Special Program Admissions Requirements

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Whether applying through the CommonApp or the Kean University application, a portfolio of original, creative work is required for entry into the Michael Graves College. Portfolios are to be submitted digitally via the Kean University Application Portal. Common Application students will receive an email with instructions to create an account in order to access their profile and submit their portfolio.

Enrollment to the Michael Graves College is limited and competitive. Please contact the main offices to request more information.  

Robert Busch School of Design Main Office: (908) 737-4740

School of Public Architecture Main Office: (908) 737-0560

APPLY HERE

CREATIVE WORK / PORTFOLIO REVIEW GUIDELINES

The Michael Graves College requires a portfolio of creative work to be evaluated for acceptance into the architecture and design programs. Both freshman and Transfer students must complete the creative work requirement. Students are expected to be prepared and have experiences and knowledge in the visual arts in order to gain entrance to the rigorous programs of study for the BA, BFA, and BID degrees. 

CATEGORY & CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION

Visual Form:  Competent use of design elements in composition
Visualization: Competency in sketching, drawing, and/or illustration
Technical: Effective use of traditional craft and/or digital media
Conceptual Thinking/Creative Thinking: Demonstrated ability to conceive an idea and express it in visual form using an unconventional or unique solution
Presentation: Inclusion of a variety and range of creative work in a well-organized submission
Professionalism: Maturity and thoughtfulness of written answers to application questions

Advertising
(Select option 1 or 2)

Option 1: Respond to question #1 below, which is a video recording of yourself, and submit Three or more of the following prompts to your portfolio on your Cougar App portal:

1. Create a video recording of yourself telling us why you want to study advertising at Kean University. The video should be 60 to 120 seconds.
2. Conceive and design a print advertisement for your favorite brand
3. Design a poster that raises awareness for a social issue, e.g., social justice or mental health issues
4. Tell us a story using technology in an interesting way in two minutes or less
5. Pick one subject or object, and illustrate it in three different ways

OR

Option 2: Include a link to your portfolio website or Behance link that showcases your creative work.
Note: Be sure to post the correct links to your Portfolio on the Cougar App portal. Please also ensure the link security is open to the public.

Optional Addition: Submit a link to a social media account that gives the faculty review committee a better understanding of your interests.

Architecture

• Upload a minimum of 10 individual pieces of creative work and no more than 12 will be accepted into the review. All images must be in the individual file uploads; please do not combine multiple items into a single file unless you are displaying the details of one individual work or a sketchbook.
• Your best work should display your creative thinking and skill in basic design and drawing. Select examples in a variety of media and subject matter.
• You may include items created on your own or while in school. All items shown must be your own, original creative work.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE LABEL AND IDENTIFY EACH ITEM IN YOUR PORTFOLIO

Graphic Design
(Select option 1 or 2)

Option 1:

• Create a video recording of yourself explaining your reasons for pursuing a degree in Graphic Design at Kean University. The duration of the video should be between 60 to 120 seconds.
• Upload at least ten different works that demonstrate your proficiency in various mediums and design programs.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE LABEL AND IDENTIFY EACH ITEM IN YOUR PORTFOLIO. 

OR

Option 2: 

• Include a link to your portfolio website or Behance link that showcases your creative work.
  Note: Be sure to post the correct links to your Portfolio on the Cougar App portal. Please also ensure the link security is open to the public.

Optional Addition: Submit a link to a social media account that gives the faculty review committee a better understanding of your interests.

Industrial Design

• A minimum of 10 individual pieces of creative work and no more than 12 will be accepted into the review. All images must be in the individual file uploads; please do not combine multiple items into a single file unless you are displaying the details of one individual work or a sketchbook.
• Your best work should display your creative thinking and skill in basic design and drawing. Select examples in a variety of media and subject matter.
• You may include items created on your own or while in school. All items shown must be your own, original creative work.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE LABEL AND IDENTIFY EACH ITEM IN YOUR PORTFOLIO

Interior Design

• Upload a video recording of yourself explaining your reasons for pursuing a degree in Interior Design, and specifically why you want to do so at Kean University. The duration of the video should be between 60 to 120 seconds. NOTE: Submissions without a video will not be accepted. This is true even if your website or exterior link contains a video.
• Upload a minimum of 10 individual pieces of creative work and a maximum 12. All images must be individual file uploads; please do not combine multiple items into a single file unless you are displaying the details of one individual work or a sketchbook. If you have an online portfolio, you may provide a link to a page, but the requirements will remain as is. Note: Use of artificial intelligence (AI) in any shape or form for this submission will result in immediate rejection.

