Graduate Admission Requirements

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The Art Education Licensure Certificate (AELC) is a post-baccalaureate program designed for those who currently hold a graduate degree in an art-related field along with those who want a more immediate entrance into the art teaching profession. This "licensure only" program, which results in a pre K-12 art certification in the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a 21-credit program consisting of graduate education courses,  student teaching internships and seminar. (The MAT I is the option for Master’s plus licensure, which requires an additional six credits and is for those who do not already have a graduate degree).

International students may be required to undergo an additional audit of their undergraduate transcripts.

Eligibility

In addition to meeting the general university admission requirements, admission to this licensure program is contingent on completion of a BFA or BA in art or approved equivalent.  Eligibility for the certificate may demand additional coursework to establish proficiency in visual arts.  Students will be required to satisfy the required state endorsement courses prior to student teaching.

Diversity among students is another consideration for acceptance into the program. Applicants with degrees in areas other than art are welcome, although they may be required to complete undergraduate core and studio and art history courses to satisfy state endorsement requirement of 36 art-related credits (see link below in requirements for more specifics).

Requirements:

• Online Application
• College Transcripts
• Résumé
• Goals Statement: One-page essay that describes the applicant's intent for applying to the AELC.
• Completed Endorsement Worksheet (More information.)
• Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a college professor. 
• Praxis Core Exam: Applicants must submit official scores for SAT Math, ACT Math or Praxis Core Math 5732 or 5733. No minimum score is specified. Detailed information about Virginia Test requirements.
• Portfolio: 
  • Portfolios will be submitted through Slide Room. The SlideRoom link will be provided after submission of the online application.
  • Portfolio must include 15 to 20 images that reflect artistic breadth and depth, including drawing skills of the applicant's art. All portfolios must include title, date, medium, and size of each work.

Deadlines: 

Fall:

•    March 15 – Funding Deadline
•    May 1 – Standard Deadline

Spring:

•    October 15

Program Contact:

Bobby Yi, 703-993-9617

School of Art

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In addition to meeting the general university admission requirements for graduate study, admission to this program is contingent on completion of a BFA or BA in visual art or approved equivalent. 

The MAT I in Art Education program may demand additional course work to establish proficiency in visual arts.  Students lacking a strong background in the visual arts or pedagogy, or those who earned a BFA or BA at an institution other than Mason, may be required to satisfy prerequisite courses prior to entry into the graduate program. Applicants must complete an endorsement worksheet through the College of Education and Human Development in order to prove that their previous coursework satisfies the state requirement of 36 art-related credits (see link below in requirements for more specifics). 

Diversity among students is another consideration for acceptance into the program. Applicants with degrees in areas other than art are welcome, although they may be required to complete additional undergraduate core, studio, and art history courses.

Requirements:

• Online Application
• College Transcripts
• Résumé
• Goals Statement: One-page essay that describes the applicant's intent for applying to the MAT program.
• Completed Endorsement Worksheet (More information.) 
• Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a college professor. 
• Praxis Core Exam: Applicants must submit official scores for SAT Math, ACT Math or Praxis Core Math 5732 or 5733.  No minimum score is specified. Detailed information about Virginia Test requirements.
• Portfolio
  • Portfolios will be submitted through SlideRoom. The Slide Room link will be provided after submission of the online application.
  • Portfolio must include 15 to 20 images that reflect artistic breadth and depth, including drawing skills of the applicant's art. All portfolios must include title, date, medium, and size of each work.

Deadlines: 

Fall:

•    March 15 – Funding Deadline
•    May 1 – Standard Deadline

Spring:

•    October 15

Program Contact:

Bobby Yi, 703-993-9617

School of Art

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Requirements:

• Online Application
• Official Transcripts
• Résumé
• Goals: Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Pre-Screening Materials submitted through Slide Room: Refer to this link for detailed information regarding portfolio submission requirements; Repertoire List. The Slide Room link will be provided after submission of the online application.
• Audition: To be scheduled after review of pre-screening materials

Program Contact, General Questions:

• Gregory Robinson, 703-993-5094

Deadlines: 

Fall:

• February 1

Spring:

• October 1

Audition Questions:

Visit the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music website, 703-993-1380

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Students in the Master’s in Arts Management program come from many backgrounds, but all share a passion for the arts and a desire to work in an artistic setting. Diversity among applicants is anticipated and sought, and candidates are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Work experience is strongly preferred. Many students come from the arts, with experience and training in music, film, dance, theater, visual and technical arts. Professionals and non-traditional students looking to transition into the arts industry also make up a key component our program’s student body. In Mason’s Arts Management program, no matter your background, students will add practical skills of marketing, finance, strategy, fundraising, entrepreneurship, and management to their repertoire.

