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Graduate Admissions

Application and Admission

To qualify for application to the program applicants should have completed a Master's Degree or its equivalent in a discipline or field related to the proposed doctoral work. In addition to a portfolio of their artistic work, applicants must submit as Personal Statement a substantial and detailed digital, experimental arts project proposal (more information following). All students will be expected to show competence in computing, general technology literacy, and skill and imagination in their areas of interest.

The University of Washington Graduate School is committed to enhancing the intellectual and social enrichment of the University community and to preparing our graduate students to become leaders, innovators and responsible community, state, and global citizens. The University actively seeks and welcomes students with diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Applying to the UW Graduate School

Read the information regarding the Graduate School's Admission Requirements (GRE not required for DXARTS).

Apply to the Graduate School using their Online Application Process. If you have a problem doing this contact DXARTS for assistance.

Choose the application "University of Washington - Graduate School" from the drop-down menu, and click the "Create Application" button.  You will be prompted to enter your profile information, contact information, and academic history (a copy of an unofficial transcript from each of the collegiate institutions you have attended).

Under the "Program Selection" tab search our program by selecting:

  • Narrow Your Search - "by campus"
  • Filter Campus - "Seattle"
  • Select Program (drop down menu): "Digital Arts and Experimental Media (PhD)"
  • Concurrent Application (required): Y/N

Then click the "Save and Continue" button

Required application materials (uploaded to the online application):

  • A complete Curriculum Vitae and Personal History Statement. In this section provide a statement describing how experiences within your personal history (family, educational, cultural, and economic background) have influenced your intellectual development, interests, career plans, and goals. Please note that this is not an academic “Personal Statement,” but rather an opportunity to reflect on your intellectual growth and development, both inclusive of and beyond your academic goals. Responses should be no more than two pages in length.
  • Personal Statement in the form of a detailed experimental arts project proposal, such as might be submitted to an arts commissioning panel, and that demonstrates your level of academic maturity. The proposal should include a full description of the project with diagrams, timelines, collaborative partners, hypothetical or actual), and a proposed budget. The purpose of this proposal is to demonstrate the level of intellectual independence and comprehensive understanding achieved at the time of application to the program. The student will not be required or expected carry out the proposed project, it is for diagnostic purposes only. However, once admitted, the student may choose to pursue the project as part of their studies if approved by the faculty.
  • Three letters of recommendation from instructors or professors familiar with your academic qualifications. The Graduate School application will prompt you to have these letters submitted directly from your referees through an online process. It is not necessary to have separate physical copies of the recommendations sent directly to the department.
  • An online portfolio of your artistic work including any extra documentation that can help the admissions committee make their evaluations. Please include the URL to your online portfolio with your application materials.
  • International students must meet the English Proficiency for TAs found here.  The DXARTS program requires non-native English speakers to submit either official TOEFL or IELTS scores. These requirements different from the minimum requirements established by the UW Graduate School. Non-native English speakers who do not submit either official TOEFL or IETLS scores will not be considered for admission.

Please note the submission Deadlines.

Application Deadline

All materials must be received by February 8 to be considered for admission to the DXARTS Ph.D. Program in Autumn Quarter of that year.

If you are accepted into the DXARTS PhD program

Official transcripts from your Master's program will be requested by the UW's Graduate School.  Please make sure that you follow the instructions for the preferred delivery method here:

https://grad.uw.edu/prospective-students/how-to-apply/requirements/official-transcript-requirements/

Do not send official transcripts to the department.

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