Graduate Admission Requirements

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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 link to SlideRoom will be provided to you when you apply. You will be able to submit your portfolio via SlideRoom after you have received your GNumber from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Contact CVPA Graduate Admissions if you have any questions.
  • 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
• April 15 – Standard Deadline

Spring:

• October 15

Program Contact: Bobby Yi, 703-993-9617

Visit School of Art website

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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.
• 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 link to SlideRoom will be provided to you when you apply. You will be able to submit your portfolio via SlideRoom after you have received your GNumber from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Contact CVPA Graduate Admissions if you have any questions.
  • 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
• April 15 – Standard Deadline

Spring: 

• October 15

Program Contact: Bobby Yi, 703-993-9617

Visit the School of Art Website

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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 link to SlideRoom will be provided to you when you apply. You will be able to submit your portfolio via SlideRoom after you have received your GNumber from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Contact CVPA Graduate Admissions if you have any questions.
• 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: 

• December 15 – Priority Deadline
• February 1 – Standard Deadline

Spring: 

• September 1 – Priority Deadline
• October 1 – Standard Deadline

Program Contact: Gregory Robinson

Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music website

Tel: 703-993-1380

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Students in the synchronous online 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 of 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: See below for guidance for the Goals Statement
• Two Letters of Recommendation: See below for guidance for the Goals Statement

Guidance for the Goals Statement

The Applicant’s Goals Statement should include and respond to each of the following points below: 

• Why are you interested in Mason’s Arts Management Graduate Program?
• Whether specific to visual arts, performing arts, or both, identify a current arts management challenge and assess its impact on the field. (For assistance, refer to Arts Management course listings or contact admissions) 
• What are your past arts and culture experiences and how has that influenced your current career goals? 

The Goals Statement should be 2-3 pages, single spaced, 12 size font, pdf format, and will be uploaded as part of your online application. Additional attention should be given to ensure the document is free of spelling errors when submitted.

Guidance for Letters of Recommendation

• The people best suited to write letters of recommendation for graduate study on your behalf are faculty members, university administrators, or work/internship/co-operative education supervisors who are in a position to discuss knowledgeably your academic potential for graduate study, as well as your personal qualities and experiences. 
• Near the end of the online application process, applicants will be prompted to provide the names and email addresses of each recommender. Once the application is submitted, the application system automatically notifies recommenders that they have been named as recommenders and tells them how to submit the letter online. 
• It is appropriate to ask the recommenders in advance if they would be willing to submit a recommendation. Consider alerting recommenders after the online application is complete to be on the look-out for the electronic notice asking for them to complete the recommendation form.

Fall Consideration Only

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

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. Contact the Arts Management Program with questions.

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: Email or Tel: 703-993-8926

Visit the Arts Management Website

This program is not accepting applications for the Fall 2025 semester. The application will reopen for Fall 2026 admission.

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. The link to SlideRoom will be provided to you when you apply. You will be able to submit your portfolio via SlideRoom after you have received your GNumber from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Contact CVPA Graduate Admissions if you have any questions.
  • 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: Email or Tel: 703-993-1114

Visit the School of Dance Website

The Conducting program will not be accepting applications for the DMA Wind Conducting field of study for the Fall 2025 semester. Please contact the Dewberry School of Music if you have any questions.

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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
• Pre-Screen materials submitted through Slide Room. Refer to this link for detailed information regarding portfolio submission requirements. The link to SlideRoom will be provided to you when you apply.  You will be able to submit your portfolio via SlideRoom after you have received your GNumber from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Contact CVPA Graduate Admissions if you have any questions.
• Auditions will be scheduled after review of the pre-screen materials.
• Writing Sample – See Guidance Below

Guidance for the Writing Sample

Because Mason requires all DMA students to complete a dissertation of substantial scope, assessment of research skills and experience is an important component of the application. Please submit a scholarly writing sample, ideally on a musical topic, that demonstrates your highest level of attainment in analytical, contextual, and/or bibliographic research. Typically, seminar papers from music history or theory courses work well for this requirement, but master’s theses (or selected sections) and other larger-scale pieces of writing are also welcome. There is no minimum page limit, but the writing sample should feature:

• A central claim or thesis statement
• Development and contextualization of the thesis statement through meaningful engagement with primary and/or secondary resources
• A coherent structure and logic flow, organized around the thesis statement (e.g. introduction, background, analysis, conclusion)
• Appropriate use of scholarly apparatus (citations, bibliography, etc.), following an established style guide (Chicago, APA, etc.)

