art center graduate admissions guidelines 2013

ART CENTER VIEWBOOK 2013–2014

ARTCENTER.EDU/ADMISSIONS

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3 A letter of intent. A letter of 1,000 words or less that includes discussion of your work and goals. There should be references to works of art, and ideas about art that you have found especially useful, in addition to any other relevant thoughts or information.

4 Your résumé.

5 Optional: Letters of recommendation. These are encouraged, but not required.

Broadcast CinemaBroadcast Cinema applicants can apply for the Fall term only and are usually reviewed within one month after submission. The priority date for receipt of the application is February 1, including scholarship consid-eration, but applications will continue to be reviewed as space is available.

1 Complete all general Graduate admissions requirements.

2 Submit your work. Submit completed film or video projects of at least three minutes total running time but no longer then 20 minutes via DVD. The filmed work should tell a story or present a point of view, rather than simply record a situation. The work should demonstrate concern for photographic composition, staging, editing, sound and competent post-production. Work may be a documentary, drama, comedy or several 30- to 60-second commercial spots or music videos. Still photographs, prints and artwork are helpful additions but do not replace the required film work.

Portfolio work is accepted on NTSC DVDs only, and should be authored with properly working menus if there is more than one piece to view.

3 A graduate proposal. A graduate proposal defines a film project that applicants feel will engage them during their course of study. While the proposal may of necessity be preliminary, it must be specific. It will not be so much autobiographical or a vision statement, but a one- to five-page plan for a potential studio project. Applicants should outline their goals, including a preliminary proposal for a self-directed film project.

4 Your résumé.

Environmental DesignApplications for Environmental Design are accepted for the Fall term only. Applications are due February 1 for priority consideration, including potential scholarship awards. Admissions decisions are made in the month of March. If space is available, reviews will continue and applications will be accepted beyond that time. Check with the Admissions Office for availability. There are two distinct programs of study within the Environmental Design department: Spatial Experience Design and Furniture & Fixtures Design.

Spatial Experience DesignThis track addresses the relationships between the Individual, Materials, Space and Emotion. The program focus takes us beyond style to consider the links between the psychological, physical, emotional and sensorial effects of spatial design. Students will approach the design experience from the first moment of encounter to the last moment of interaction. In a sense, students will see themselves as the “conductor” of the experience. This approach will involve a transdisciplinary interaction with students from other creative disciplines, but in most cases the Environmental Design student generates the creative guidelines by which the total experience is explored. This program is for students who are interested in creating and elevating multi-scale spatial designs with an industry focus and application. Students will often have a prior degree in Environmental Design, Architecture or Interior Architecture. A student should have a rich background in spatial investigation and be experienced in the exploration of spatial projects in both hand and digital skill sets.

Furniture and Fixtures DesignThis track investigates the relationships between Space, Place, Function and Application of furniture and fixtures design. The program is focused on innovation, industry standards and an understanding of the manufacturing process for mass production furniture, case goods and fixture design. Furniture and fixtures are viewed as an integrated component of the spatial experience. The psychological, physical and emotional role of furniture in our living and working environments are explored. The design focus goes well beyond style to consider the links between the user, brand, function and the industry.

Applications for admission to the Graduate school are submitted to the Admissions Office. The faculty and Chair of the specific graduate program make the evaluation and final admissions decision regarding each candidate. Graduate programs vary from four to six semesters depending upon the program and the option to which you are accepted. The acceptance process is independent of your request for financial aid.

Programs of StudyMaster of Fine Arts (M.F.A.)ArtBroadcast Cinema (Film)Media Design

Master of Science (M.S.)Environmental DesignIndustrial Design Transportation Design

Non-Degree ProgramsArt Center accepts a limited number of non-degree students who have significant educational and work experience within one of our majors. These programs are usually two-to-three semesters in length and offer an in-depth experience for students in a limited time range. All application procedures and requirements, as well as tuition, are as out-lined for the degree programs. Financial aid is not available, with the exception of scholar-ship funding for students from Europe, which may be offered at the time of admission.

Counseling and VisitingGraduate students should call Admissions at 626-396-2373 to arrange a visit directly with the department to which you are apply-ing. The Art and Media Design Practices programs are housed at South Campus.

Graduate Application and Portfolio RequirementsThe following materials constitute a com-plete application. No application will be reviewed until all of these materials have been received.

General requirements for all majors:1 A completed admission application.

Download or complete online at applyweb.com/apply/accd.

2 A nonrefundable application fee. The fee is $50 for U.S. citizens and permanent aliens or $70 for students requiring an F-1 visa.

3 Official transcripts from all colleges attended. A completed undergraduate degree must be verified prior to enrollment.

