Graduate Admission Requirements

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As Simple as Do-Re-Mi
As Simple as Do-Re-Mi

All our Teacher Preparation programs have additional requirements. Click here to make sure you have all the information to start your path toward licensure.

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International Applicants
International Applicants

Find information about additional requirements that International applicants need to prepare as part of your application. 

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Graduate Admissions Requirements

Please read the following to learn which items are required for your particular program of interest. Applications missing any of the required items will not be considered for admission. For clarification on admissions requirements, please refer to the Graduate Admissions FAQs in the subnavigation to the left. 

International applicants or applicants who earned their degrees outside of the United States must provide other documents as part of their application. To learn what should be submitted in addition to the application requirements, applicants should visit the International section of the menu at the left for more information.

Questions? Contact the CVPA Graduate Admissions Office. 

Program-Specific Requirements

Art Education: Certificate for Licensure in Art Education, PK - 12 (AELC)

The Art Education Licensure Certificate 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. The MAT is the option for Master’s plus licensure, which requires additional coursework.

Requirements:

  • Online Application
  • Official Transcripts
  • Résumé
  • Goals: Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice.
  • Completed Endorsement Worksheet
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • 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.
  • Portfolio: Portfolios will be submitted through Slide Room:
    • 15-20 images. Should demonstrate strong drawing skills and reflect artistic breadth

    The Slide Room link will be provided after submission of the online application.

Deadlines: 

Fall:

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

Spring:

  • October 15

Program Contact:

Bobby Yi, 703-993-9617

School of Art

Art Education: MAT I, Master of Art in Teaching (Track I with Licensure)

Requirements:

  • Online Application
  • Official Transcripts
  • Résumé
  • Goals: Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice.
  • Completed Endorsement Worksheet
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • 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.

Deadlines: 

Fall:

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

Spring:

  • October 15

Program Contact:

Bobby Yi, 703-993-9617

School of Art

Artist Certificate, Instrumental, Piano, or Vocal Performance

Requirements:

Program Contact, General Questions:

Deadlines: 

Fall:

  • February 1

Spring:

  • October 1

Audition Questions:

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

Arts Management, MA

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

 

Dance, concentration of MFA, Visual and Performing Arts

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

DMA, Concentrations in Composition, Conducting, and Performance

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:

Graphic Design, concentration of MFA, Visual and Performing Arts

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

Music for Well-Being, Graduate Certificate

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:

Audition Questions:

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

Music, MM: Concentrations in Collaborative Piano, Composition, Conducting, Jazz Studies, Music Education, Pedagogy and Performance

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:

Audition Questions:

Music Education: Certificate for Licensure in Music Education, PK - 12

Requirements:

Deadlines: 

Fall: February 1
Spring: October 1

Program Contact:

Audition Questions:

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

Music Education, Ph.D.

Music Education, Ph.D.

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 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: Qualified students may be invited for an interview after review of application materials.

Deadline:

Fall Consideration Only

  • January 15

 Program Contacts:

Non-Degree Graduate Studies

Requirements:

Deadlines:

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

Theater, concentration of MFA, Visual and Performing Arts

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

Theater Education: Certificate for Licensure in Theater, PK - 12

Requirements:

Deadlines:

Fall:

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

Spring: 

  • November 1

Program Contact:

Mimsi Janis

School of Theater

Visual Art, concentration of MFA, Visual and Performing Arts

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