Graduate Admissions Requirements for Domestic Applicants

MFA and MA Application Requirements for Color & Materials Design, Transportation Design and User Experience Design

Bachelor’s or Master’s level Degree Transcript
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.

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.

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

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.

All submissions are subject to CCS’ Academic Integrity Policy. Works submitted must be your own original works; reference and inspiration images should be labeled as such.

Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

MFA and MA Application Requirements for Interdisciplinary Design and Media

Graduate Program Application Form
Enter general personal and educational information.

Bachelor’s or Master’s level Degree 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.

Personal Statement
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.

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

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.

All submissions are subject to CCS’ Academic Integrity Policy. Works submitted must be your own original works; reference and inspiration images should be labeled as such.

Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

MFA and MA Application Requirements for Design for Sustainability

Graduate Program Application Form
Enter general personal and educational information.

Slide Deck
The Graduate Program in Design for Sustainability welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic disciplines and professional backgrounds. While a traditional art and design portfolio is not required, applicants are asked to submit a visual presentation featuring 2 to 3 examples of relevant work, either of their own or by other designers and artists whose work has influenced their perspectives on sustainability and climate change.

Bachelor’s or Master’s level Degree 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.

Personal Statement
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.

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

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.

All submissions are subject to CCS’ Academic Integrity Policy. Works submitted must be your own original works; reference and inspiration images should be labeled as such.

Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

MPS Application Requirements for User Experience Design

The MPS in User Experience Design is an all-online program

Bachelor’s or Master’s level Degree 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.

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.

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

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

The MPS in User Experience Design is an all-online program, and so is not eligible to issue student immigration documents for study in the US. However, international student are welcome to apply and enroll in this program if they plan to attend from outside the US.

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.

All submissions are subject to CCS’ Academic Integrity Policy. Works submitted must be your own original works; reference and inspiration images should be labeled as such.

Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

Financial Aid Eligibility Requirements for Undergraduate Students

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR NEED-BASED FINANCIAL AID

Eligibility for need-based financial aid is determined by an analysis of family resources calculated by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To receive need-based financial assistance from the College, students must:

  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Be accepted for enrollment in a degree program
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours (for Direct Loans)
  • Be registered with Selective Service (or be exempt)
  • Have obtained a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Not owe a refund on previous Title IV funds received or be in default on any federal student loan

For more information, visit www.studentaid.gov

CCS also awards scholarships based on merit. Students may qualify for these scholarships based on the strength of their admission composite score (portfolio, GPA and test scores) at the time of admittance to the College. No additional application is required for these scholarships.

Students receiving tuition assistance from their employers will have their tuition scholarship reduced accordingly.

Duration of Eligibility for Undergraduate Students

Full-time students may receive financial aid for a maximum of six years (12 semesters) of full-time awards. Half-time students are eligible for a maximum of 12 years (24 semesters) of half-time awards. Some federal and state awards may have a lower maximum number of years for both full-time and part-time enrollment. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.

Graduate Admission Requirements for International Applicants

MFA and MA Application Requirements for Color & Materials Design, Transportation Design and User Experience Design

Bachelor’s or Master’s level Degree 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.

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.

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

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.

All submissions are subject to CCS’ Academic Integrity Policy. Works submitted must be your own original works; reference and inspiration images should be labeled as such.

Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

MFA and MA Application Requirements for Interdisciplinary Design and Media

Graduate Program Application Form
Enter general personal and educational information.

Bachelor’s or Master’s level Degree 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.

Personal Statement
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.

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

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.

All submissions are subject to CCS’ Academic Integrity Policy. Works submitted must be your own original works; reference and inspiration images should be labeled as such.

Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

MFA and MA Application Requirements for Design for Sustainability

Graduate Program Application Form
Enter general personal and educational information.

Slide Deck
The Graduate Program in Design for Sustainability welcomes applicants from a wide range of academic disciplines and professional backgrounds. While a traditional art and design portfolio is not required, applicants are asked to submit a visual presentation featuring 2 to 3 examples of relevant work, either of their own or by other designers and artists whose work has influenced their perspectives on sustainability and climate change.

Bachelor’s or Master’s level Degree 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.

Personal Statement
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.

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

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.

All submissions are subject to CCS’ Academic Integrity Policy. Works submitted must be your own original works; reference and inspiration images should be labeled as such.

Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

MPS Application Requirements for User Experience Design

The MPS in User Experience Design is an all-online program

Bachelor’s or Master’s level Degree 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.

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.

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

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

The MPS in User Experience Design is an all-online program, and so is not eligible to issue student immigration documents for study in the US. However, international student are welcome to apply and enroll in this program if they plan to attend from outside the US.

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.

All submissions are subject to CCS’ Academic Integrity Policy. Works submitted must be your own original works; reference and inspiration images should be labeled as such.

Students with Disabilities and Requesting Accommodations

CCS Nondiscrimination Policy

Computer and Technology Requirements – Graduate Students

Graduate students enrolling at the College for Creative are required to own or purchase a laptop computer for their studies. The website information provides the hardware configuration and software requirements. Students will also have access to computers in the Graduate Lab and other sites on campus that will provide access to software.

Be sure to use your educational discount available at Apple Stores or the Apple online educational store and at Dell online with a letter of acceptance or school ID. For software, please visit the CCS bookstore or contact the bookstore at 313.664.5020 for the most competitive educational pricing on software bundles for your initial purchase and for any additional software needs.