All programs are studio critique-based and focused on the creative act of making. Theory serves as a conceptual tool, but in the end, it is the connection between idea and form that matters most. It is this principle that forms a common dialogue across disciplines at Cranbrook, making it a truly unique place.
Our 2020-2021 application is now available.
Lucas Albrecht, 2018
Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution is required for admission to the Master of Fine Arts program. Applicants holding a bachelor’s degree in a field other than the arts may be considered on an individual basis, based upon a review of the candidate’s portfolio and experience. International applicants must have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be considered for admission.
Completion of a Bachelor of Architecture or its equivalent undergraduate degree from an accredited educational institution is required for admission to the Master of Architecture program. Applicants holding a degree in a field other than architecture may be considered on an individual basis, based upon a review of the candidate’s portfolio and experience. International applicants must have earned the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree in order to be considered for admission. International applicants should review all requirements below, and also visit the International Student page.
Students interested for the Master of Fine Arts degree program will apply to one of eleven departments (2D Design, 3D Design, 4D Design, Ceramics, Fiber, Metalsmithing, Painting, Photography, Print Media, or Sculpture). Students interested in the Architecture department will apply for the Master of Architecture degree program.
Statements must be inserted as unformatted text in the Slideroom application. Applicants to the 2D Design department will also be asked to upload formatted and stylized versions of the Statements and CV for review.
Statements should be between 1 and 2 pages in length (or 1200 words or less).
Please read the instructions for statements carefully. There are no “right” or “wrong” answers; your responses provide important insight into your background, interests, influences, etc. Respond to the questions that are asked in a manner that makes the most sense to you.
You must submit an unofficial transcript for your bachelor’s degree. If your degree is still in progress, please provide a transcript that includes the courses you have completed to date (including grades) and the courses in which you are currently enrolled (please note that if you are admitted, you will be required to provide proof that you have been granted your degree before you matriculate in September).
In addition, you are encouraged to provide unofficial transcripts for any other degree or program (master’s, post-baccalaureate, certificate, classes) that you would like to have considered as part of the application review process. Information that assists in understanding your relevant background is important to include in your application.
International students. Please go to the International Students page for Transcript requirements.
An email will be sent to them automatically providing a confidential link where they may upload their letters of recommendation on your behalf.
Hint: Complete the References section early! This cannot be stressed enough. It is in your best interest that all of your references are received when applications go forward for review in early February. Complete the References section as early as possible to allow your referees more time to complete the letters. Do this even if you are not ready to submit. You are strongly encouraged to let your referees know that an emailed request for a recommendation will be coming to them from notifications@slideroom.com, so they can watch for it (the email request is sent as soon as you click the Send Request button).
Note: You may submit your application for admission before your letters of reference are received by the Academy. Referees are still able to attach letters to your application even after you have submitted!
After you have submitted your application you can log back in to view the status of your letters. “Complete” means the referee has successfully submitted their letter through the electronic system. If the status is labeled as “Requested,” this means the referee has not yet completed the online submission process. You can choose to resend the request or supply an alternate email in case your referee’s spam filter blocks the original request or has removed the link.
References are required to be submitted electronically through the Slideroom process. In the rare instance, your referee is unable to submit via Slideroom please contact the Admissions Office (248-645-3300 or caaadmissions@cranbrook.edu) for guidance.
We value the contributions of all our members, so naturally, the Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, height, weight, marital status, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by local, state or federal law in its programs and activities. Inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies may be addressed to: Director, Cranbrook Academy of Art, 39221 Woodward Avenue, P.O. Box 801, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303-0801.