How to Apply - Graduate
Continue your education with our graduate programs.
KCAD offers unique graduate programs and certificate programs. Select the program you wish to apply to below for program-specific application requirements.
For information on admissions to any of our graduate programs, please contact our
Senior Admissions Counselor by email at [email protected], by phone at 616.259.1237, or schedule a virtual appointment.
Priority Deadlines
In order to receive priority consideration for graduate fellowships, graduate assistantships, or scholarships, applicants to KCAD graduate programs must apply and submit all required application materials by the following priority application deadlines:
- Spring 2022 semester applicants: October 15, 2021
- Fall 2022 semester applicants: Janiary 15, 2022
KCAD encourages outstanding candidates to apply at all times. KCAD will accept and
consider applications after the priority deadlines; however, applicants may not receive
consideration for graduate fellowships, graduate assistantships, or scholarships after
priority deadline dates.
Application Requirements
The Master of Architecture program accepts students each year for the fall semester only.
For admissions consideration to the Master of Architecture program, applicants should complete the following:
- Apply online
- Official Transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended. Official transcripts
must be sent directly to the College by the institution.
Mail to:
Kendall College of Art and Design
17 Fountain Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Attention: Graduate Admissions - 500-700 word Statement of Purpose. What is your interest in architecture? Why are you applying to this program? What unique qualities or perspective do you bring?
- Resume
- Three letters of recommendation. Letters must be sent directly from the reference to the College through Slideroom
- Portfolio to be submitted as a single PDF not to exceed 30 pages and 20MB. Slides, CDs, URLs, and hard copy materials will not be accepted. All portfolios must have a cover page as the first page with the following information: first and last name, street address, city, state, postal code, country, email address, and telephone number. Portfolio images/files must be formatted together in one Adobe PDF and titled in the following manner: last name, first name, portfolio, _2yr OR _3yr, depending on your desired placement in the program (example for an applicant to the 2-year MArch: smith_carolyn_portfolio_2yr.pdf). Your portfolio will not be reviewed if you upload individual images.
- Application Fee only applicable to International Student applicants.
Submission of Materials Submit your Statement of Purpose, Resume, Letters of Recommendation, and your Portfolio
via our SlideRoom submission portal. Please note that there is a $6.00 fee charged to submit using SlideRoom.
An interview with KCAD is required as part of the admission decision process. Upon receipt of your complete application, KCAD will contact you to schedule an interview.
For questions, email [email protected].
The successful candidate to the Master of Arts in Design program will have established themselves professionally prior to entering the program. Professional experience may include professional internships; work, military or non-profit experience; community service; or other career-related activities.
For admissions consideration to the Master of Arts in Design program, applicants should complete the following:
- Apply online
- Official Transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended. Transcript must show
the completion of an undergraduate degree in design from a regionally-accredited institution
of higher education, with a minimum GPA of 3.00. Official transcripts must be sent
directly to the College by the institution.
Mail to:
Kendall College of Art and Design
17 Fountain Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Attention: Graduate Admissions - Curriculum Vitae showing successful professional experience.
- Writing Sample -Submit a 1,000 – 1,200 word writing sample to demonstrate effective idea development and communication in written form.
- Contact information for three professional references.
- Application Fee only applicable to International Student applicants.
Submission of Materials Submit your Curriculum Vitae, Writing Sample, and Professional References via our SlideRoom submission portal. Please note that there is a $5.00 USD fee charged to submit using SlideRoom.
A faculty committee convened from the faculty teaching graduate courses acts upon applications for admission.
For admissions consideration to the Master of Arts in Visual and Critical Studies program, applicants should complete the following:
- Apply online
- Official Transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended. Transcript must show
the completion of a BA, BS, or BFA degree from a regionally-accredited institution
of higher education. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the College by
the institution.
Mail to:
Kendall College of Art and Design
17 Fountain Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Attention: Graduate Admissions - Contact information for three professional references.
- Curriculum Vitae showing successful professional experience.
- Letter of intent: 200-350 word count letter describing what you hope to bring to the program. What are your goals and how do you believe this program will contribute towards those goals?
- Writing Sample -Submit a 1,000 – 1,200 word writing sample. Appropriate formats include essay, research paper, or criticism.
- Application Fee only applicable to International Student applicants.
Submission of Materials: Submit your References, Curriculum Vitae, Letter of Intent, and Writing Sample via our SlideRoom submission portal. Please note that there is a $5.00 USD fee charged to submit using SlideRoom.
For admissions consideration to the Master of Fine Arts Painting program, applicants should complete the following:
- Apply online
- Official Transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended. Official transcripts
must be sent directly to the College by the institution.
Mail to:
Kendall College of Art and Design
17 Fountain Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Attention: Graduate Admissions - Letter of intent outlining proposed artistic goals.
- Concise artist statement that addresses the philosophical foundation of your work.
- Curriculum Vitae
- Portfolio of work: 20 images in chosen area of emphasis.
- Contact information for three professional references.
- Application Fee (only applicable to International Student applicants)
Submission of Materials: Submit your Letter of Intent, Artist Statement, Curriculum Vitae, Portfolio, and References via our SlideRoom submission portal. Please note that there is a $10.00 USD fee charged to submit using SlideRoom.
The Advanced Studies in Design and Innovation Management Certificate is a 12-credit certificate that can stand alone or be applied towards an MBA through Ferris State University.
For admissions consideration to the Advanced Studies in Design and Innovation Management Certificate program, applicants should complete the following:
- Apply online
- Official Transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the College by the institution.
To apply for the full MBA, visit Ferris State University MBA program website.
A Certificate in Visual and Critical Studies is awarded upon completion of 18 credits of Visual and Critical Studies seminars.
For admissions consideration for the Certificate in Visual and Crticial Studies, applicants should complete the following:
- Apply online
- Official Transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended. Official transcripts must be sent directly to the College by the institution.