

Students may receive credit for courses taken at other regionally accredited institutions that are similar in content, purpose, and standards to those offered at The University of the Arts. A minimum grade of “C” is required in order to present a course for transfer credit. Only credits are transferable, not grades.

Candidates are given a preliminary transfer credit evaluation at the time of admission; final award of transfer credit and placement level is subject to receipt of final official transcripts and verification by the Registrar at the time of enrollment.

Residency Requirements

The time it takes for a student to reach graduation will depend upon the time needed to fulfill The University of the Arts’ degree requirements.

Every transfer student must complete a minimum of four full-time semesters in residence preceding graduation and must earn a minimum of 48 credits in studio and/or Liberal Arts courses. Transferable credits will be applied only to the specific Studio and Liberal Arts requirements stipulated for a UArts degree. For this reason, transfer students may be required to remain in residence at the University for more than the minimum four semesters and to complete more than the minimum 48 credits, regardless of the number of credits earned at previously attended institutions. Transfer credit is evaluated by the department chair or school director and the Dean of Liberal Arts in consultation with the Office of the Registrar.

College of Art and Design

Upon completion of the preliminary credit evaluation, the applicant will be invited to schedule an interview and portfolio review with a faculty member from the major department. If unable to attend a personal interview, refer to the University’s Portfolio and Audition Brochure for specific requirements.

Freshman Transfers

Transfer students with fewer than 21 transferable Liberal Arts credits and without qualifications for advanced standing in studio should expect to be registered for the Foundation Program and anticipate being enrolled at The University of the Arts for the equivalent of eight semesters. Those who qualify for either the three-year program or advanced standing but wish to take advantage of the Foundation Program and elective courses may also apply as Freshman transfers.

Three-Year Transfers

Applicants who have not had substantial studio instruction but who present a minimum of 21 transferable credits in Liberal Arts may qualify for the three-year transfer program. Under this program, students have the opportunity to fulfill the College of Art and Design’s graduation requirements in three years. In the first year, the Foundation Program curriculum is combined with studies in the major department. If approved by both the Foundation Program and major-department chairpersons, the transfer student may attain third-year status at the start of his or her second year. This program imposes an extremely demanding schedule and is best suited to mature students who have definitely decided upon a major.

Advanced Standing

Students transferring into the second- or third-year level studios of major departments are considered advanced-standing candidates. The first year in the College of Art and Design includes 21 credits of studio classwork in the Foundation core (Drawing, Two-Dimensional Design, Three-Dimensional Design, and an optional course, Time and Motion) and elective courses. Students who have completed between 18 and 21 credits in studio and who have studied in the Foundation areas may be considered for advanced status.

Decisions concerning admission to a major department, class standing, and mandated prerequisites are made by major-department faculty upon an evaluation of the admission portfolio and preliminary transfer-credit analysis.

College of Performing Arts

At the time of the entrance audition, the Audition Committee evaluates the applicant’s performance with respect to the level of achievement required for advanced standing. Transfer credit in the major may be granted for comparable previous undergraduate credit earned, up to the level of placement. Transfer credits may be granted toward the Liberal Arts requirements regardless of a student’s standing in the major. The number of Liberal Arts credits accepted for transfer is unlikely to change the length of time required to complete the degree. Transfers to the College of Performing Arts are not given credit for studio courses until after the completion of the first semester at The University of the Arts. Transfer students to the College of Performing Arts should assume that they will receive Freshman status unless advanced status is clearly indicated in their letter of admission.

College of Media and Communication

Transfer applicants to Writing for Film and Television, Multimedia, and Communication are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of prior educational experience and demonstrated creative abilities. Transferable credits may be applied to major, Liberal Arts, and/or elective requirements.

Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements are drawn between two institutions in order to facilitate the maximum transfer of credits when students move from one institution to the other. The University of the Arts has a series of these agreements for students attending the schools mentioned below. Students who successfully meet the requirements set by the agreement with their home institution will earn the option to transfer to the University of the Arts at an advanced level upon enrollment. Each articulation agreement has specific requirements and is valid only for the major programs listed on the agreement. To obtain specific information about these agreements, prospective students should contact the transfer advisor at their home institution.

