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Graduate Admission Requirements

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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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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.  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:

  • December 1 – Funding Deadline
  • January 15 – Standard Deadline

Spring:

  • October 1

Audition Questions:

School of Music, 703-993-1380

Arts Management, MA

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.

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

Deadlines: 

Fall:

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

Spring:

  • October 1

Additional Information

  • To receive priority consideration for scholarships and funding, applications must be submitted by the deadlines 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 Contacts:

Arts Management

Computer Game Design, MA

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
  • Writing Sample: Must submit a paper written within the last 3 yars for an academic course, college publication or competition, or for professional or community review.
  • Evidence of computer programming knowledge: a minimum 3 credits of Peral or Python, and 3 credits of Java or C# is required. Coursework must be evident on a college transcript.
  • Portfolio: Complete form and upload with your online application. 

    Portfolio Description: Include 5 to 10 pieces, which may consist of any number of the following: Game demo/prototype; Computer game trailer, or screenshots of a game you created or worked on with clear description of your role in production; Game concept, in the form of a written game design document or story board; Drawings or illustrations of game ideas or characters. 

    Besides portfolio elements recommended above, any meaningful body of work that indicates your future success in the field of computer game design and development can be included in your portfolio.

Deadlines: 

Fall:

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

Spring:

  • December 1

Program Contact:

Computer Game Design

Dance, concentration of MFA, Visual and Performing Arts

The MFA program in Dance is highly selective. Applicants must have significant professional experience at a national or international level (minimum 5 years). Qualified applicants may be invited for an interview after completion of application. 

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
  • Portfolio: All following materials will be submitted through SlideRoom:
    • 15-minute video of original choreography
    • Artist Statement
    The Slide Room link will be provided after submission of the online application.

Deadlines: 

  • Fall consideration only: March 1

Program Contact

dance@gmu.edu or 703-993-1114

School of Dance

DMA, Concentrations in Composition, Conducting, and Performance

Deadline:

Fall Consideration Only:

  • December 1 – Funding Deadline
  • January 15 – Standard Deadline

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:

School of Music, 703-993-1380

Program Contact:

Graphic Design, MA

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
  • 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:
    •  20 images of your most accomplished work.
    The SlideRoom link will be provided after submission of the online application.

Deadlines: 

Fall:

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

Spring:

  • October 15

Program Contact:

Bobby Yi, 703-993-9617

School of Art

Graphic Design, concentration of MFA, Visual and Performing Arts

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
  • 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:
    • 20 images of your most accomplished work.
    The SlideRoom link will be provided after submission of the online application.

Deadlines: 

Fall consideration only:

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

Program Contact:

Bobby Yi, 703-993-9617

School of Art

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: January 15
Spring: October 1

Program Contact:

Audition Questions:

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:

  • December 1 – Funding Deadline
  • January 15 – Standard Deadline

Spring:

  • October 1

Program Contact, General Questions:

Audition Questions:

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

Requirements:

Deadlines: 

Fall: January 15
Spring: October 1

Program Contact:

Audition Questions:

School of Music, 703-993-1380

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

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.

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 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 – Priority Deadline
  • May 1 – Standard Deadline

Program Contact:

Kevin Murray

School of Theater

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
  • Official Transcripts
  • Résumé
  • Goals: 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:
    • 20 images of your most accomplished work.
    The Slide Room link will be provided after submission of the online application.

Deadline: 

Fall consideration only:

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

Program Contact:

Bobby Yi, 703-993-9617

School of Art

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