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Find information about additional requirements that International applicants need to prepare as part of your application.
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 Licensure Graduate Certificate
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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 to verify state required program prerequisites have been met. (More Information.)
- Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a college professor.
- 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
Art Education, MAT
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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.
- Information.)
- Two letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a college professor.
- Interviews will be scheduled with qualified applicants after review of the admissions application.
- Completed Endorsement Worksheet to verify state required program prerequisites have been met. (More Information.)
- 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
Artist Certificate, Instrumental, Piano, or Vocal Performance
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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
- Pre-Screening Materials submitted through Slide Room: Refer to this link for detailed information regarding portfolio submission requirements. The Slide Room link will be provided after submission of the online application.
- Audition: To be scheduled after review of pre-screening materials
Additional Information:
In addition to fulfilling admission requirements for graduate study, applicants are expected to hold a baccalaureate degree in music or another discipline, with courses equaling the music requirements (minus the 7- to 8-credit teaching sequence) for the BA in music offered at Mason.
Deadlines:
Fall: February 1
Spring: October 1
Program Contact:
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music website, 703-993-1380
Arts Management, MA
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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 or amgtgmu@gmu.edu
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
DMA, Concentrations in Composition, Conducting, and Performance
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Requirements:
- Online Application
- College Transcripts
- Master's degree in music 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 (performance, composition, or conducting)
- Résumé
- Goals Statement: Statement that describes the applicant's intent for applying to your program of choice
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- 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-Screen materials submitted through Slide Room. Refer to this link for detailed information regarding portfolio submission requirements. The Slide Room link will be provided after submission of the online application.
- Auditions will be scheduled after review of the pre-screen materials.
Deadline:
Fall Consideration Only
- January 15
Program Contact:
Reva and Sid Dewberry School of Music, 703-993-1380
Graphic Design, concentration of MFA, Visual and Performing Arts
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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:
Music for Well-Being Graduate Certificate
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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 with program director by invitation
Deadlines:
Fall: February 1
Spring: October 1
Program Contact:
Music, MM: Concentrations in Collaborative Piano, Composition, Conducting, Jazz Studies, Music Education, Pedagogy and Performance
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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
- Pre-Screen Materials submitted through Slide Room. Refer to this link for detailed information regarding portfolio submission requirements. The Slide Room link will be provided after submission of the online application.
- Auditions or Interviews, if applicable for your concentration, will be scheduled after review of the pre-screen materials.
Additional Information:
In addition to fulfilling admission requirements for graduate study, applicants are expected to hold a baccalaureate degree in music or another discipline, with courses equaling the music requirements (minus the 7- to 8-credit teaching sequence) for the BA in music offered at Mason.
Deadlines:
Fall: February 1
Spring: October 1
Program Contact:
Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music, 703-993-1380
Music Education Licensure for PK-12 Graduate Certificate
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Requirements:
- Online Application
- College Transcripts that show 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
- Information.)
- Completed Endorsement Worksheet to verify state required program prerequisites have been met. (More Information.)
- Interview: Students may be invited for an interview after review of application materials and will undergo a skills test.
Deadlines:
Fall: February 1
Spring: October 1
Additional Information:
Coursework completed at other institutions will not be considered for transfer into this graduate certificate program.
Program Contact:
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
- 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 Contact:
Non-Degree Graduate Studies
Requirements:
- Online Application
- Official Transcripts
- Resume
Deadlines:
Fall: August 22
Spring: January 13
Summer: June 30
Teaching Theater PK-12 Graduate Certificate
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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 to verify state required program prerequisites have been met. (More Information.)
Deadlines:
Fall:
• March 1 – Priority Deadline
• May 1 – Standard Deadline
Spring:
• November 1
Program Contact:
Theater, concentration of MFA, Visual and Performing Arts
The Theater Concentration of the MFA in Visual and Performing Arts is currently at maximum capacity. Therefore no new applications to the Theater Concentration are being accepted at this time.
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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.
Deadlines:
N/A
Program Contact:
Visual Art, concentration of MFA, Visual and Performing Arts
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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