College of Media and Communication

Communication Department

Ocean County College (NJ)
Bucks County Community College (PA)
Burlington County College (NJ)
Luzerne County Community College (PA) - Broadcast Communication Technology program
Montgomery County Community College (PA) - pending

Multimedia Department

Burlington County College (NJ) - Graphic Design and Digital Media program
Camden County College (NJ) - Game Design and Development program
Camden County College (NJ) - Computer Graphics: Game Designer Option program
Delaware County Community College (PA) - Interactive Multimedia program
Northampton County Community College (PA) - Communication Design program

College of Art and Design

Crafts Department

Ceramics:
Bucks County Community College (PA)
Keystone College (PA)
Wood:
Bucks County Community College (PA)

Fine Arts Department

Painting/Drawing:
Bucks County Community College (PA)
Harrisburg Area Community College (PA)
Keystone College (PA)
Maryland College of Art and Design at Montgomery College (MD)
Montgomery County Community College (PA)
Sage College of Albany (NY)
Printmaking:
Bucks County Community College (PA) (pending)
Keystone College (PA)
Maryland College of Art and Design at Montgomery College (MD)
Sage College of Albany (NY)
Sculpture:
Bucks County Community College (PA)
Keystone College (PA)
Maryland College of Art and Design at Montgomery College (MD)
Montgomery County Community College (PA)

Graphic Design Department

Bucks County Community College (PA)
Keystone College (PA)
Montgomery County Community College (PA)

Illustration Department

Keystone College (PA)

Industrial Design Department

Keystone College (PA)

Media Arts Department

Animation
Keystone College (PA)
Montgomery County Community College (PA)
Film/Digital Video
Keystone College (PA)
Photography
Harrisburg Area Community College (PA)
Keystone College (PA)

College of Performing Arts

School of Music

Community College of Philadelphia (PA) School of Music

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in December for fall admission and September for spring admission. Priority is given to fall candidates who file an application for admission by March 15, although the University will accept and review applications as long as space in the class is available. Official notification of the Admission Committee’s decision is made in writing by the Director of Admission. Generally, students can expect to receive notification of the decision within two weeks of completing all admission requirements.

Applicants who are offered admission for fall enrollment are asked to submit a $300 tuition deposit within three weeks of the offer of admission to reserve a place in the entering class. The tuition deposit may be refunded if the student notifies the Office of Admission of his/her intent to cancel enrollment, in writing, prior to May 1.

The University of the Arts subscribes to the May 1 Candidate’s General Reply Date and will honor any applicant’s written request to defer the acceptance of the offer of admission until May 1. Requests for a refund of the tuition deposit that are postmarked after May 1 cannot be granted. After May 1 the University assumes that the student’s tuition deposit to The University of the Arts is the only enrollment deposit that the student has submitted. The University reserves the right to cancel the offer of admission if the student posts a deposit at another college or university or fails to complete their Senior year in good academic standing.

Housing Deposits

University housing is open to new students entering in both fall and spring semesters. Housing reservation forms are sent to all incoming students in their acceptance packet. The University will guarantee housing to all students who submit a housing reservation and post a non-refundable $200 housing deposit by June 1. Although the University anticipates that it has adequate housing to meet the student demand for on-campus living, there is no way to predict when University-supervised housing may be filled; therefore, after May 15, space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Deferment of admission is not automatic. Undergraduate and graduate students who are admitted to The University of the Arts and then wish to defer their admission must submit their requests, in writing, to the Office of Admission. If permission is granted, a $300 non-refundable tuition deposit must be paid in order to confirm enrollment for the following semester or year. Deferred students who enroll in a degree program at another institution in the interim will not retain their deferred status; they must reapply to the University as transfer students.

Deferred candidates are also required to submit a statement of activities and reaffirm their intent to enroll at The University of the Arts. Candidates seeking fall or summer enrollment must file this statement by January 15; spring candidates must submit this statement by November 15. Students are permitted only one deferment.

Those who are not approved for deferred admission may reapply for the following year. A new application form must be filed with a reapplication fee of $10; additional credentials may be required.

Extremely capable students may be ready for college before they have completed the normal four-year secondary school program. The University welcomes applications from those who feel they are scholastically and artistically prepared and sufficiently mature, personally and socially, to undertake college work.

Early Admission candidates must be able to fulfill either of the following conditions:

1. By taking an overload during the jJunior year of high school or summer courses, the applicant is able to complete high school diploma credit requirements and receive the diploma before enrolling at the University.
2. Under a written agreement, the candidate’s high school authorities grant the applicant a high school diploma upon completion of the Freshman year at The University of the Arts.

The University of the Arts has designed alternative admission programs to consider those whose potential may not be indicated in standardized test scores or class rank or who have had limited formal training in the arts.

