Founded in 1932, the Cranbrook Academy of Art is one of the USA’s leading graduate schools of architecture, art and design. Known as the cradle of American modernism, it continues to have a significant impact on the world of art, architecture, and design.
In many ways, the program at the Academy is simple: 150 graduate students work together and are mentored by 10 Artists-in-Residence for a full-time two-year studio-based study. Like real life, graduate study at the Academy is self-directed and relatively unscripted. And yet, students are guided, supported, and challenged by the Academy community. The Academy offers graduate study for a Master’s Degree in one of 10 departments: 2D Design (MFA), 3D Design (MFA), Architecture (M.Arch), Ceramics (MFA), Fiber (MFA), Metalsmithing (MFA), Painting (MFA), Photography (MFA), Print Media (MFA) and Sculpture (MFA).At Cranbook the structure of the program develops from each department outward rather than from the top down. Departmental activities provide the central structure for students. Each department follows its own rotation of critiques, reading and discussion groups, student presentations, travel, and visits with guest artists and critics.
International students looking to study at Cranbook are eligible for consideration for Non-Need Based Aid only. Ranked as the country’s top graduate-only program in architecture, design and fine art, Cranbrook Academy of Arts is a place for students who are looking to leave their MFA program prepared to immediately enter the industry or open their own studio practice.
Notable Alumni: Eero Saarinen (20th-century Finnish American architect and industrial designer noted for his neo-futuristic style), Anne Wilson (Chicago-based visual artist)
On Campus
TOEFL
Over the past 30 years, the Architecture Department at Cranbrook Academy of Art has developed a reputation for questioning the boundaries of architecture as a discipline. Encompassing the profession of architecture and urbanism, as well as the art of shaping the cultural and built environment, the Architecture Department at Cranbrook is a truly multi-disciplinary environment immersed in the breadth and depth of the Academy s nine other Master of Fine Arts departments.
Application, Statement of Purpose, Autobiographical Statement, CV / Resume, Three Letters of Recommendation, Portfolio, Transcript(s), Test scores: TOEFL 90
Architect, Studio Artist, Teacher/Art Educator, Commercial Artist, Illustrator/Cartoonist, Museum/Gallery Curator/Manager, Art Director, Environmental Designer, Fashion Designer/Manager, Publications Designer
1st Feb
On Campus
TOEFL
The landscape of ceramics is a vast open-ended question, with links to design, the crafts, the art world, industry and engineering. The Ceramics Department at Cranbrook sees these links as a language to explore and as a way into our work. The open structure of the program allows for students to find their own interests within the material world of ceramics and its contextual opposition.
Application, Statement of Purpose, Autobiographical Statement, CV / Resume, Three Letters of Recommendation, Portfolio, Transcript(s), Test scores: TOEFL 90
Studio Artist, Teacher/Art Educator, Commercial Artist, Illustrator/Cartoonist, Museum/Gallery Curator/Manager, Art Director, Environmental Designer, Fashion Designer/Manager, Publications Designer
1st Feb
On Campus
TOEFL
Fiber is an ever-shifting practice that is grounded in the centuries old traditions, forms, and materials of textile production and manipulation. As artists, our intimate relationship with the traditional forms of fiber interacts with the expanse of contemporary practice in art, craft, and design, challenging the definitions of each.
Application, Statement of Purpose, Autobiographical Statement, CV / Resume, Three Letters of Recommendation, Portfolio, Transcript(s), Test scores: TOEFL 90
Studio Artist, Teacher/Art Educator, Commercial Artist, Illustrator/Cartoonist, Museum/Gallery Curator/Manager, Art Director, Environmental Designer, Fashion Designer/Manager, Publications Designer
1st Feb
On Campus
TOEFL
The 2D Department is the graduate graphic design department of Cranbrook Academy of Art. The department is actively pursuing work at the intersection of design and art. Traditional forms of design, activities where the designer acts as a conduit for the communication of a third-party message, and non-traditional forms of design, activities where the designer s agency is foregrounded, are explored in the program. In both of these approaches to design, the emphasis in the department is placed on the experimental
Application, Statement of Purpose, Autobiographical Statement, CV / Resume, Three Letters of Recommendation, Portfolio, Transcript(s), Test scores: TOEFL 90
Studio Artist, Teacher/Art Educator, Commercial Artist, Illustrator/Cartoonist, Museum/Gallery Curator/Manager, Art Director, Environmental Designer, Fashion Designer/Manager, Publications Designer
1st Feb
On Campus
TOEFL
Cranbrook 3D Design is the leading program in America for emerging intellectual and artistic voices in design. The department is an experimental laboratory to explore human needs as expressed in the furniture and products we live with. This program is for designers who wish to develop an architectural and spatial awareness in their work, so there is an emphasis on objects for the interior, including furniture, lighting, and electronic products. The program is best suited to hands-on makers who have already demonstrated some facility in crafting materials. T
Application, Statement of Purpose, Autobiographical Statement, CV / Resume, Three Letters of Recommendation, Portfolio, Transcript(s), Test scores: TOEFL 90
Studio Artist, Teacher/Art Educator, Commercial Artist, Illustrator/Cartoonist, Museum/Gallery Curator/Manager, Art Director, Environmental Designer, Fashion Designer/Manager, Publications Designer
1st Feb
a) University online application
b) $85 application fee
c) Official transcript
d) Statement of Purpose
e) Autobiographical Statement
f) Resume
g) Three Letters of Recommendation
h) Portfolio
i) IELTS/TOEFL score if applicant’s native language is not English.
Requirements may vary for each program. Please visit program page for specific requirements.
Fees
$36800
Fees may vary for each program. Please visit program page for specific fees.
Cost of Living
The annual cost of living is $17400 approx.
Accommodation
Accommodation facilities are not provided.
February 1
Deadlines may vary for each program. Please visit program page for specific deadlines.
University Stats
Tuition Fees
Living Cost
Other Fees
Avg. IELTS
