Graphic and Web Design Application Checklist | Minneapolis College of Art and Design

Graphic and Web Design 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.

Dates and Deadlines

Applications submitted by the posted deadlines will advance to committee review.

Fall Admission
Early Action February 1*
Priority Decision April 1
Regular Decision June 1

 

Spring Admission
Early Action October 1*
Priority Decision November 1
Regular Decision December 1


*Students who complete the MA application by the Early Action deadline will be notified of admission within one month.

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 creative ability, self-discipline, academic record, and commitment to your intended area of study. 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. Graphic and web design applicants may reuse one previously submitted letter of recommendation from a previous application to the graphic design or interactive design and marketing post-baccalaureate programs. 

Personal Statement

Respond to the following prompts with individual statements. Submit your responses to each prompt via Slideroom.

  • Please write a statement explaining your interest in the online Master of Arts in Graphic and Web Design. (300-word limit)
  • How do you see the MA in graphic and web design helping you achieve your professional goals? (300-word limit)
  • Students are required to identify a research and design problem to pursue during the course of the program resulting in a capstone project. Please describe the research topic and design challenge you will explore during your coursework in the program. Examples may include social, political, global, economic, environmental, technological, small business challenges, etc.
  • How many 3-credit courses per semester do you plan to take during your time in the program? One course per semester equals part-time attendance.

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 should include a short, self-made video introducing yourself. Please speak to the following:

  • The most important reason you are motivated to study your chosen area of focus
  • At least one goal you hope to achieve in your graduate education
  • Why you think MCAD is the best place to achieve your goals

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’ duration. This video will function as the beginning of a conversation that will continue if you enter the MA program at MCAD. Please contact admissions@mcad.edu if you have any questions or concerns about this requirement.

Portfolio

Send via Slideroom (do not mail)

MA in graphic and web design applicants should submit ten pieces that demonstrate your strongest work. Applicants with experience in interactive media should submit a selection of no more than ten screenshots and may submit a video no more than three minutes in length. Still images (JPEG, up to 10MB each), Video (up to 500MB each), Audio (up to 60MB each) and Models (Sketchfab). You may also link to media from YouTube, Vimeo, and SoundCloud. The quality of presentation is taken into consideration by the graduate committee. Applicants are required to label each work by title, date, media, and dimensions. If the work is a collaborative effort, you must include your role in its creation and development.

Submit 10 pieces that demonstrate design principles (professional, academic, personal) and readiness for the MA in graphic and web design.

  • Web Design
  • Web Development
  • Typography
  • Print Design
  • Logo Design
  • Infographics
  • Motion Graphics
  • Branding, Marketing, Identity

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