4 A TOEFL score of 100 or higher or IELTS score of 7 for international students.

Graduate applicants whose bachelor’s degree was achieved in a language other than English must score at least 100 on the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) or 7 on the IELTS to be considered for admis-sion. We are not registered for electronic download of IELTS scores. We do not accept institutional versions of either test. Visit www.TOEFL.org or www.ielts.org for registration and testing information.

5 Major-specific requirements. Please refer to the text below for addi-tional requirements by program.

6 Review the section on submitting your portfolio for methods of submission.

ArtGraduate Art applicants can apply for the Fall or Spring terms with priority dates of February 1 or October 1, respectively. Applications will continue to be reviewed if space is available.


2 Submit your work. The MFA program in Art is open to candidates working in any medium. Candidates working with film, video, performance or sound should provide complete examples of each piece. This can be done via Vimeo link; send the link to [email protected].



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chairs, desk sets, communication systems, cars and housewares.

3 Two written essays, as follows: a A letter of intent of not more than 1,000

words focused on your motivation for pursuing graduate study in Industrial Design at Art Center, discussing personal goals for the future after completion of the program, and views regarding any specific areas of interest within the field.

b A brief summary for a project proposal: $10 million and two years. Description of a program of activity that you would (hypothetically) propose to work on if given an open budget of $10 million and two years to work on a project of your choice.

4 Your résumé.

5 Letters of recommendation. Provide one to three letters of recommen-dation from academic and professional references.

Media Design PracticesMedia Design Practices (MDP) seeks individuals who want to use design to understand and change the world. We are looking for risk-takers with varied interests who pursue design and critical inquiry with depth, intelligence, empathy, and passion. Applicants must have earned, or be in the process of completing a bachelor’s degree. MDP offers two tracks: Lab and Field. For either track, students can apply for either a 2-year or 3-year course of study.

_ In the Lab track, students work in a studio context, using design to pose questions through applied and speculative projects that engage with emerging communication technologies and cultural practices.

_ In the Field track, students work in a real-world context where social justice, public policy, media infrastructure and communi-cations technology intersect. The track is run in collaboration with Designmatters, Art Center’s social impact department.

For the 2-year applicants, we look for designers with exceptional training and experience in the visual, spatial, interactive and graphic design fields who can realize high-level concepts with skill in visual com-munication and interactive design.

For the 3-year applicants, we accept both accomplished and burgeoning designers from a broad range of backgrounds. Applicants with degrees in fields such as philosophy, computer science, or biology—to name just a few—bring valuable perspectives to the practice of design. We welcome applicants from all domains. Students enter in the Fall semester only, with the exception of the 2-year Field track students, who enter in the Summer. Applications are due on the following deadlines for priority consideration, includ-ing potential scholarship awards:

February 1: Lab track, Field track

December 1: Field track, 2-year applicants only

Applications received after the deadlines will be considered based upon available space. Decisions and notifications for February applicants are made by the end of March; for December applicants, by the end of January. Students are placed by the application review committee into one of the two tracks based upon their résumé, design portfolio, personal statement and stated preferences on the Media Design Practices Supplemental Application Form.

1 Complete all general Graduate admissions requirements. This can be downloaded, or you can com-plete our online application at applyweb.com/apply/accd.

2 Your portfolio. The design portfolio is the cornerstone of the application. The portfolio should present a body of work that demonstrates the applicant’s expertise in the concep-tion and creation of sophisticated design and other relevant works (e.g. creative or critical writing, business plans, software, curriculum, research, grants, etc.).

_ The portfolio must demonstrate experience and talent working with graphic, visual, inter-active, or experiential media (typography, film, photography, animation, architecture, information architecture, user experience, computational design, interaction design). We encourage applicants from other fields but projects from outside of media design must demonstrate the applicant’s ability to cross boundaries and think about issues in the realm of communication and media. Projects can be professional, self-initiated, and/or class assignments.

This is a program for students who want to elevate their understanding of production furniture and its relationship to manufactur-ing, materials and market. Students will often have a prior degree in Environmental, Product, or Furniture Design or a major with strong 3D making and conceptual skill sets.


2 Submit your work. Submit a portfolio of work demonstrating your design abilities as described below.

Spatial Experience Track Applicants: Students should have a rich background in spatial investigation and be experienced in the exploration of spatial projects in both hand and digital skill sets. Prospective students need to submit at least three completed spatial projects. These projects should be fully docu-mented with indication of goals, research, hand sketch development, digital and hand model making. The conceptual design process should include variations on ideas as well as demonstration of the path that led to final solutions. Related artwork can be included if it informs the understanding of your background.

