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Admission to the Dynamic Media Institute is extremely competitive. Small and personalized by design, we enroll just 8 to 10 students annually. Our goal is to build a community of passionate students committed to rigorous study, original research, far-reaching experimentation, and, crucially, to the support of their peers. 

Who should apply to DMI? Anyone with a passion for exploring the potential of dynamic media in communication design. Candidates have varying educational backgrounds and work experiences. DMI counts graphic designers, programmers, industrial designers, architects, journalists, social scientists, biologists, dancers, and writers among its graduates. We believe that diversity enriches our program and, in turn, the dynamic media field as a whole.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the program are expected to have an undergraduate degree and at least two years of professional experience related to design practice. All applicants are required to submit the following: 

1. Portfolio. There’s no magic formula for a portfolio. Your portfolio should accurately reflect you — your work, your experience, and your interests. We welcome a balanced mix of professional, personal, and experimental projects in just about any form from interface to sound to video to installation.  
2. Personal Statement. Why DMI? What about dynamic media most interests you? What do you hope to accomplish in graduate school? Where do you see yourself in ten years? Your personal statement should answer these questions among others. 
3. Letters of Recommendation. Letters of recommendation reveal how others view you and your work. Consider letters from professors, managers, clients, and colleagues. 
4. Transcripts. Include transcripts from all undergraduate and previous graduate institutions. 
5. English Proficiency. Graduate study demands competency in English writing, reading and conversation at an advanced level. Applicants whose first language is not English must present TOEFL scores of 223 (computer test); 563 (paper test); or 85 total with minimum scores of 21 reading, 19 listening, 23 speaking, and 22 writing (internet-based test). For applicants taking the IELTS test, a score of 6.5 is required.

Application to all MassArt’s graduate programs is online, including portfolio submissions.

Application Process

Each application is carefully reviewed by a panel of DMI faculty. The panel tries to be flexible, using both objective and subjective criteria with emphasis on your portfolio, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and the ability to articulate your interests, influences, and methods of practice.

A small group of finalists are invited to interview, preferably in person, with faculty, administration, and current DMI students. Interviews provide the opportunity to learn more about you, your work, and your educational goals. 

Finally, DMI faculty and MassArt Graduate Program administrators work together to select a group of students who can bring varied and complimentary experiences, backgrounds, and skills to the program. 

Graduate Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid

For the latest information on graduate tuition, financial aid, assistantships, and living expenses please visit the MassArt web site by clicking here.

For More Information

For more information about applying to DMI, tuition, fees, or to schedule a visit, please contact Lauren O’Neil, Assistant Director of Graduate Admissions at loneill@massart.edu or at (617) 879-7203.