MA Animation

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials, including portfolio (as detailed below)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Submit the required reel/portfolio with examples of your creative visual work and a reel/portfolio information sheet along with your application (see details below).
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.
• Optional: Submit any supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation or professional experience as evidenced by a resume or industry certifications.

Reel/Portfolio Information
 

Applicants to this program are required to submit a reel/portfolio and information sheet. The electronic portfolio is uploaded as part of your application. Pending materials may be viewed by faculty prior to your final submission; however, no actual admission decisions will be conducted until the application period has concluded and final materials are received. A pending file at that time will be considered incomplete and ineligible for admission consideration.               

• Reel/Portfolio
  • The focus should be on the work samples.
  • Keep it simple, clearly labeled, and easy to navigate.
  • Reels should be HD quality (if possible, the online version should be on either YouTube or Vimeo). Your reel should be 5-10 minutes showing only your best work. Quality is valued over quantity. For longer works, include segments to the full version. You may include both animations and live action work. You must have had a significant role in the creation of each example.
  • Portfolios can include high-quality scans of drawings, paintings, storyboards, photographs, and designs. Limit your portfolio to the best dozen examples. You may also include detailed magnifications.
  • If generative AI tools such as Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, or DALL-E were used in the creation of work in your portfolio you must describe what programs were used, and describe your creative input, reasoning, and process. AI-assisted work will be accepted as part of your portfolio, but at least half of your artwork must be created without generative AI contributions.
• Reel/Portfolio Information Sheet
  • This document should describe each piece represented in your portfolio, including the title, medium, date, timecode in the reel, duration/dimensions, and your role in its creation.

Transition to MFA

Students who have been admitted to the MA Animation program may apply to the MFA Animation program for the next admission class in their first year of attendance only (maximum 24 credits earned for the MA program). Should a student be admitted to the MFA they may transfer any courses that apply in both programs. The MFA clock begins at the time of first enrollment in the MA Animation program and will not be extended due to a program change.               

MS Artificial Intelligence

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.
• Successful completion of Calculus 1 and 2.
• Candidates with some programming experience (academic or work) may have a stronger application for admission review.
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution.
• Test of English Proficiency for international students. For more information on the English proficiency requirement you can visit the English Proficiency Requirement page.
• International applicants should visit the international admission webpage for further details. Steps to apply
• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.
• Optional: Submit any supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation or professional experience as evidenced by a resume or industry certifications.

Transcripts and other admission materials can be sent via email (preferred) or mailed to:
admission@cdm.depaul.edu
CDM Graduate Admission Office
1 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 8500
Chicago, IL 60604               

All submitted application materials will become part of your application file and cannot be returned. Please retain your own copy.               

MS Business Information Technology

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.
• Optional: Submit any supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation or professional experience as evidenced by a resume or industry certifications.

MS Computer Science

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.
• Optional: Submit any supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation or professional experience as evidenced by a resume or industry certifications.

MS Cybersecurity

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.
• Optional: Submit any supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation or professional experience as evidenced by a resume or industry certifications.

MS Data Science

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Completion of Calculus I and Calculus II with at least a B- average. Exceptions may be made for individuals with extensive work experience in analytics.
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Submit a copy of your resume.
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.
• Optional: Submit any supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation or industry certifications.

MA Digital Communication and Media Arts

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply).

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Submit a resume or industry certifications indicating your professional experience.
• Submit a statement of creative intent explaining your interest in pursuing the degree and future goals, as well as attributes and skills you may bring to the program.
• Submit a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation. Your recommenders will receive a link to upload their document. A student may submit more if they wish. Recommendation letters must be sent from the recommender to us, if hard copy they must be in a sealed envelope.
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.

MS Film and Television

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.
• Optional: Submit any supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation or professional experience as evidenced by a resume or industry certifications.

MS Game Programming

Please note that the desired entry quarter may be subject to change based on review of applicant’s transcripts. This is to ensure the applicant begins with the proper course sequence. Each applicant will be reviewed on an individual basis.               

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.
• Optional: Submit any supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation or professional experience as evidenced by a resume or industry certifications.

MS Health Informatics

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.
• Optional: Submit any supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation or professional experience as evidenced by a resume or industry certifications.

MS Human-Computer Interaction

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.
• Optional: Submit any supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation or professional experience as evidenced by a resume or industry certifications.

MS Information Systems

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.
• Optional: Submit any supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation or professional experience as evidenced by a resume or industry certifications.

