Creative Leadership Application Checklist | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Creative Leadership Application Checklist

MCAD is highly selective in admitting graduate students. Applying early enhances your chances of being admitted. Students must have an undergraduate degree before enrolling.

Summer Admission (Spring and Fall Admission Not Offered)
Early Action Decision December 1
Priority Decision February 1
Regular Decision March 1*

*Regular Decision applicants will be accepted on a space-available basis.

Application Form

To begin the application process, first complete the online application form. The application is easy to fill out, plus you can save it as you go so it doesn’t have to be completed in one sitting. The form requires a credit card number for the application fee of $50.

Official College Transcripts

Send via secure document transfer, email, or mail and Slideroom.

Submit official transcripts from any colleges or universities that you have attended. Official transcripts must be sent via mail or email directly from the issuing institution, as well as uploaded by you to Slideroom. Transcripts marked "Issued to Student" are not considered official transcripts. MCAD will accept unofficial copies for review in the application process, with official copies due prior to enrollment.

Letters of Recommendation (Optional)

Send via email, mail, or Slideroom.

Students are invited to upload up to two optional letters of recommendation (PDFs) that attest to your leadership experience, self-discipline, academic record, and commitment to your field. Letters may be from academic mentors, instructors, advisors, or from professional supervisors, clients, collaborators, or employers. Your chance of admission will not be negatively impacted if you do not submit letters of recommendation.

Personal Statement

Respond to the following prompts with individual statements. Submit your responses to each prompt via Slideroom.
AI Policy: At MCAD, the use of AI for content generation in the Personal Statement admissions requirement is not allowed. We value the importance of authenticity and genuine expression in showcasing applicants' individual voices and artistic perspectives. However, we recommend utilizing word editing programs for grammar, punctuation, and spell checking before submission, ensuring clarity and coherence in your writing.
  • How would you describe excellence in leadership (or excellent leadership); and what is a seminal experience (i.e. event, ongoing dynamic, talk, reading, personal exchange) that has informed your perspectives? (300-word limit)
  • What needs, questions, or ambitions have motivated you to apply to this program? What do you imagine or hope you will be able to gain from this experience? (300-word limit)
  • What educational, work, and life experiences have prepared you for th is program; and why is now the right time for you to undertake this program? (400-word limit)

Résumé

Send via Slideroom

Submit a current PDF copy of your résumé that highlights your past and present professional and volunteer work experience, appointments, awards, grants, scholarships, accolades, etc., as relevant, in four pages or less.

Introductory Video

Share URL via Slideroom

Students are invited to submit a short, self-made introductory video. Please speak to the following:

  • What is the nature of your “work” in the world (vocational, avocational, or both) and what are the values that animate that work?
  • What is the greatest challenge or most significant goal (enduring or recent) at work, at home, or in community, that you would like to advance through a program like this?
  • Please reflect on why it interests you to attend a leadership program within the context of an art and design college, as well as the aspects of MCAD's vision for creative leadership that interest you most?

Use whatever tools available to you (e.g. phone, laptop—high production value is not expected) to create a video no more than three minutes in duration. If you have questions about the requirement or have a barrier to producing the video (internet connection, equipment, etc.), please reach out to admissions@mcad.edu. Think of this video as the beginning of a conversation that will continue if you enter a graduate program.

Interview

Applicants must schedule an interview with the Director of the MA in Creative Leadership program. Be prepared to discuss your career goals, your interest in this program, and how you plan to manage your time.

To schedule a time for your interview, please email Admissions.

There are additional requirements for International Students, including:

  • Official english translations of all transcripts
  • Proof of citizenship (a PDF photocopy of your passport is suitable)
  • Interview

Mailing Address

MCAD Admissions Office

2501 Stevens Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55404