Admissions
We present a unique opportunity to balance a rigorous conservatory-style education with a liberal arts foundation.
Applying and Auditioning
Undergraduate and Graduate applicants to the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts apply through the Office of Admissions and must meet the standards of admission to Howard University. At the Boseman College of Fine Arts, what we do is serious. This is professional study. It’s intense, it’s real, and it’s not for everyone. But, if you’re ready to dive into your artistry, open yourself and your mind to new thoughts and approaches, embrace innovation, and experience an education that will prepare you for your career and a life in the arts and in the world, this is the place for you. Today more than ever, the world needs Artists who are Aesthetic/Cultural Activists!
Undergraduate
Applying to Department of Art Programs
To be admitted into the Department of Art, applicants must present a combined SAT score of 910 and a portfolio containing twelve digital images of original work. Art History students may submit copies of graded research papers. Portfolios should be addressed to the Chairperson of the Department of Art and must contain sufficient stamps for return postage.
To apply to the Howard University Department of Art, start by visiting the Howard University Admission website. After this, you will need to submit a visual arts portfolio. For more information, please visit the Department of Art website.
Applying to Department of Music Programs
In order to be considered for admission to the Department of Music undergraduate program, all applicants must apply to Howard University using the Common Application and satisfy all Howard University academic requirements. In addition to being accepted to the University, all new applicants to the Department of Music must present a successful audition and interview in order to be admitted to the Department.
Former students who have not been enrolled in the Department for two or more consecutive semesters must re-audition. For more information, please visit the Department of Music website.
Applying to Department of Theatre Arts Programs
All incoming first year undergraduate applicants must apply to Howard University via the Common Application. Students interested in one of our major concentrations must apply under the Early Action or Early Decision admission plan. Under either of these plans, your Common Application must be submitted by November 1, and all supporting documents (test scores, letters of recommendation, and so forth) must be submitted by November 15.
The Office of Admission notifies early applicants with complete admission files of their admission decision in mid-December. If accepted by the university, students can then audition/interview for their preferred Theatre Arts performance concentration (Acting, Dance, and Musical Theatre) or submit a portfolio of their work and participate in a personal interview (Theatre Administration, and Theatre Technology). For more information, please visit the Department of Theatre Arts website.
Graduate
Applying to the Department of Art M.F.A Program
Students applying for acceptance into the Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) program must have a cumulative minimum GPA of 3.0 for admission into the program. Applicants with a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 may be admitted on a provisional basis and may be required to take one or two undergraduate courses without credit towards the M.F.A. degree. To remove the provisional status, students must receive a satisfactory report from the instructor of such courses and must obtain a GPA average of 3.0 or better in their first semester at Howard. Failure to obtain the required GPA will result in automatic suspension of the student from the graduate program.
Learn more at the Department of Art website.
Applying to the Department of Music M.M. Program
The graduate music curricula are designed to be completed in two years of full-time, fall-and-spring-semester study offering a Master of Music (M.M.). A rigorous program of coursework, performance instruction and ensemble participation creates exceptional professional musicians of the highest caliber. Applicants for graduate study who are admitted on the basis of having presented acceptable credentials and results of entrance testing are classified into one of five categories: graduate standing, conditional, special and non-degree, provisional, or transient.
Learn more about our graduate programs in Music Education, Jazz Studies and Performance at the Department of Music website.