Requirements:

• Online Application
• College Transcripts
• Résumé
• Goals Statement: Applicants should provide a statement of their intention and goals that specifically addresses the question, What will you anticipate doing with your degree? Length should be two pages or less.
• Two letters of recommendation

Priority Scholarship Deadlines:

• Fall:  February 15
• Spring:  October 1

Additional Information:

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, however to receive priority consideration for scholarships and funding applications must be submitted by the deadlines listed above.

Applicants might be asked to interview with at least one member of the program faculty or admissions committee. If applicable, the Arts Management office will arrange for an interview with the applicant.

Program Contact:

Phone: 703-993-8926
amgtgmu@gmu.edu
Visit the Arts Management Website

This program will no longer be offered after the Spring 2021 semester.

The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, concentration in Dance, is a highly selective 60-credit program of study grounded in the modern dance genre that emphasizes mastery in performance, choreography, and teaching in higher education. Applicants must have significant (5 years or more) professional performance experience in modern or ballet at the national or international level. They must also demonstrate professional competence in choreography as exemplified by a significant body of work, and have experience teaching technique at the advanced level. Qualified applicants may be invited for an interview after completing the application.

Requirements:

• Online Application
• College Transcripts
• Résumé
• Goals Statement:  Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice.
• Two letters of recommendation
• Portfolio: All following materials will be submitted through SlideRoom (SlideRoom link will be provided after submission of the online application):
  • 15-minute video of original choreography
  • Artist Statement
• Applicant must satisfy the following prerequisites: advanced dance technique, improvisation, dance composition, history, anatomy/kinesiology, and dance production. Prerequisite courses are usually fulfilled if the applicant has earned a BA or BFA in Dance.

Deadlines: 

Fall consideration only:

• March 1

Program Contact

dance@gmu.edu or 703-993-1114
Visit the School of Dance Website

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Deadline:

Fall Consideration Only

• January 15

Requirements:

• Online Application
• Official Transcripts
• Résumé
• Goals: Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• GRE scores are not required for admission to the DMA program, however submission of these scores is strongly encouraged to be considered for potential funding.
• Sample of academic writing about Music, such as a graduate-level paper from a Musicology, Music Theory, or Music Education course taken during master's-level studies.
• Pre-screening materials: Pre-Screening materials. All materials will be submitted via SlideRoom. The Slide Room link will be provided after submission of the online application.

Audition Questions:

Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music, 703-993-1380

Program Contact:

• Gregory Robinson, 703-993-5094

This program will no longer be offered after the Spring 2021 semester.

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The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts, Graphic Design concentration, is a terminal degree that offers creative students a broad study of design as well as the development of skills for teaching at the university level. The 60-credit program includes courses in typography, web and motion design, user experience, and branding. Coursework in theoretical and historical design will supplement the studio experience. The broad range of study is intended to develop design educators and professionals, preparing them for the ever-evolving field of design. Admission is selective, ideal applicants should possess a BFA degree in graphic design and a significant design portfolio, reflecting professional achievement. 

Requirements:

• Online Application
• College Transcripts
• Résumé
• Goals Statement:  Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice.
• Two letters of recommendation
• Writing Sample: Must submit a critical and/or historical essay or academic paper on a design- (preferred) or art-related topic.
• Portfolio: Portfolios will be submitted through SlideRoom:
  • The SlideRoom link will be provided after submission of the online application.
  • The applicant's portfolio is a major selection criterion for graduate admission and should represent the applicant's most accomplished work.
  • Portfolios should include 20 images or videos submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date. Videos must be playable through Slideroom and be no more than four minutes for each section. In the case of collaborative work, the applicant's role should be clearly stated.

Deadlines:

Fall consideration only

• February 15 – Funding Deadline
• May 1 – Standard Deadline

Program Contact:

Bobby Yi
Visit the School of Art Website

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Requirements:

• Online Application
• Official Transcripts
• Résumé
• Goals: Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice.
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview with program director by invitation

Deadlines: 

Fall: February 1
Spring: October 1

Program Contact:

• Gregory Robinson, 703-993-5094

Audition Questions:

Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music, 703-993-1380

Request Information

Requirements:

• Online Application
• Official Transcripts
• Résumé
• Goals: Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• All supplemental materials will be submitted through SlideRoom. The SlideRoom link will be provided after submission of the online application.
• Pre-screening Guidelines by Instrument                     

Deadlines:

Fall:

• February 1

Spring:

• October 1

Program Contact, General Questions:

• Gregory Robinson, 703-993-5094

Audition Questions:

• Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music, 703-993-1380

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Requirements:

• Online Application
• Official Transcripts
• Résumé
• Goals: Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Completed Endorsement Worksheet
• Praxis Core Exam: Applicants must submit official scores for SAT Math, ACT Math or Praxis Core Math 5732.  No minimum score is specified. Detailed information about Virginia Test requirements.
• Interview: Students may be invited for an interview after review of application materials and will undergo a skills test. Please refer to Music Education Licensure Graduate Certificate page of the GMUsicEd Handbook for information on how to prepare for this interview. 