DMA applicants who do not have or are not able to create a writing sample that meets these parameters may be asked to demonstrate research proficiency via an alternative evaluation.

Deadline:

Fall Consideration Only

• December 15 – Priority Deadline
• January 15 – Standard Deadline

Program Contact: Gregory Robinson

Visit the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music Website

Tel: 703-993-1380

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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 link to SlideRoom will be provided to you when you apply. You will be able to submit your portfolio via SlideRoom after you have received your GNumber from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Contact CVPA Graduate Admissions if you have any questions.
  • 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
• March 15 – Standard Deadline

Program Contact: Bobby Yi

Visit the School of Art Website

Request Information

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: 

• December 15 – Priority Deadline
• February 1 – Standard Deadline

Spring: 

• September 1 – Priority Deadline
• October 1 – Standard Deadline

Program Contact: Gregory Robinson

Visit the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music Website

Request Information

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 link to SlideRoom will be provided to you when you apply.  You will be able to submit your portfolio via SlideRoom after you have received your GNumber from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Contact CVPA Graduate Admissions if you have any questions.
• 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:

• December 15 – Priority Deadline
• February 1 – Standard Deadline

Spring: 

• September 1 – Priority Deadline
• October 1 – Standard Deadline

Program Contact: Gregory Robinson

Visit the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music Website

Tel: 703-993-1380

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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
• 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:

• December 15 – Priority Deadline
• February 1 – Standard Deadline

Spring: 

• September 1 – Priority Deadline
• October 1 – Standard Deadline

Additional Information:

Coursework completed at other institutions will not be considered for transfer into this graduate certificate program.

Program Contact: Charles Ciorba

Visit the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music Website

Tel: 703-993-1380

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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

• December 15 – Priority Deadline
• January 15 – Standard Deadline

Program Contact: Charles Ciorba

Visit the Reva and Sid Dewberry Family School of Music Website

Requirements:

• Online Application
• Official Transcripts
• Resume

Deadlines:

Fall: 

• August 1

Spring: 

• January 11

Request Information

Requirements:

• Online Application
• College Transcripts showing proof of a Bachelor’s degree
• Résumé
• Goals Statement: See below for Guidance for the Goals Statement
• One Letter of Recommendation
• Completed Endorsement Worksheet to verify state required program prerequisites have been met. (More Information.)

Guidance for the Goals Statement

The Applicant’s Goals Statement should include and respond to each of the following points below:

• Why do you want to become a teacher? 
• What do you hope to do when you complete the Teaching Theatre Pre-K - 12 certificate?
• If someone were to walk into your classroom, what would they see? What would your classroom environment look and feel like? 
• What qualities do you think make the best teachers?
• How do you want to grow while you are in this program? What is a weakness, or area, that you want to work on while studying at George Mason?

Deadlines:

Fall:

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

Spring: 

• November 1

Program Contact: Mimsi Janis

Visit School of Theater Website

This program is not accepting applications for the Fall 2025 semester. The application will reopen for Fall 2026 admission.

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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 link to SlideRoom will be provided to you when you apply.  You will be able to submit your portfolio via SlideRoom after you have received your GNumber from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Contact CVPA Graduate Admissions if you have any questions.
  • 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: Djola Branner 

Visit the School of Theater Website

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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 link to SlideRoom will be provided to you when you apply. You will be able to submit your portfolio via SlideRoom after you have received your GNumber from the Office of Graduate Admissions. Contact CVPA Graduate Admissions if you have any questions.
  • 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 the following: 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
• March 15 – Standard Deadline

Program Contact: Bobby Yi

Visit the School of Art Website