MS Software Engineering

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.
• Optional: Submit any supplemental materials, such as letters of recommendation or professional experience as evidenced by a resume or industry certifications.

JD/MS in Computer Science Technology

This is a joint program with the College of Law. Students applying to this program must have completed their first year at the College of Law. Details on admission to the program can be downloaded on PDF.               

MFA Animation

• Priority Deadline: December 15
  Applications and all supporting materials must be received by December 15 for the Priority Application Deadline and scholarship consideration. Applicants will be notified of their admission status in mid-February.
• Final Deadline: May 15
  If space remains available, applications will continue to be reviewed on a rolling basis up until May 15. Students will be notified of their admission status within one month of their completed application being received. (If space is unavailable at the time we receive your extended deadline application, we will consider it for the following academic year.)
• Start Date:
  All students admitted into the MFA program, under either deadline, must begin their studies in the following fall quarter. (Students may not begin the program in the winter, spring, or summer quarters.)

The MFA Animation is a cohort-based program; all students begin their studies in the fall quarter.               

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Submit a statement of creative intent that includes your artistic goals and your reasons for applying to the MFA. Be specific, vivid, and focused (maximum of 2 pages).
• Submit a 1-page description of a possible animation project that represents the type of work you hope to produce.
• Submit a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation. Your recommenders will receive a link to upload their document. A student may submit more if they wish. Recommendation letters must be sent from the recommender to us, if hard copy they must be in a sealed envelope.
• Submit the required reel/portfolio with example of your creative visual work and a reel/portfolio information sheet (see details below) along with your application in Slate.
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.

Reel/Portfolio Information

Applicants to this program are required to submit a reel/portfolio and information sheet. The electronic portfolio is uploaded as part of your application. Pending materials may be viewed by faculty prior to your final submission; however, no actual admission decisions will be conducted until the application period has concluded and final materials are received. A pending file at that time will be considered incomplete and ineligible for admission consideration.               

• Reel/Portfolio
  • The focus should be on the work samples.
  • Keep it simple, clearly labeled, and easy to navigate.
  • Reels should be HD quality (if possible, the online version should be on either YouTube or Vimeo). Your reel should be 5-10 minutes showing only your best work. Quality is valued over quantity. For longer works, include segments to the full version. You may include both animations and live action work. You must have had a significant role in the creation of each example.
  • Portfolios can include high-quality scans of drawings, paintings, storyboards, photographs, and designs. Limit your portfolio to the best dozen examples. You may also include detailed magnifications.
  • If generative AI tools such as Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, or DALL-E were used in the creation of work in your portfolio you must describe what programs were used, and describe your creative input, reasoning, and process. AI-assisted work will be accepted as part of your portfolio, but at least half of your artwork must be created without generative AI contributions.
• Reel/Portfolio Information Sheet
  • This document should describe each piece represented in your portfolio, including the title, medium, date, time code in the reel, duration/dimensions, and your role in its creation.

Transition to MFA

Students who have been admitted to the MA Animation program may apply to the MFA Animation program for the next admission class in their first year of attendance only (maximum 24 credits earned for the MA program). Should a student be admitted to the MFA they may transfer any courses that apply in both programs. The MFA clock begins at the time of first enrollment in the MA Animation program and will not be extended due to a program change.               

MFA Creative Producing

The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Producing is based in Los Angeles, CA. Please note, students in the MFA in Creative Producing program are required to pay an annual fee of $645 that covers parking and events (screenings, panels, and tours).               

Priority Deadline: December 15

Applications and all supporting materials must be received by December 15 for the Priority Application Deadline and scholarship consideration. Applicants will be notified of their admission status in mid-February.               

Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor's degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency for international students. For more information on the English proficiency requirement you can visit the English Proficiency Requirement page.
• Statement of creative intent.
• Submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation from people who can attest to your artistic abilities, commitment, work ethic and creative potential.

* International applicants should visit the international admission webpage for further details.               

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Submit official transcripts from all college and universities attended, one of which must show the conferral of a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
  • U.S. college and university transcripts should be mailed to the address below.
  • DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission must also submit a DePaul transcript. You can request a free electronic transcript at the following Student Records webpage.
• Individuals with international transcripts need to order a course-by-course evaluation by one of the three evaluation companies that DePaul University accepts. For more information about this process please visit the Transcript Evaluation webpage.
• Submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation from people who can attest to your artistic abilities, commitment, work ethic and creative potential these can be submitted in the online application or at the address below.
• Submit a statement of creative intent that will give the committee a sense of how your unique experiences, characteristics, background, values and/or view of the world have shaped who you are and what you want to say as a creative filmmaker. Be specific, vivid and focused. There is no standard format.

