February 1, 2008
The deadline for application into the program is February 1st for the following Fall term. Applications received after the deadline may be considered if space is available. MDP only accepts for Fall entry.

March 1, 2008
Candidates who wish to be eligible for Art Center scholarships must submit all required application materials and the FAFSA (Federal Application for Student Aid) by March 1st. For more information about financial aid, see the Financial Aid section of Art Center's main site.

Scholarships through Art Center are highly competitive and are based on merit. MDP also offers multiple forms of on-campus employment including Department Assistantships, Research Assistantships, and Teaching Assistantships. International students are eligible for Art Center scholarships and campus employment.

Prospective students are encouraged to contact the Admissions Office to discuss their background and application submissions. Campus visits are not required, but applicants are encouraged to visit the program in person. Appointments can be made with an Admissions counselor for a consultation and campus tour. You may also arrange an appointment with a specific member of the Media Design Program. If you wish to do so, please contact the Media Design Program Coordinator Kevin Wingate (mdpinfo at artcenter.edu), directly, in advance of your visit.

The MDP holds events such as conferences, thesis exhibitions, and open houses throughout the year. Please send your e-mail address to mdpinfo at artcenter.edu if you wish to receive announcements for these events. Once you submit an application to the program, your name will automatically be added to the announcement list. You can also check the home page of our site for upcoming events.

In addition to the application forms, fees, transcripts, and TOEFL test scores outlined in the Graduate Admissions section of Art Center’s main site, applicants to the Media Design Program must submit the following:

• Media Design Program Supplemental Application
• Résumé
• Design portfolio
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation

Media Design Program supplemental application
In addition to the Art Center Application form, applicants must complete the Media Design Program Supplemental Application which helps the MDP Faculty to evaluate which degree path is most appropriate for an applicant. Download a pdf of the form here. Print and complete the form and submit it with your other materials to the Admissions Office at Art Center.

Résumé
The résumé should summarize the applicant's educational and professional background. It should highlight relevant academic studies, project work, awards and achievements, and work experience.

Design portfolio
The design portfolio is the cornerstone of the application submission materials. It should be a professionally presented body of work that demonstrates the applicant's expertise in the conception and creation of sophisticated design and other relevant works (e.g. creative or critical writing, business plans, software, curriculum, research, grants, etc.).

Portfolios must demonstrate a sophisticated use of three or more of the following: typography, motion, narrative, information displays, navigational interface design, interaction design, and original imagery (still, moving, photographic, or non-photographic) in the context of finished design work. Projects can be professional, self-initiated, and/or class assignments.

Please edit your portfolio to highlight your 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.

Original work should be presented in print or digital (e.g. PDFs , html, jpegs, or SWFs on a CD or DVD) format. No videotapes or slides. Digital work must be compatible with both Mac OS and Windows. We recommend that you include a second copy of any digital media for safety. Label every piece with your name and include a written inventory of your portfolio contents.

Personal statement
Applications must include a personal statement of intent. This essay should outline the applicant's motivation for pursuing graduate study in the Media Design Program at Art Center, discuss personal goals for the future, and outline any specific areas of interest within the field. While it is not necessary to propose a specific topic for the thesis project, a discussion of possible directions is helpful. The personal statement should be clear and concise, no less than 1 and no more than 4 pages in length.

Letters of recommendation
Letters of recommendation (one to three) from academic and professional references are strongly encouraged. They should be from people who are familiar with the applicant's work and experience, and should speak to an ability to conceptualize, execute, and communicate design.

All applicants under serious consideration for admission to the program will be interviewed in person or by telephone.