Offers of admission may specify one or more of the following conditions:

1. Pre-Freshman Enrichment Program. The admission of Freshman applicants to the College of Art and Design or the Multimedia program may be contingent upon successful completion of the University’s Summer Pre-Freshman Enrichment Program (PREP). This condition is made when the application review indicates that additional preparation in studio is necessary to ensure the student’s success in the first year curriculum. PREP includes studies in drawing, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional design. Classes are scheduled for a four-week session, with 30 hours of instruction per week. PREP is a non-credit program, but grades are given to measure performance. A minimum “C” (2.0) grade-point average indicates successful completion.
2. Academic Warning. Students admitted under Academic Warning must achieve a “C” (2.0) grade-point average at the end of their first year of study in order to be promoted.
3. Academic Achievement Program. Applicants may be required to participate in the Academic Achievement Program (AAP). The purpose of the program is to provide developmental maintenance and transition services to students who, because of life circumstances, may not have achieved their potential in secondary school and need additional preparation in art and academics to ensure their success. AAP is funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Higher Education Opportunity Act (ACT 101). Students selected to participate in the program must be Pennsylvania residents and meet the family income eligibility guidelines established by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

CEEB Advanced Placement Program (AP)

The University of the Arts may award three credits toward the Liberal Arts requirements for a score of 4 or better in any CEEB Advanced Placement Examination in an academic subject. An official report of scores must be submitted to The University of the Arts directly from The College Board, Advanced Placement Program, Princeton, NJ. AP credit is not given for studio art, music theory, or performance. Students are notified of AP credits awarded prior to registration.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The University of the Arts cooperates with the College Examination Board in its College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Credits may be awarded for Subject Examinations in composition and literature, foreign language, history and social studies, or science and math depending on the score earned in the examination and other factors as follows:

1. The credit must be directly applicable to the student’s degree requirements.
2. The credits cannot be used to fulfill upper-level course requirements.
3. The total number of credits awarded through CLEP is limited to 12.
4. A score equivalent to the minimum acceptable score or higher as recommended by the American Council on Education is necessary.

College-Level Coursework

The University may also award credit for college work completed while the student was still in high school. Applicants who have taken college courses should arrange to have their college transcripts sent to the Office of Admission for transfer-credit evaluation. Students should also send official descriptions of the college courses so that the University can make accurate evaluations. Transfer credit cannot be granted for courses that were taken to fulfill high school graduation requirements nor for credits earned in a dual enrollment program that granted secondary school and college credit for the same course. Credit will not be granted for pre-college programs.

International Baccalaureate

The University of the Arts recognizes the International Baccalaureate Examination (IB). The University may award six credits toward the Liberal Arts requirements for a score of 4 or better in a higher-level (HL) examination and three credits for a score of 4 or better in a subsidiary-level (SL) examination in an academic subject. An official report of scores on the IB exams should be sent to the Office of Admission for evaluation. Students are notified of the credits awarded prior to registration.

Credit from Non-accredited Institutions

Based on the applicant’s portfolio, credit may be awarded at the time of admission by the department chairperson of the intended major. The maximum number of credits awarded may not exceed the number of credits earned at the non-accredited institution (as adjusted to conform with the University’s credit evaluation policies). These credits may be assigned to fulfill specific requirements of The University of the Arts degree as agreed upon by the department chair or director and the Registrar.

Credit by Portfolio/Audition

A maximum of 18 credits may be granted to applicants by portfolio review for artistic experience independent of any coursework. Credit by portfolio is granted only for studio work done prior to matriculation at The University of the Arts. Academic standing and course credit based on portfolio review are determined by the appropriate department chairperson during the admission process. This portfolio work cannot have been part of the assigned work for a secondary or post-secondary course.

Applicants who qualify may be granted credit by audition in performance subjects. Audition credit requires the approval of the Audition Committee and the school director. Academic standing and course credit based on the audition are determined during the admission process.

Applicants who are neither U.S. citizens nor Permanent Residents are considered International Students. The University encourages international candidates with strong academic and artistic qualifications to apply for admission.

International students who apply to the University should follow the procedures outlined in the appropriate section of this catalog. International applicants should also be aware of the following additional requirements and procedures:

1. English proficiency. International students whose native language is not English must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A TOEFL score of 500 paper-based 173 computerbased 61 Internet-based or an IELTS score of 6.0 and above is required for undergraduate admission. Graduate programs require a TOEFL score of 550 paper-based 213 computer-based 79 Internet-based or an IELTS score of 7.0 or above.