IMPORTANT: PLEASE LABEL AND IDENTIFY EACH ITEM IN YOUR PORTFOLIO

• What was used to create the piece (pencil, ink, paint, etc.)?
• What was the piece created on (paper, canvas, wood, etc)?
• When was the piece created?
• Why did you create it (was it a school assignment, did you do this for the fun of it, etc.)?
• If it was a school assignment, what class was it for and what was the assignment?
• If you did it for yourself, what inspired you to do so?
• How did you feel about it when it was finished? Did you think it was successful? Why or why not?

Helpful Hints

• Your best work should display your creative thinking and skill in basic design and artistry. Select examples in a variety of media and subject matter.
• You may include items created on your own or while in school (no earlier than high school). All items shown must be your own, original creative work.
• Please show only one work at a time. Do not try to combine multiple images or drawings onto one slide.
• Each piece should be described in the notes section, not on the slide itself. It is preferable to see your work as large as possible (text on the slide takes up too much space)
• Each piece should be presented in the correct orientation – not sideways, and certainly not upside-down.
• When photographing your work, choose a blank background or something that will not be distracting. Make sure there are no shadows obscuring your work; natural daylight is best.
• For 2-dimensional work, each photo or scan should be rectangular, meaning the camera should be held perpendicularly to the work; otherwise, your photo will be distorted.

Choose your slides based on the following criteria:

• Creativity: Include work that is your best and shows how unique and creative you are. If a piece you did was for a school assignment, state in the caption how you approached the solution differently than everyone else.
• Diversity: Show that you can work in multiple media. For example, you may be good at pencil drawing, but your whole portfolio should not be only pencil drawings. If need be, create new works specifically to show that you can create using different kinds of materials and methods.
• Maturity: If you are applying to design school, you are applying to become a professional problem solver. Does your creative work show that you are ready to be a professional? Does it show that you can solve problems?
• Overall Quality: Choose only the work that represents the best version of you. The level of craftsmanship of each piece should be of the highest quality, and the presentation of each piece should be thoughtful, as well.

 Examples of acceptable work can include but are not limited to:

• Pencil, pen, charcoal, etc. drawing
• Painting
• Ceramics
• Sculpture
• Jewelry
• Fashion (sketches or actual clothing)
• Before and after photographs of any home projects you have completed
• Graphic design
• Industrial (product) design
• Architectural drawings
• Interior drawings
• Computer-generated design projects using AutoCAD, Revit, Sketchup, or Rhino are acceptable

 Examples of unacceptable work include but are not limited to:

• Digital photography
• Re-creations of existing characters (for example: Disney, manga, or anime characters)
• Interior or architectural drawings created by an app not listed in the previous section
• Anything from a video game

Applicants are admitted to Kean University on the basis of academic and personal qualifications. Applicants are carefully considered in light of their secondary-school record (both academic and personal), their performance on a scholastic aptitude test, and the university's estimation of their potential as a student. In addition to the requirements for admission to Kean University, the Theatre Conservatory requires a review, which is described below.

Instructions for applying to Theatre:

Apply to Kean University at http://apply.kean.edu. Upon having your application completed and reviewed by Admissions, you will receive an invitation to schedule an audition. All theatre degree programs require either an audition or a portfolio review. Portfolios are to be submitted digitally via the Kean University Application Portal. Common Application students will receive an email with instructions to create an account in order to access their profile and submit their portfolio.

