Massachusetts College of Art and Design | Continuing Education | Certificate Programs

Graphic Design Certficate Program

Application Process

Eligibility for Acceptance

You must have completed a minimum of 60 undergraduate credits in an accredited post-secondary institution. You must demonstrate basic skills in visual language. You must have working knowledge of a page layout program (Quark XPress or InDesign), Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. See Computer Skills Requirements

Application Deadlines

GDC applications are reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are April 1 (allowing you to begin the program in the summer or fall) and November 1 (allowing you to begin the program in the spring).

Application Requirements

All applicants are required to submit:

  1. Application Form: Complete the application form and send it to MassArt, Admissions Office, 621 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115. Application forms can be picked up at the Admissions Office.
  2. Application Fee (Contact Us for more info)
  3. Transcripts from colleges attended: Request that all official post-secondary transcripts be forwarded to the MassArt, Admissions Office. Applicants who have taken Continuing Education courses at MassArt must request an official copy of their transcript from the Office of Professional and Continuing Education and have it sent to the Admissions Office. Also, submit a list of courses in which you are currently enrolled.
  4. Statement of Purpose: As a graphic designer, you are expected to be able to communicate effectively in writing as well as visually. Use your statement, an essay of no less than 500 words, to define your interests and experience in the field of graphic design.
  5. Resumé: Supplement your application with a resume outlining your professional experience
  6. Portfolio: The portfolio must contain at least 15 pieces of artwork and must be presented in slide format in a slide file page, or on a CD as PDF files or JPGs. Your portfolio must demonstrate basic skills in visual language (see below), and proficiency and interest in design.