Furniture & Fixtures Track Applicants: Students should have a background in furniture and fixture investigation and be experienced in the fabrication process in both hand and digital skill sets. Submit at least three completed full-size prototype furniture or fixture projects, including sketching, model making and documenta-tion of the complete design development process. The latter should include varia-tions on ideas as well as demonstration of the path that led to final solutions. Related artwork can be included if it informs the understanding of your background.

3 A written essay. Provide a written statement that delineates your motivation for pursuing a graduate program, and your reasons for the choice of track. This should include topics and areas of interest as well as specific goals to be undertaken in the program. You should also describe specific skills and competencies you want to achieve. The statement should also include your goals beyond completion of the program and describe how a design education will relate to your career objectives.

4 Your résumé.

Industrial DesignThe Industrial Design program is looking for bright, articulate, literate and social individu-als. Our student body typically includes a majority of students with Industrial Design undergraduate degrees and various levels of professional experience in that arena. Professional experience resulting in market-tested designs is preferred. Candidates with a wide variety of undergraduate degrees and professional experience are also considered. Diversity and breadth of background play an important role in defining the transdisci-plinary culture of the program. Applications for Industrial Design are accepted for the Fall term only. Applications are due February 1 for priority consideration, including potential scholarship awards. Decisions are made in the month of March. If space is available, an additional review of applications will take place. Check with Admissions.


2 Submit your portfolio. Submit work that demonstrates your design abilities. Include examples of projects that show your process and how you develop ideas into the project results. Sketchbooks are welcome additions to finished portfolios. The following are especially important:

_ The ability to make appropriate and human-centered designs and take a systems approach to design solutions. Demonstrate context, business, technological and human-related aspects. The ability to write and communicate effectively; to display an understanding of and experience with 3D form and design; effective drawing and other visualization abilities.

_ Demonstration of a great aesthetic design sensibility and ability — for style, propor-tion, shape, material, color, etc.; the ability to select important projects and identify real needs; the ability to research, investigate and analyze design topics and to experiment, think laterally and engage in creative idea generation activities.

_ The ability to provide solutions for real needs and problems and create value for the human condition; to satisfy an aesthetic appetite for the creation of new market-driven style and products such as



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4visualization/drawing skills, 3D explora-tion, good organizational ability, the ability to research, and a sense of curiosity and inquiry. Evidence of previous study of transportation design and competency will be required.

Transportation Systems track applicants should include examples of design projects and concepts. These might incor-porate a variety of projects, but should include some samples of transportation system concepts. Demonstration of criti-cal thinking, problem solving, originality and organizational ability are important. Concepts should be demonstrated through drawing; it is understood that candidates for this track may not have well-developed visualizing skills, but evidence of an aptitude for drawing is important. Students will receive focused training in drawing and sketching once enrolled.

3 A written essay. Provide a written statement that delineates your motivation for pursuing a graduate program. This should include topics and areas of interest to be undertaken in the program as well as personal goals. Also describe specific skills and competen-cies you want to achieve. The statement should also articulate goals beyond completion of the program and describe how a design education will relate to career objectives. Transportation Systems applicants should also include a statement that highlights your particular interest in the future of transportation. This should make reference to the types of transportation systems that are of special interest and an explanation of their potential social impact.

Submitting Your PortfolioFollowing are the methods for submitting your work. Look for exceptions under theDepartmental guidelines.

1 Slideroom (Web-based). Our preferred method for submission is through Slideroom. Upload your portfolio images at https://artcenter.slideroom.com. Slideroom will charge a nominal fee for this service. Full instructions are listed on the site. For general artwork, we recom-mend scanned images rather than photos for best resolution.

2 Non-Returnable Printed Portfolio. Size limit is 11" x 17" maximum, including the envelope or covering. This can include a presentation format or simply individual samples of the work. This format works well for the design disciplines in which presentation or project formats are appropriate. Copies of sketchbook can be included in this format along with the portfolio. Work will not be returned. Mail to: Admissions Office, Art Center College of Design, 1700 Lida St., Pasadena, CA 91103.

Notifications, Tuition Deposit and DeferralsApplication NotificationsApplicants will be notified of the Admissions Committee’s decision in writing on a rolling basis for Art and Broadcast Cinema and in March for Environmental Design, Industrial Design, Media Design, and Transportation Design. Art Center reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission at its discretion and if any information contained in the appli-cation is found to be incomplete, inaccurate or misleading or if additional information leads to serious concerns.

Tuition DepositSpaces in the Graduate programs are lim-ited. Spaces are reserved based on receipt of a $200 nonrefundable tuition deposit and are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants should be aware that the status of openings can change very quickly, spaces are not guaranteed, and they can consider their space reserved only after receiving a written confirmation from the Admissions Office.