AUDITION and PORTFOLIO requirements:

Your application asks that you select an intended major, the major you hope to pursue at Kean. Though you may indicate an interest in a particular degree program in theatre, you are not admitted to that major until your application, audition/portfolio has been successfully reviewed. It is possible you will be admitted to a different degree program in theatre or recommended for selection of another major. Once reviewed by the theatre faculty and Kean admissions staff, you will receive notification.

For BA and BFA Actors

Prepare two contrasting monologues or a monologue and contrasting song not exceeding a total of four minutes. 

For BA and BFA Designers/Technicians/Stage Managers/Generalists 

Prepare a portfolio with samples of artwork, design projects, production photos, etc. Include labels and be ready to provide commentary regarding the significance of each item.

For BA Theatre Educators

Those seeking the  P-12 theatre teacher certification, select either an audition or a portfolio to present to the faculty at the department interview.

Interview Questions:

After your audition or portfolio review date has been confirmed, you will receive an email with questions for you to prepare as part of an interview process. The interview is generally about 5-6 minutes long, and follows your audition or portfolio review. We want to get to know you.

Writing Sample, Drawing Sample:

Prior to your audition, you will be given a writing assignment, to be completed in the 15 minutes or so available. A rubric with the criteria for the evaluation of the writing will be sent to you ahead of time for your review. The writing sample is to assist us in determining your readiness for college level research and writing in theatre. In addition to the writing sample, the design and technology applicants will be asked to complete drawing samples.

Out of State Students:

Those who live outside New Jersey can submit a virtual audition via the Kean University Application portal. If creating a Kean Application, you can upload while working on your application or after submission. Portfolios are to be submitted digitally via the Kean University Application Portal. Common Application students will receive an email with instructions to create an account in order to access their profile and submit their portfolio.

Current Kean Studnets:

Current Kean students seeking to change their major to Theatre must audition in person. 

For audition dates and times, please call the Theatre Conservatory at (908) 737-4420.

Instructions for applying to Music:

Apply to Kean University at http://apply.kean.edu. Upon having your application completed and reviewed by Admissions, you will receive an invitation to schedule an audition. All music degree programs require either an audition or a portfolio review. Portfolios are to be submitted digitally via the Kean University Application Portal. Common Application students will receive an email with instructions to create an account in order to access their profile and submit their portfolio.

All candidates are advised to complete their application and audition prior to the March 1 deadline if they wish to be considered for scholarships and other financial assistance. For more information contact the Music Department at music@kean.edu or (908) 737-4330.

Audition Requirements:

Music Theory Placement Test

All entering music majors must take a theory placement exam to determine their level of music theory and sight singing/ear training competency.

Piano Placement Test

All entering music majors must take a piano exam to determine the level of class piano in which they should enroll.

Music History Placement Test

All entering music majors wishing to test out of music history/survey must take a placement test.

Admissions requirements:

Portfolios are to be submitted digitally via the Kean University Application Portal. Common Application students will receive an email with instructions to create an account in order to access their profile and submit their portfolio.

Art Education

Freshman and transfer students applying for our Art Education programs are required to submit the following:

• An Academic Writing Sample (a formal paper written for an academic course)
• An Art Portfolio (Artwork containing 12-15 images, at least eight of which demonstrate freehand drawing and painting)
• An Interview with Program Coordinator upon request

* Admission to this program is competitive and requires application materials in addition to those required by the University. Interested individuals are strongly advised to schedule an appointment with Dr. Irina Nikitovic, stanici@kean.edu.

Studio Art (B.F.A)

Freshman and transfer students applying for our Fine Arts BFA programs are required to submit the following:

• A portfolio of 10-15 samples of their work including sketches, observational drawing and works in color. Three-dimensional work, photographs, prints, digital work or mixed media may also be included.

* Admission to this program is competitive and requires application materials in addition to those required by the University. Please direct any questions to Jennifer Crupi at: jcrupi@kean.edu.

**Students who are accepted into this degree program at the time of the portfolio review are given “provisional” status. Provisional B.F.A. majors must maintain a 3.0 GPA in Fine Arts and Art History courses. After completion of at least 30 s.h. in Fine Arts and Art History courses, all provisional B.F.A. majors must successfully complete a second portfolio review process in order to attain “fully admitted” status.

View special requirements