MFA Graphic Design Admission Requirements

Online Application: Submit your online application before the priority deadline. You can pause and return to the application at any time.

Resume: This can be uploaded with your application.

Statement: Please answer each question below in the form of a paragraph. Please provide any specific examples and direct references when necessary. 

  1. For what reason(s) are you applying for an MFA in Graphic Design? Why Otis specifically? (Feel free to list any classes, faculty, or opportunities Otis provides that inspire you). 
  2. Who or what is currently inspiring your design practice? Are there any contemporary graphic designers that are influencing your practice? How and why?
  3. Tell us about one creative hobby, and one area in which you consider yourself an expert.

Transcripts: Official transcripts are required from any college or university where you completed undergraduate study, and where you earned your bachelor’s degree. International students must submit official foreign language transcripts, as well as certified translations, or a World Education Services (WES) evaluation (wes.org).

Portfolio: Submit 15-20 images online at otis.slideroom.com.

Letters of recommendation (optional): Up to three letters of recommendation can be submitted through the online application, but are not required.

Additional Application Information

Admission Deadlines

Priority Deadline: January 15*
*After this date, applications will be accepted on a rolling admission basis as space remains available.

Applicant Interviews

Applicants will be requested to interview with a faculty member over zoom as a part of the application process.

English Proficiency Exam

If you are an international applicant whose primary/ native language is not English, you should take one of the four tests recognized by Otis College: the TOEFL, the IELTS, the Pearson Test of English, or the Duolingo English Test. The minimum scores required for MFA admission are 79 on the TOEFL ibt, 6.5 on the IELTS, 58 on the Pearson Test of English, or 105 on Duolingo. Applicants who have earned a bachelor’s degree from an institution where English is the primary language of instruction may meet our English proficiency requirement. A transcript is required to make this determination.

Submitting Your Application Materials

You can check to see if your application materials have been received by logging in to your applicant account at admissions.otis.edu/status. Application materials not submitted digitally should be sent to:

Otis College of Art and Design
Attention: Admissions Office
9045 Lincoln Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90045

Financial Aid

Teaching assistantships and tuition awards are granted each year on a competitive basis, with consideration given to the applicant’s grade point average and quality of creative work.