DeferralsDeferrals of admission are not available, with the exception of the Art program based on special permission.

Tuition and Fees for Graduate StudentsArt Center’s 2012–13 Graduate tuition is $18,522 per term. See page 141 of the Undergraduate Section for additional information.

_ The portfolio should be edited to highlight the applicant’s best and most relevant work. Brief written descriptions of the projects should accompany each piece. Collaborative or commercial pieces should clearly state the applicant’s contribution or role.

_ All projects in the portfolio should be presented through Slideroom. No physical portfolios will be accepted. Media Design Practices prefers all portfolios in the form of either a PDF or a website. The PDF or website should include stills, screen shots or photo documentation for all projects including print, interactive, motion or video. Where possible, dynamic media projects should be accompanied by links to working examples to ensure the full depth of the project is experienced. This content can be on a personal website or third-party service such as Vimeo or YouTube.

_ Upload a PDF or URL to Slideroom at https://artcenter.slideroom.com. A nominal fee will be charged by Slideroom for this service. Full instructions are listed on their site.

3 Statement of intent. Applications must include a personal statement of intent. The essay should outline the applicant’s motivation for pursuing graduate study in Media Design Practices at Art Center, discuss personal goals for the future, and outline any specific areas of interest or relevant experience within the field. The personal statement should be clear and concise, between 500-1500 words in length.

Applicants to the Lab track should

discuss the kinds of design questions and research explorations that focused experimentation in the studio will allow them to pursue.

Applicants to the Field track should

discuss the kinds of design questions and research explorations that community engagement in the field will allow them to pursue.

4 Your résumé. A résumé summarizing the applicant’s

educational and professional background. It should highlight relevant academic studies, project work, awards and achieve-ments, and work experience.

5 Letters of recommendation (one to three) from academic and professional refer-ences are strongly encouraged. References should be from people who are familiar with the applicant’s work and experience, and should speak to an ability to conceptualize, execute and communi-cate design.

Transportation DesignThe Graduate Transportation Design program seeks gifted, articulate, thoughtful individuals who are self-motivated and who would like to help transportation industries and agencies change the way they think. Diversity and breadth of background plays an important role in defining the transdisci-plinary culture of the program. Applications for Transportation Design are accepted for the Fall term only. Applications are due on February 1 for priority consideration, including potential scholarship awards. Decisions are made in the month of March. If space is available, reviews will continue and applications will be accepted beyond that time. Check with the Admissions Office for availability. There are two distinct programs of study, Vehicle Design and Transportation Systems.

Vehicle DesignThis track is appropriate for students wishing to enter or re-enter the vehicle/automotive industry. Their goal may be to fast-track their careers with an orientation toward business or design strategy, or even beyond the bounds of traditional automotive studio positions.

Transportation Systems This track is intended for students who want to focus on using design and systems thinking to create smart and innovative transportation solutions rather than design of vehicles per se. Students will have a desire to create change by engaging across disci-plines and into areas such as policy-making, business strategy and urban planning as related to transportation systems.


2 Submit your portfolio. Vehicle Track applicants should include vehicular projects that demonstrate high levels of transportation design competency. These should demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, originality of solutions, excellent


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6Financial Aid and ScholarshipsArt Center encourages all students in need of financial aid to apply for funding. Graduate students are eligible for several Federal loan programs, Federal Work Study, and can apply for Art Center scholarships, which are generally need and merit based. Request the Financial Aid brochure at 626-396-2215 or visit the Art Center website for more detailed information.

Application ProcedureU.S. citizens and permanent alien residents must complete both the admissions require-ments and the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) to be considered for scholar-ships and financial aid. International students need only submit application materials. All applicants should meet the priority scholarship application date for the term for which they are applying. Depending on availability, it may still be possible to receive aid if those dates are not met.

Priority Scholarship DatesFall term: February 1Spring term: October 1Summer term (Media Design Field 2-year track): December 1

Notification of Scholarship AwardsAccepted applicants who meet the priority dates will be notified in writing by: Summer term: March 1 Fall term: April 1Spring term: November 15

For assistance in applying for financial aid, contact the Financial Aid Office at 626-396-2215.

New Student Orientation and Class SchedulingGraduate students will attend an Orientation program the week prior to the start of classes, and will have access to their sched-ule of classes at that time.

Arrival and HousingPlease call on the Admissions staff to help with questions or needs related to your arrival. While Art Center does not offer on-campus housing, the Center for the Student Experience coordinates information regard-ing local housing and roommate options on a housing website.

art center graduate admissions guidelines 2013

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