   In lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS, completion of Level 112 in the English Language Program offered by any one of 40 ELS Language Centers located throughout the USA will be accepted for both undergraduate and graduate admission. Information about these programs may be obtained directly from:

   ELS Language Centers
   1357 Second Street, Suite 100
   Santa Monica, CA 90401-1102 USA
   Telephone: 310-458-7400
   Fax: 310-458-7404
   http://www.els.com

2. Transcripts/Mark/Grade Sheets. All applicants must provide complete, official transcripts from every school attended on the high school/secondary level and post-secondary level. Each transcript must be translated into English by a certified translator and the translation must be notarized.

   International students who wish to be considered for advanced standing and receive transfer credit for coursework already completed should submit a Comprehensive Course-by-Course Report from the World Education Services (WES). International applicants to the graduate programs are required to submit a Document-by Document report from WES. It is the applicant’s responsibility to contract with WES directly for this service. Instructions and application for foreign credentials evaluation can be obtained directly from:

   World Education Services
   Bowling Green Station
   P. O. Box 5087
   New York, NY 10274-5087
   Telephone: 212-966-6311
   Fax: 212-739-6100
   www.wes.org

3. Certification of Finances. International students who plan to enroll at the University are responsible for all of their educational and personal expenses for the full duration of their education at The University of the Arts. Certification that these financial obligations can be met is required in order to qualify for the F-1 visa. A Certification of Finances form is sent to international students upon receipt of their application. The form must be completed in English and certified by a bank official. This statement must declare the availability of funds of at least (U.S.) $38,015 to cover the cost of one year of education and personal expenses. The I-20, used to apply for the F-1 visa, will not be issued without a valid Certification of Finances. All F-1 students are responsible for obtaining immigration information and following all the regulations in order to maintain status. Page 2 of the I-20 explains many of the obligations of an F-1 student.
4. Financial Aid. International students may be considered for a limited number of University-funded, merit-based scholarships. These scholarships cover partial tuition costs only. Need-based financial aid is not available. Students who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents may qualify for educational loans through an International Student Loan Program (ISLP). Further information on the ISLP may be obtained directly from:

   International Education Finance Corporation
   424 Adams Street
   Milton, MA 02186 USA
   http://www.IEFC.com

5. Scholarships. A limited number of partial merit scholarships may be awarded to international students who demonstrate outstanding academic and artistic achievement and potential. International merit scholarship recipients are notified of the scholarship award with the offer of admission.
6. Special note for summer applicants: Summer MFA programs do not qualify for a student visa and are therefore closed to international students who would need a visa to attend.

The University of the Arts offers these graduate degrees:

Master of Fine Arts

Book Arts/Printmaking
Ceramics
Museum Exhibition Planning and Design
Painting
Sculpture

Master of Arts

Art Education
Museum Communication
Museum Education

Master of Arts in Teaching

Visual Arts
Music Education

Master of Industrial Design

Master of Music

Jazz Studies

In addition to the graduate programs, The University of the Arts offers post-baccalaureate non-degree programs in Crafts and teacher certification in Visual Arts. Please refer to the Table of Contents to locate full program descriptions.

Candidates for graduate admission are strongly encouraged to file the admission application and complete all admission requirements early. The University has established several deadlines, after which candidates’ completed applications will be reviewed and notification of admission and financial aid decisions issued. If space remains available in the entering class after the published application deadline, applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until the class is filled.

Fall and Summer Enrollment

Application for fall admission and admission to the summer residence MFA (Ceramics, Painting, and Sculpture) programs may be submitted as follows:

Priority Decision

Applications received and completed prior to January 15 for fall or summer enrollment will be reviewed for priority consideration. Applicants will be notified of the Admission Committee’s decision on or before March 15.

Rolling Admission

Applications received after January 15 for fall and summer enrollment will be considered on a space-available basis and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Spring Enrollment

Music, Museum Communication, Museum Education, and Art Education accept applications for spring enrollment.

Regular Decision

Applications received and completed by November 15 will be notified of the admission decision on or before December 1.

Rolling Admission

Applications received and completed after November 15 will be considered on a space-available basis and reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates can generally expect to be notified of a decision within two weeks of completing all application requirements.

Transfer of Credit

A maximum of six credits may be transferred and applied toward graduate degree requirements with the approval of the program director and Registrar. Only those graduate courses in which a grade of “B” or higher has been earned may be considered for transfer credit.

Graduate Application Requirements

All applicants for admission to graduate study at The University of the Arts must hold a bachelor’s degree from a U.S. institution that is accredited by a recognized regional association or have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree from a foreign institution of acceptable standards.