All submitted applications materials will become part of your application file and cannot be returned. Please retain your own copy.               

Materials (excluding international transcripts) not submitted through the online application may be submitted by mail, fax or email at the following:
CDM Graduate Admission Office
1 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 8500
Chicago, IL 60604
admission@cdm.depaul.edu               

For assistance with the application process please email admission@cdm.depaul.edu or call (312) 362-8714.               

MFA Documentary

Priority Deadline: December 15
Applications and all supporting materials must be received by December 15 for the Priority Application Deadline and scholarship consideration. Applicants will be notified of their admission status in mid-February.               

Final Deadline: May 15
Applicants will be admitted as space is available. Students will be notified of their admission status one month of their completed application being received.               

The MFA Documentary is a cohort-based program; all students begin their studies in the fall quarter.               

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Submit a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation. Your recommenders will receive a link to upload their document. A student may submit more if they wish. Recommendation letters must be sent from the recommender to us, if hard copy they must be in a sealed envelope.
• Submit a resume indicating your professional experience.
• Submit the required portfolio along with your application (see details below).
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.

Portfolio Information

Applicants must submit a portfolio including the following with their application:               

• a statement of creative intent that will give the committee a sense of how your unique experiences, characteristics, background, values, and/or view of the world have shaped who you are, what stories you wish to tell, and why you think DePaul is the place to achieve these goals.
• a media sample of past documentary work (10 minute excerpt, no reels). Students without documentary media will be given an assignment to be submitted instead.
• three idea pitches (social justice, historical, environmental, biography, etc.), each 1 paragraph maximum.

MFA Film and Television Directing

Priority Deadline: December 15
Applications and all supporting materials must be received by December 15 for the Priority Application Deadline and scholarship consideration. Applicants will be notified of their admission status in mid-February.               

Final Deadline: May 15
Applicants will be admitted as space is available. Students will be notified of their admission status one month of their completed application being received.               

The MFA Film and Television Directing is a cohort-based program; all students begin their studies in the fall quarter.               

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Submit a statement of creative intent that will give the committee a sense of how your unique experiences, characteristics, background, values and/or view of the world have shaped who you are and what you want to say as a creative filmmaker. Be specific, vivid and focused. There is no standard format (maximum of 2 pages)
• Submit a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation from people who can attest to your artistic abilities, commitment, work ethic and creative potential. These letters can be submitted in the online application or at the address below. Recommendation letters must be sent from the recommender to us, if hard copy they must be in a sealed envelope.
• Submit the required portfolio (see details below) along with your application in Slate.
  • AI tools may not be used for written work such as scripts or personal statements. If generative tools were used in the creation of work in your portfolio you must describe what programs were used, and describe your creative input, reasoning, and process. AI-assisted work will be accepted as part of your portfolio, but at least half of your artwork must be created without generative AI contributions.
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.

Portfolio Information

Below are a few examples of items you may include in your portfolio:               

** This list is not exhaustive and you are not required to submit every piece below. Students are encouraged to submit whatever they feel best represent them as an artist.               

• An outline for a four-minute film that contains no dialogue. It can be fiction or non-fiction. The story has to be communicated visually (maximum of 2 pages).
• A dialogue scene between two people. This should be in proper screenplay format (maximum of 3 pages).
• A concept for a feature length movie—fiction or documentary—which you would like to develop (maximum of 2 pages).
• A brief narrative video in which you had a major creative role. The video can be either live-action or animation, fiction or documentary, but it should reflect your aesthetic tastes and intellectual and emotional interests. (no more than 5 minutes)
• Submit a series of six photographs you have taken which, when viewed in a specific sequence, portray a unique and original character or which tell a simple narrative story.  Also include a 2-page narrative about the character being portrayed. The images may be either black and white or color but must be 4x6 in horizontal format.

Transcripts and other admission materials can be sent via email (preferred) or mailed to:               

admission@cdm.depaul.edu               

CDM Graduate Admission Office
1 E. Jackson Blvd., Suite 8500
Chicago, IL 60604               

All submitted applications materials (including reel and/or portfolio) will become part of your application file and cannot be returned. Please retain your own copy.               

MFA Game Design

Priority Deadline: December 15
Applications and all supporting materials must be received by December 15 for the Priority Application Deadline and scholarship consideration. Applicants will be notified of their admission status in mid-February.               

Final Deadline: May 15
Applicants will be admitted as space is available. Students will be notified of their admission status one month of their completed application being received.               

