Military Tuition Assistance

Military tuition assistance (TA) is a benefit that is paid to eligible members and veterans of the United States military branches. TA is not a loan and will not need to be repaid as long as the student enrolls in and attends class. When a student withdraws (officially or unofficially), they may no longer be eligible for the entire amount of the TA awarded. The College for Creative Studies Business Services staff will work with the Academic Advising and Registration Office to calculate the amount that is to be returned based on the following criteria:

  • Number of days completed divided by the total days of the course will equal the percentage earned
  • For “Official” withdraws: The date of withdrawal will be used as the last date of attendance
  • For “Unofficial” withdraws: CCS will conclude the last date of attendance as the last date of activity within the course taken.

In compliance with the Department of Defense policy, CCS will return unearned TA funds on a proportional basis through at least the 60 percent portion of the course regardless of the reason for withdrawal.

For military deployment or reactivation: if you are unable to complete your current semester due to deployment or reactivation, contact the VA School Certifying Official in the Academic Advising and Registration Office immediately. Students will need to supply official proof of military deployment or reactivation and will be advised to complete a Tuition Appeal Form.

Graduate Admission Requirements for International Applicants

Application Requirements

Application Form
Enter general personal and educational information.

Portfolio
Upload projects, sketches and other items that communicate your technical and design expertise and problem-solving skills. Review individual program requirements/recommendations on the Portfolio Guidelines page.

MFA Transcript
Upload a current transcript (unofficial or official electronic version) of your transcript. Official copies will be requested if offered admissions.

International Applicants: Submit a certified English translation of your transcript(s). The documents should include the translation of your courses along with the school’s official grading scale, so that we can convert your grades and/or an accumulative Grade Point Average for all years attended in your bachelor’s degree.

Official copies of all transcripts confirming graduation from a college or university, must be one file prior to the Add/Drop Deadline of the student’s initial start term, and is required for matriculation.

MFA Statement of Purpose
Upload a statement of purpose (500-1000 words) that outlines your objectives for seeking an MFA at CCS and addresses the following:

What is your motivation for studying design?
What are you hoping to achieve in your graduate education? Career path and/or personal enrichment?
Why do you think CCS is the place for you?
What characteristics, both personal and professional, do you feel you will contribute to a team-based project?
This document serves as your writing sample and should include your areas of interest and influences on your design/thinking practice.

MFA CV/Resume
Submit a current resume/curriculum vitae detailing your educational, work and community service/volunteer experience.

MFA Letters of Recommendation
Provide two (2) recommendation letters. 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 supervisors. Applicants can submit up to three (3) recommendation letters as part of your application.

Application Fee
Submit a $18 non-refundable application fee prior to finalizing your application.

Additional Requirements for International Students

English Proficiency Exam: All applicants whose primary and/or native language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS general exam scores. Request scores be sent to CCS electronically by the exam agency (ETS or Cambridge English Assessment). Our TOEFL (ETS) code is 1035.

Minimum scores: TOEFL- Internet version: 80; paper-based version: composite score of 527; computer-based: 197

IELTS: 6.5

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.

Transcripts: Upload provide a certified English translation of your transcripts, along with the school’s official grading scale, so we can convert your grades and/or an accumulative Grade Point Average. Please also provide an English translated degree certificate, if available.

Passport: Submit a current scanned copy of your passport.

Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

CCS Nondiscrimination Policy