PDF Application

Important Admissions Dates:

February 1: Applications due (postmarked)


 

Download an Application

Please provide us with the information requested below. Upon submission of the form you will be directed to a PDF link.

First Name:
Last Name:
Your E-Mail:
(optional)
Country:
Enroll Date
Department:
   
 


Please note Cranbrook Academy of Art is a graduate school and offers Master of Architecture and Master of Fine Art degrees only. We do not offer undergraduate or continuing education programs nor do we offer Bachelor or Associate degrees.

 

Admissions

Cranbrook’s chemistry comes from the place itself. It is a close-knit, international community of accomplished artists, designers, architects and craftspeople – all living and working within the same quarter mile. This ignites a true creative energy: a ‘ buzz’ that fuels passions, imaginations, collaboration, competition, dialogue, arguments, and friendships – ultimately leading to new ideas about art and design in our culture.

All programs are studio critique-based and focused on the creative act of ‘making.’ Theory serves as a conceptual tool, but in the end, it is the connection between idea and form that matters most. It is this principle that forms a common dialogue across disciplines at Cranbrook and makes it a truly unique place.

Cranbrook is ideal for self-motivated risk-takers who need the space, time, and supportive environment to explore and develop their individual voices.

Choosing a graduate program that fits your needs is a complex decision. Each institution and location has a different value. Certainly, the educational experience at Cranbrook is not found anywhere else, and we enthusiastically encourage you to investigate it!

Application Deadlines
Applications for the fall semester must be postmarked no later than February 1.

All application materials must be delivered to the Dean of Admissions by the appropriate deadline. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Complete applications that arrive after the deadline may be reviewed, but will be considered on a space available basis.

 

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Master of Fine Arts program are required to hold the degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts, or Bachelor of Science from an accredited educational institution. Applicants to the Master of Architecture program must hold the degree of Bachelor of Architecture or its equivalent.

Applicants holding a Bachelor’s degree in a field other than the arts may be considered on an individual basis, if their experience and portfolio so warrant. The Academy reserves the right to determine the validity of any degree submitted as a requirement of admission. The applicant must bear the cost if it is necessary to secure the services of an outside credentials evaluator. The Academy accepts only full-time students; part-time, evening and off-campus programs are not offered.

 

Application Procedure

DO NOT place application materials in folders, boxes, plastic sheets (except for standard slide sheets), binders or any other extraneous presentation forms.

All Applicants must submit in one complete package:

  1. Completed and signed application form.
  2. $60 application fee.
  3. A statement of purpose, describing their goals and objectives for graduate investigation and study. *(This statement is not required by 3D Design Applicants, who must submit an alternative statement. Guidelines are outlined below.)
  4. An autobiographical statement, describing what influenced the applicant to develop as an artist.* (This statement is not required by 3D Design Applicants, who must submit an alternative statement. Guidelines are outlined below.)
  5. Official transcripts from all prior institutions of higher learning from which the applicant earned a degree. International students must provide officially certified translations of transcripts in English.
  6. A portfolio containing examples of the applicant’s recent work. 20 to 25 images, in slide form, are preferred. Electronic media are acceptable. Do not send original works. *(Portfolio guidelines for 3D Design Applicants are outlined below.)
  7. Three letters of reference from instructors, colleagues, or others who know the applicant and the applicant’s work.
  8. International students whose native language is not English must provide a satisfactory TOEFL score. The minimum score is 550, 213 on the computer-based system, and 80 on the newer Internet format.

 

2D Design Application Portfolio Requirements:

Do not submit slides. Submit your portfolio as digital images on CD-ROM or on DVD-ROM.

All portfolios must meet the following requirements:

 

 

*3D Design Application Portfolio Requirements:

Do not submit slides. Please submit a portfolio of 10 of your best projects in one of the following formats - either A, B, or C below.

  1. Printed 8.5 x 11 booklet with high-quality color images and a short written description for each project. You may also include process sketches or research, if it is important. 
  2. 2 or 3-page printed color reference guide on 8.5 x 11, with images and short descriptions of projects AND a full digital portfolio in PDF format on CD. The CD must be readable by Mac and PC.
  3. 2 or 3-page printed color reference guide on 8.5x11, with images and short descriptions of projects AND a URL of your full online portfolio or website. 

*3D Design Statement of Purpose and Autobiographical Statement:
So we can better understand your point of view, please answer the following questions in less than 75 words/each.  Please be concise and specific.  State the question, then give your answer. The word ‘contemporary’ below means current, alive and present-day (i.e. Frank Lloyd Wright is not contemporary.)

  1. What contemporary design topics or questions interest you the most?
  2. Name your favorite contemporary designer and tell why.
  3. Name your favorite contemporary fashion designer and tell why.
  4. Name your favorite contemporary architect and tell why.
  5. Name your favorite contemporary fine artist and tell why.
  6. Name your all-time favorite design and tell why.
  7. What contemporary design trend really bothers you? Tell why.
  8. Name the last critical essay or book that you read and explain what it meant to you.
  9. What specific kinds of work do you imagine will be in your portfolio when you leave Cranbrook?
  10. Do you imagine yourself working with a specific manufacturer in the future? Which ones? Why?
  11. Explain your current understanding of why Cranbrook’s design program is different from other schools, and why it would be a good fit for you.

 

 

International Applicants

In addition to meeting the admission requirements, international students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language through the TOEFL. They also must provide proof of adequate financial support by completing the Certification of Finances. The Dean of Admissions will notify accepted students of appropriate documents needed.

 

Re-application for Admission

Students who left the Academy before completing a degree program and who wish to return later, or those who wish to apply a second time, must follow the original application procedure. There is a fee of $25.The Re-application form may be obtained from the Dean of Admissions. All application deadlines and the entire review and acceptance process apply to Re-application. Any re-admission is at the discretion of the Academy.

 

Acceptance

Complete applications are reviewed simultaneously and competitively after the application deadline. Applicants are advised of the admissions decision by mail as soon as possible following the review. Customarily, applicants receive a response within 30-45 days of the deadline.

 

Interviews and Visits

Students are encouraged to visit the Academy to familiarize themselves with the program and facilities. Interviews, however, are done at the discretion of the department heads and are not necessarily part of the application process. The admissions staff assists students with visits.