Professional Program Admissions Requirements

Graphic Design Certificate
Interactive Design and Marketing Online Certificate
 

Graphic Design Certificate

Admission to the graphic design certificate program is competitive; only a limited number of students are accepted to begin the program each fall.

Program Requirements
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree before applying.

To begin the program, students must own a MacBook Pro laptop with the latest Adobe Creative Suite. Student discounts on laptops and software will be available during orientation.

Application Form and Fee
Complete the online application form, which includes a nonrefundable $50 application fee.

Supporting Materials
The following supporting materials should be sent to admissions@mcad.edu or MCAD Admissions, 2501 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404.

• Statement of interest describing your prior graphic design experience and your interest in the program. This one- or two-page essay will help the committee determine whether this program will support your educational and professional goals.

• Letter of recommendation from a client, employer, instructor, academic mentor, professional supervisor. This letter should evaluate your self-discipline, creative abilities, academic achievements, and commitment to graphic design.

• Résumé outlining your educational and professional experience.

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended. Evidence of completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is required.

• Portfolio of fifteen to twenty digital images of your strongest work. Identify each work by its date, title, medium, and dimensions. If the work is a collaborative effort, include your role in its creation. Send the portfolio as a PowerPoint presentation on a CD or DVD, or share a URL to your work on a photo-sharing website such as Flickr. Slides or hard copies of work will not be accepted.

  Please note that all portfolios are submitted and returned at the applicant's expense. If you wish to have your portfolio returned, please include a letter requesting its return along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope. Although every precaution is taken to protect portfolios, MCAD is not responsible for loss or damage during shipping. Portfolios will not be returned to accepted applicants who choose to enroll in the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Graphic Design program.

If you have any questions about the application procedure, contact admissions@mcad.edu.

Application Deadline
Applications are accepted for fall admission. The online application form, application fee, and all supporting materials must be received by June 15. Acceptance will be announced within two weeks of the deadline.
 

Interactive Design and Marketing Online Certificate

Program Requirement
Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree before applying.

Application Form and Fee
Complete the online application form, which includes a nonrefundable $50 application fee.

Supporting Materials
The following supporting materials should be sent to admissions@mcad.edu or MCAD Admissions, 2501 Stevens Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404.

• Statement of interest explaining why you are interested in the program. Discuss examples of personal motivation, and describe your relevant experience in design, development, or marketing. Your statement should be no longer than two double-spaced, typed pages, using 12-point type.

• Résumé outlining your educational and professional experience.

• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you have attended. Evidence of completion of an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution is required.

If you have any questions about the application procedure, contact admissions@mcad.edu.

Admission Deadlines
Applications are accepted for fall and spring admission. The online application form, application fee, and all supporting materials must be received by the following deadlines:

Fall Semester: June 15
Spring Semester: November 1