Admissions

Admissions

SMALL.

SMART.

SPIRITED.

Maximize your potential at the Delaware College of Art and Design where you’ll earn an Associates of Fine Arts Degree and gain creative and technical skills (as well as confidence) to design your future.

In two transformative years DCAD offers:

  • Six majors and unlimited possibilities
  • Supportive Faculty of professional artists and designers who will get to know you, your work, and your personal vision
  • A portfolio of work that will enable you to transfer to complete your Bachelors of Fine Arts or jump-start your career

Important dates: DCAD’s merit deadline is May 1st and the application deadline is August 1st.

Explore the Viewbook

Three Steps to Applying

Our application process is as easy as:

1

Complete Online Application

Once you complete your online application, you will be directed to the applicant portal where you can check the status of your DCAD application anytime. Remember, application requirements may take up to two days to process and reflect on the applicant portal.

Apply Today
2

Submit your portfolio

A portfolio review is required if you would like to apply for a merit award scholarship. After you submit your online application, we’d like to get to know you and your work.

You can schedule your virtual review with admissions through email at [email protected] or by phone at 302.622.8000 x219. Alternatively, you can submit your portfolio online via dcad.slideroom.com, or if you have a website or art-based Instagram please include that information on your application.

PORTFOLIO TIPS

  • Include 10 to 15 pieces of original artwork
  • Drawing from life is recommended
  • Work should be completed within the last two years
  • Your portfolio can include any artwork in the media and style of your choice

Online Submissions
3

Forward Your High School Transcripts

All applicants must have received a high school diploma or the equivalent prior to entering DCAD. Official copies of all high school transcripts must be forwarded to the DCAD Admissions Office and must come directly from your High School via mail, email, or Parchment. SAT and ACT scores are not required. Minimum GPA Requirement is 2.0.

Download a Transcript Request Form

The DCAD Campus

Check out this page for a quick overview of our campus. Our admissions department is also available to answer questions you may have. You can also visit our campus!

Visit Us

Open Art Initiative

In 2021 DCAD announced the Open Art Initiative, an effort to ease admission requirements designed to increase access to art education for aspiring artists.

Learn More

We’re here to help!

If you would benefit from rigorous academics, hands-on studio work, and meaningful mentorship from our faculty of practicing, professional artists and designers, we invite you to start here.

Request Information

Info for Accepted Students

Recently accepted to DCAD and wondering what to do next? Visit our accepted students page for more information. 

Accepted Students