Requirements for Application + Admission


If you have any questions about the admission requirements, please contact Katherine Campbell, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at;

Telephone: 313-664-7425 or 800-952-2787
Fax: 313-872-2739
Email: kcampbell@collegeforcreativestudies.edu

Graduate Studies Candidates

  • Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the adoption of cutting-edge technology in their design processes and an interest in future trends.
  • Must have completed, or be in the final year of completing, an undergraduate degree in a design or related discipline. Read More ›
  • Complete the free online application.
  • Submit official college transcript(s). Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 college grade point average.
  • Present a portfolio in a digital format (either pdf, CD, or personal web-site) that communicates the applicant's problem-solving skill as well as technical and design skill levels. The preferable method of submitting the portfolio is pdf. If submitting a CD, images should be submitted at 300 dpi. Unfortunately, CCS cannot offer to return CD portfolios.
  • Original sketchbook submitted digitally or hard copy (if seeking admission to Transportation Design). View a sample sketchbook. Hard copy sketchbooks will not be returned.
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  • Write a statement of purpose: the applicant's objectives in seeking an MFA. This document also serves as the applicant's writing sample.
  • Submit a resume/curriculum vitae.
  • Provide three recommendations from people who know the prospective student’s academic and professional record and potential for graduate study.
  • Candidates will be contacted for a Skype interview. If the applicant does not have Skype capabilities, the interview will be conducted by telephone.

Candidates, who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement, may be considered for the graduate program based on a combination of all admission requirements and their potential for success in the program. Close ↑

International Applicants

In addition to the requirements listed above;

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a minimum composite score of 527 on the paper-based test, 197 on the computer-based test, and 71 on the internet-based test. Photocopied test results are not accepted. The TOEFL is not required if the student’s undergraduate degree program was taught in English. If the university or college is not located in the United States, the transcript must indicate that the instruction was in English. Read More ›
  • Each transcript must be translated into English and must include the school’s grading scale so that we may convert your academic class grades.
  • Official certification from a financial institution documenting funds to cover one year’s tuition and expenses ($47,995 and an additional $11,900 for a spouse and each dependent child). Please notify Katherine Campbell if you plan to bring a spouse and/or dependent children (313-664-7814 or kcampbell@collegeforcreativestudies.edu). The actual amount available for studies must be stated in U.S. dollars.
  • All payments must be made by credit card, check (drawn on U.S. bank) or international money order. International students may wire funds directly to the college's bank account upon request, please contact Katherine Campbell for the College’s account number (313-664-7814 or kcampbell@collegeforcreativestudies.edu).
  • I-20’s are issued after all requirements are met and the College has received a copy of your passport. An I-20 form enables a foreign student to apply for an F-1 student Visa from an American Embassy.

Candidates, who do not meet the minimum TOEFL requirement, may be considered for the graduate program based on a combination of all admission requirements and their potential for success in the program.

Preparing for the Visa Interview

  • The purpose of the Visa interview is often to "prove" you will return to your home country after finishing your academic program. Demonstrating ties such as family, property, or employment will help you make this point.
  • Make sure all information on the I-20 form is correct.
  • Bring all important school correspondence to the interview, such as your admission letter or email messages.
  • Demonstrate adequate financial support. Bring financial documents, proof of income, or business cards (if you have been working).
  • Do not use memorized text during the visa interview. Be prepared to answer such questions as "Where did you hear about this school?" "What do you plan to do after graduation?"
  • Know the job prospects in your field in your home country.
  • Do not bring family members with you to the interview.
  • Maintain a positive attitude. Do not engage the consular officer in an argument. If you are denied a student Visa, ask the officer for a list of documents he or she would suggest you bring in order to overcome the refusal. Ask for the reason you were denied in writing. Close ↑

Transfer Credit

  • Transfer credit, if applicable, will be determined during the portfolio review.
  • Transfer credit is not granted for any subject in which less than a B (3.0) has been earned.
  • Course descriptions may be required.
  • Maximum credits awarded for transfer is nine (9).

More details concerning transfer policies are available through the Graduate Office.

Portfolio

Submit a well-organized professional portfolio that demonstrates your conceptual and formal expertise. You may include images, time-based media, interactive media, drawings, models or other visual / creative artwork. You may include examples of personal, as well as academic and professional work. Your portfolio should consist of digital files, including up to 20 to 30 digital images submitted on a CD or DVD, pdf files, or via a website. Please present all digital work formatted for PC or Macintosh. The preferred method for submitting a portfolio is pdf files. Time-based media should be in QuickTime format. Candidates for MFA Transportation must also include an original sketchbook. Film slides or VHS tape will not be accepted. Read More ›

Include a brief description sheet with a checklist identifying each work by number, title, dimensions, medium, completion date, and any other relevant information. You should also include a contact sheet of the images on your disk. It is very important that your full name and address are clearly noted on your CD, DVD and your description sheet. Label images at the top with name, title, and associated number on the checklist. Close ↑

Statement of Purpose and Resume

A “Statement of Purpose” (500-1,000 words) must accompany the application and is considered part of your portfolio. It should express your motivation for pursuing graduate study, include your areas of interest, and describe key influences on your design thinking and practice – cite: designer’s works, design themes, design concepts, or a combination of these. Read More ›

Resume / Curriculum Vitae
The resume must include your educational and professional background, as well as other related experiences and activities, including community work and service. Close ↑

Sample Interview Questions

Applicants are encouraged to watch all of the videos on the CCS MFA website to become familiar with the philosophy of transportation or interdisciplinary design. Some of the questions the applicant will be asked during the interview include:

  • How would you describe yourself as a designer?
  • What do you hope to gain from your experience at CCS?
  • What are your future plans for five years from now, in ten years?
  • What is your comfort level with technology?

Three-Year Program

With the recommendation of the Chair and/or the Director, certain candidates may be admitted to the three-year MFA program. In addition to the requisite MFA classes, these students will be required to complete a customized sequence of undergraduate courses during their first year. The decision to accept a candidate into a three-year program will be made during the admissions process. Once admitted, students will be expected to complete all three years in accordance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Requirements as outlined in the Academic Policies section of this catalog.

Reserving Space

Commitment fee forms are included with acceptance letters. To reserve space in the program, prospective students must complete the commitment fee form and return it to the Admissions Office with the $100 commitment fee. This fee is non-refundable. Read More ›

Deadlines for the fall semester are August 1 for completed applications and August 15 for commitment fees. For international students, the commitment fee deadline is July 1.These deadlines have been established for our incoming students to ensure the time for scheduling classes, transferring credits and participating in orientation. Close ↑

Readmission Policy

Students who have voluntarily dropped out for more than four consecutive semesters, must follow the CCS readmission policy. Read More ›

For readmission, students must reapply through the Office of Admissions. They must submit a portfolio of work, including work completed at CCS and any work completed during their absence from CCS, and will be required to have an interview with the Director of Graduate Studies. Close ↑

College for Creative Studies MFA Program

in partnership with the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business