Deadlines: 

Fall: February 1
Spring: October 1

Program Contact:

• Charles Ciorba, 703-993-1395

Audition Questions:

Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music, 703-993-1380

Music Education, Ph.D.

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Requirements:

• Online Application
• College Transcripts
• Résumé
• Master's degree in music or its equivalent from an accredited university
• GPA of 3.00 in master's-level music coursework; 3.50 in courses related to the prospective area of doctoral study.
• Goals Statement:  Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• GRE General Test (Mason code: 5827)
• Sample of academic writing about Music, such as a graduate-level paper from a Musicology, Music Theory, or Music Education course taken during master's-level studies.
• Interview:  Interviews will be scheduled with qualified applicants after review of the admissions application.

Deadline:

Fall Consideration Only

• January 15

Program Contacts:

Lisa Billingham (Choral)

Charles Ciorba (Instrumental)

Reva and Sid Dewberry School of Music, 703-993-1380

Requirements:

• Online Application
• Official Transcripts
• Resume

Deadlines:

Fall:  August 15
Spring:  January 13
Summer:  July 1

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The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts with a concentration in Theater is a highly selective program designed for theater artists with some professional experience who continue to work professionally during their course of study. A program of study will be designed for each individual, based on their area of expertise, previous experience, and professional goals.  To apply to the program, candidates must have completed a degree in Theater or a Theatrical resume that reflects professional work in the field.

Requirements:

• Online Application
• College Transcripts
• Résumé
• Goals Statement:  Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice.
• Two letters of recommendation
• Interview or Audition
• Portfolio: The applicant's portfolio is a major selection criterion for graduate admission and should represent the applicant's most accomplished work. Detailed Emphasis Requirements are listed below.  All supplemental materials will be submitted through SlideRoom. The SlideRoom link will be provided after submission of the online application.
  • Acting - An Audition is required. Applicants should be prepared with three contrasting monologues. Two monologues are required; a third should be prepared to share on request. Please prepare both classical and contemporary work. Auditors will be looking for range, transformational potential, and vocal and physical expressiveness.
  • Design & Technology - Must submit one fully documented design in your area of emphasis (i.e., lighting, sound, scenery, costume, etc.). This may include: script analysis, research, renderings, paperwork, drafting, diagrams, sound clips and/or production photos.  Additional examples of design work and artistic vision may also be submitted.
  • Directing - Must submit both a portfolio of produced work and a directorial analysis of a play or opera. For the latter, include at least six visual images with supporting annotation.

Deadline:

Fall consideration only:

• March 15 – Funding Deadline
• May 1 – Standard Deadline

Program Contact:

Kevin Murray
Visit the School of Theater Website

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Requirements:

• Online Application
• College Transcripts showing proof of a Bachelor’s degree
• Résumé
• Goals Statement:  Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice.
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Completed Endorsement Worksheet (More information.) 
• Praxis Core Exam: Applicants must submit official scores for SAT Math, ACT Math or Praxis Core Math 5732 or 5733. No minimum score is specified. Detailed Information about Virginia Test Requirements.

Deadlines:

Fall:

•    March 1 – Priority Deadline
•    May 1 – Standard Deadline

Spring: 

•    November 1

Program Contact:

Mimsi Janis

School of Theater

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The MFA in Visual and Performing Arts with a concentration in Visual Arts is a highly selective 60 credit terminal degree that prepares students to become professional artists, work in technology or arts-related fields, and teach at the university level. Coursework includes research in areas of study that include New Media, Painting and Drawing, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, and InterArts. Students have the opportunity to combine art forms in projects that may be installation, performance, publishing, time-based, or writing-based, and combine creative and critical approaches in their work.

Requirements:

• Online Application
• College Transcripts
• Résumé
• Goals Statement:  Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice.
• Two letters of recommendation
• Portfolio: Portfolios will be submitted through SlideRoom
• The SlideRoom link will be provided after submission of the online application.
• The applicant's portfolio is a major selection criterion for graduate admission and should represent the applicant's most accomplished work.
• Portfolios should include 20 images or videos submitted through SlideRoom. Samples must be labeled with: name of artist, title and date. Videos must be playable through Slideroom and be no more than four minutes for each section. In the case of collaborative work, the applicant's role should be clearly stated.

Deadline: 

Fall consideration only

• February 15 – Funding Deadline
• May 1 – Standard Deadline

Program Contact:

Bobby Yi
Visit the School of Art Website