The MFA Game Design is a cohort-based program; all students begin their studies in the fall quarter.               

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Submit a statement of creative intent that includes your artistic goals and reasons for applying to the MFA. Be specific, vivid, and focused. Statements should address at least one of the following (maximum of 2 pages):
  • Describe how a game designer, game studio, or particular game has inspired you to want to create games - where is your creative interest in alignment or different from that?
  • What motivates you in pursuing an MFA in Game Design, which is a terminal degree and emphasizes exploring games as a creative / artistic medium?
  • Describe a game concept that you’d like to work on - what message(s), emotion(s), action/skill(s) and/or context are essential to the play experience?
  • What potential do you see for the future of games and how does your design practice work towards this vision?
• Submit a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation. Your recommenders will receive a link to upload their document. A student may submit more if they wish. Recommendation letters must be sent from the recommender to us, if hard copy they must be in a sealed envelope.
• Submit a digital portfolio that may include a variety of media and writing samples (see examples below).
• Submit a resume indicating your professional experience.
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.

Portfolio Information

Below are a few examples of items you may include in your portfolio.
Please include a short statement of intent for each item. The portfolio should be uploaded with your application.               

• Series of digital prototypes or games demonstrating your breadth and depth of work in the field. Include download links, installation, and gameplay instructions.
• Board game or physical game. Include detailed documentation including video and photographs of gameplay as well as rules.
• Game design document. This communicates the elements of a game project you’ve worked on at both a high level overview and technical detail.
• Performance or event. Include documentation of project including video, photographs, and script.
• Writing samples such as a scholarly article, essay, or creative writing. If you are primarily submitting written portfolio items, include a critical analysis of any game and an original game design document, each between 500-750 words.
• Creative practice in a professional field (animation, video, film, applications, graphic design, etc.).

MFA Screenwriting

Priority Deadline: December 15
Applications and all supporting materials must be received by December 15 for the Priority Application Deadline and scholarship consideration. Applicants will be notified of their admission status in mid-February.               

Final Deadline: May 15 International & Domestic Applicants
Applicants will be admitted as space is available.               

General Admission Requirements

• Minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
• Bachelor’s degree awarded from a regionally accredited institution
• Test of English Proficiency (for international students)
• Submission of admission materials (as detailed under Steps to Apply)

Steps to Apply

• Complete an online application ($25 application fee for domestic applicants, $75 for international applicants).
• Submit a minimum of 2 letters of recommendation. Your recommenders will receive a link to upload their document. A student may submit more if they wish. Recommendation letters must be sent from the recommender to us, if hard copy they must be in a sealed envelope.
• Submit a portfolio specific to the concentration for which you are applying (see details below).
• Send official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities attended, one which must show the conferral of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. Transcripts must be sent directly from the institution of record; we do not accept transcripts sent from applicants. Institutions can send them electronically (preferred) or mail them to the address below. DePaul alumni/undergraduate students applying for graduate admission can request a free electronic transcript from DePaul. International applicants must request a course-by-course transcript evaluation. Visit the Transcript Evaluation page for additional information.

Portfolio Information

If generative AI tools such as ChatGPT or GPT-4 were used in the creation of work in your portfolio, you must cite which AI tools you employed, what prompts you used, and how it helped you engage in the writing process. While AI-assisted work may be accepted as part of the development of the work in your portfolio (including ideation, character development, world-building, or outlining), the entirety of your screenwriting samples must be authored by you. Therefore, AI generated script samples will disqualify candidates from admission.               

If you are applying to the Standard concentration, submit with your application:               

• a statement of creative intent that gives the committee a sense of how your unique experiences, characteristics, background, values, and/or view of the world have shaped who you are and what you want to say as a creative filmmaker. Be specific, vivid, and focused.
• a writing sample, which can be any combination of plays, screenplays, poetry, prose, or other creative writings (maximum of 30 pages)
• a sample scene, using the scenario of “two strangers trapped in a car together.” This sample scene should be written in standard screenplay format (maximum of 3 pages).

If you are applying to the Comedy concentration, submit with your application:               

• a statement of creative intent that gives the committee a sense your comedic voice and sense of what you strive to explore in storytelling. You can pull from your unique experiences, background, values, or worldview to explain how these things have shaped who you are and what you want to say as a comedic storyteller (maximum of 4 pages).
• a writing sample, which can be any combination of plays, screenplays, poetry, prose, or other creative writings (maximum of 30 pages)
• a sample scene, using the scenario of “two strangers trapped in a car together.” This sample scene should be written in standard screenplay format (maximum of 3 pages).