1. Application Form: All candidates are required to submit a completed graduate application for admission and $60 application fee. The fee for international applicants who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents is $75. The application fee will be waived for University of the Arts alumni.
2. College Transcripts: An official transcript from each undergraduate and graduate school attended is required of all applicants.
3. Recommendations: Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation. Two of these recommendations must come from professors or professionals in the area of the student’s intended major who are familiar with the applicant’s capabilities and credentials.
4. Personal Statement: All applicants are required to submit a one- to two-page statement that describes their professional plans and goals. The statement should be typed on a separate sheet of paper and attached to the application. Applicants should list name, Social Security number, and the semester for which they seek admission on the statement.
5. Interview: A personal interview with the director of the program to which the candidate is applying is strongly recommended. Appointments should be scheduled directly with the department.
6. English proficiency. International students whose native language is not English must submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). A TOEFL score of 500 paper-based 173 computer-based 61 Internet-based or an IELTS score of 6.0 and above is required for undergraduate admission. Graduate programs require a TOEFL score of 550 paper-based 213 computer-based 79 Internet-based or an IELTS score of 7.0 or above.

   In lieu of the TOEFL or IELTS, completion of Level 112 in the English Language Program offered by any one of 40 ELS Language Centers located throughout the USA will be accepted for both undergraduate and graduate admission. Information about these programs may be obtained directly from:

   ELS Language Centers
   1357 Second Street, Suite 100
   Santa Monica, CA 90401-1102 USA
   Telephone: 310-458-7400
   Fax: 310-458-7404
   www.els.com

7. Financial Aid: Obtain the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Stafford Loan Application if applying for financial assistance. Submit the FAFSA to the Federal Student Aid Program by February 15 for priority consideration. The Title IV Code for The University of the Arts is 003350.

   Graduate students who wish to be considered for grant assistance should contact their department for additional information.

8. Special Requirements for Graduate Education Applicants:
   Master of Arts in Teaching in Visual Arts (MAT)

   Candidates for this program must hold a BFA or BA degree in art, or equivalent, with 45 credits in studio art and 12 credits in art history, with a “B” or better cumulative average. They must also have completed six credits in college-level math, three credits of English composition, and three credits in American or British literature.

   Master of Arts in Art Education (MA)

   Candidates for this program must hold a BFA or BA degree in art, or equivalent, with 45 credits in studio art and 12 credits in art history, with a “B” or better cumulative average. A teaching certificate is not required.

   Deficiencies in this minimum must be made up as prerequisites or corequisites; a maximum of 12 such credits may be taken while a matriculated graduate student. With approval of the program director, a maximum of 6 studio credits may be applied to the elective requirements in the program.

Graduate Portfolio and Audition Information

Every student applying to the College of Art and Design must submit a portfolio of his/her work. Every student applying to the College of Performing Arts must audition. An application must be filed with the Admission Office before a portfolio review or audition is scheduled. Please refer to the Graduate Application Form for specific requirements, which may be obtained through the Admission Office.

Crafts Studio Post-Baccalaureate Certificate

Admission to the Crafts Studio Program is based on portfolio and interview. The program is designed for students who already hold an undergraduate degree. Applications may be obtained from the Office of Admission. See Bachelor’s Degree Holders in the Financial Aid section of this Catalog for additional information.

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Program, Pre-Certification Concentration in Art Education Professional Semester

The Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Program, Pre-Certification Concentration in Art Education, is only available to University of the Arts/College of Art and Design alumni. The Professional Semester is taken the semester after graduation and after all pre-certification requirements have been met, except for AE 552 The Art of Teaching and AE 659 Student Teaching Practicum. To be eligible to take the Post-Baccalaureate Professional Semester, candidates must have a “B” average and have successfully completed the Instructional I, PRAXIS tests. They must also meet with the chair of the Art Education Department and fill out a Student Teaching Application the semester prior to student teaching.

Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Program (Non-Degree)

Candidates for this program must hold a BFA or BA degree in art, or equivalent, with 45 credits in studio art and 12 credits in art history, with a “B” or better cumulative average. They must also have completed six credits in college-level math, three credits of English composition, and three credits in American or British literature. In addition, candidates must have successfully completed the Instructional I, PRAXIS tests.

Credits earned in the Post-Baccalaureate Teacher Program (Non-Degree) may not be converted to graduate credits or be considered for transfer credit in a graduate program.

Applications may be obtained from The University of the Arts Office of Continuing Studies.