Guide to preparing GDC Application Portfolio

What does "Portfolio must demonstrate basic skills in visual language" mean?
Visual language consists of all the elements that visual artists use to express their ideas and/or convey a message or mood: drawing, color, shape, line, texture, interactions of form and counter form (composition), technique, and craft. Your portfolio should show experience and a basic understanding of those design elements, ideally in a variety of media. We strongly recommend that the portfolio include evidence of drawing skills—either drawings themselves—or illustrations or paintings that show drawing ability.
What if I have never drawn or taken an art course?
If you have no art-making background or only a little bit of drawing experience from many years ago, you are not ready to begin the GDC program. The beginning courses in the GDC program are equivalent to sophomore-level courses in a college art program and thus, require a foundation of drawing skills and a familiarity with basic design principles and visual vocabulary. MassArt’s Continuing Education has several courses that can prepare you and also provide work for your application portfolio: "Drawing for the First Time" or "Drawing Fundamentals" for students who have little or no drawing experience, and "Elements of Design," recommended for all students wishing to begin the program who do not have strong drawing skills or art-making background.
What if I have basic drawing skills, but not enough artwork to include in the portfolio?
If your only drawing or art course was in high school or it has been several years since you have done drawing or other artwork, you need a course to provide foundation drawing skills and a familiarity with basic design principles and visual vocabulary. A MassArt Studio Foundation course such as "Drawing for the First Time," or any other drawing course listed under Studio Foundation is recommended, and/or "Elements of Design." If you have strong drawing or other fine arts skills, but just need to develop a body of work for your portfolio, a local adult education drawing or other art course or a workshop or two at MassArt should provide adequate opportunity.
What else do you look for in the application portfolio?
Variety. The best graphic designers have a versatility that allows them to develop tailored solutions to the particular needs of a specific project, client, and audience. For that reason, strong application portfolios usually show an openness and interest in exploring variety in visual form making. If you are someone who has taken a variety of art courses or explored a variety of media, include a few images of each.
Is it a problem if my artwork is all the same medium?
If you are an accomplished artist specializing in a particular medium, beware of producing a portfolio that seems too narrowly focused. You need to show that you have the ability and interest to translate your skills in one visual medium to another (graphic design). Ideally, in addition to your strength in one area, you should include a few images that show you have experimented with or explored other media, ideas, color palettes, etc.
Is it a problem if my portfolio images are all 3D artwork?
Since graphic design work mainly requires mastery of design on a 2D surface, we recommend that you include a few slides of 2D work such as drawings or paintings, in addition to your 3D specialty.
Should I include my photography work in the portfolio?
Unless your photography work is truly distinctive and accomplished, a portfolio of all photography is NOT advised. Amateur photography is best kept to no more than 4 or 5 images maximum, combined with other artwork that shows drawing and/or other art-making skills.
Should I include computer-generated artwork in the portfolio such as images created in Photoshop and Illustrator?
Although certain technical skills are required to begin the program, computer generated artwork will be judged on its artistic merit showing an understanding of visual form, color, composition, etc., not on technical skill alone. Do not include a Photoshop collage, website design, or other digital work in your portfolio unless you think it demonstrates your understanding and skill with applying visual art principles such as composition, color, etc.
At my job (or on my own), I produce brochures, newsletters, flyers, etc. using desktop publishing software. Should I include this work in my application portfolio?
Most of what people produce in the way of brochures, flyers, newsletters, logos, etc. without benefit of graphic design training looks amateurish in the eyes of the design professional; this can hurt your portfolio rather than help it. On the other hand, your efforts may show the kernel of a talent that will develop well in the GDC program. Include no more than 4 pieces of this kind of work, choosing that which seems the most unique and creative and/or sophisticated.
I work in a professional design environment (agency, studio), where I do graphic design under the supervision of a professional designer. Should I include this work in my application portfolio?
Be sure to include only pieces which you can honestly claim to be uniquely your own creative work. If design decisions about fonts, color, etc. were made by others, please limit the number of these in your portfolio to two or three at most and include an explanation of exactly what your role was in the creation and what was designed by others (for example, if there is a logo on the brochure, did you design the logo?).
Should I include a list of the images?
It is highly recommended that you include a list that describes the subject of the work and media. Dates and sizes are not necessary. If the work was accomplished for a class, please state the name of the class and the nature of the assignment.
Can I send in my work on disk?
You may choose to submit this portion of your portfolio on CD instead of 35mm slides. MassArt accepts only the following:
  • CD; include no more than 20 images in no more than one folder; CDs including more than 20 pieces of art work will not be viewed!
  • If you use PDF format, be sure to embed fonts and save for Screen
  • JPGS, GIF, or TIFF: to avoid long opening times, please down sample high-res or very large files to a clear screen resolution at 100% size.
  • Do not expect reviewers to take the time to browse your website. You must submit a portfolio!
Can I include more than 15 images in my application portfolio?
You can include more than 15, although more than 20 would most likely be redundant. If you are submitting work on CD, please choose no more than 20 of your very best images and include them in one folder.
Any suggestions on photographing art work?
If you are a MassArt Continuing Ed student, you can use the Audio Visual lab to shoot; please call them for an appointment (617-879-7160). They will provide camera and photography set-up and will show you how to use it. If you prefer to take photos on your own, decent images of artwork are fairly easy to take with either a 35 mm camera and slide film, or a digital camera that allows close shooting without shake. You’ll get the best lighting if you take your work outside and shoot it on a day that is bright but somewhat overcast (strong sunlight can overexpose the work and you have to watch out for shadows). If you shoot inside, experiment with using Flash vs bright natural light with no flash to see which gives the truest color and best exposure. If it is flat art, lay the work on a flat surface and shoot straight down or hang it on a wall; propping it at an angle will distort the image. Use a black or other neutral color as a backdrop. PLEASE do not include images that are out of focus!

Miscellaneous Application FAQ

Should I include letters of recommendation?
Letters of recommendation are not required but can be helpful. Letters of recommendation should be on the recommender’s letterhead and sent in by you with your other application materials.
Can I get transfer credit for related courses I took at other schools?
Courses taken at other educational institutions can be transferred only if the course is applicable to the GDC program, it appears on the submitted transcripts with a final grade of B- or higher, the credit system is translatable to MassArt’s, and your application portfolio clearly demonstrates competency in the material covered. It is helpful to include a note if there are specific courses you want to transfer into the program.