How To Apply
The Master’s in Branding is a one-year graduate degree program beginning in September and concluding in July. We are still accepting applications for Fall 2025 intake. Only a few select seats remain!
We accept 25-30 students each year and applications submitted after the deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
In order to apply, applicants must complete the online application form and submit the non-refundable $80 application fee.
The following application materials are required:
All Graduate applicants are required to complete the online application form and submit the non-refundable $80 application fee using a credit card.
Official Transcripts are required from each college or university attended.
To be considered, official transcripts must be submitted in an unopened envelope that is stamped and sealed by the college registrar of the issuing institution.
Transcripts should be mailed or delivered by the applicant or university to the Graduate Admissions Office.
The School of Visual Arts now accepts secure electronic transcripts from Parchment, National Student Clearinghouse, and Scrip-Safe. Check with the registrar's office at your institution to see if your school is a member.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please be sure that all electronic transcript submissions are directed to 'Graduate Admissions' at gradadmissions@sva.edu.
Transcripts from foreign institutions must be officially translated into English and U.S. grading equivalencies.
Applicants who have attended institutions outside of the United States must prove that their educational background is equivalent to the U.S. Bachelor’s degree. Transcripts must be evaluated by ECE or WES.
In addition to the general application requirements, international applicants whose primary/native language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in written and spoken English. The following are acceptable ways to demonstrate English proficiency:
A minimum score of 70 (internet-based or paper-delivered) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
- The CEEB code for the School of Visual Arts is 2835. This is the code that must be supplied to ETS in order to have TOEFL scores mailed to SVA.
- PLEASE NOTE this means a composite score for a single test date. We are not accepting MyBEST TOEFL scores.
A minimum score of 6.5 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- IELTS is jointly managed by University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL), British Council and IDP Education Australia: IELTS Australia.
A minimum score of 6 in all categories of the English proficiency examination administered by the New York University American Language Institute in New York.
- For information on taking the NYU test, call 212.998.7040.
A minimum score of 53 on the Pearson PTE Academic. For more information on taking the PTE, visit pearsonpte.com
This requirement may be waived for native English speakers who are citizens of any of the following countries and attend schools where English is the primary language of instruction: England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, India, South Africa and Common Wealth Caribbean (Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago).
SVA will consider waiving the English proficiency exam requirement for students who have earned a degree at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university. Students seeking this waiver must submit a written request with their application materials.
Applicants are required to submit a typed analysis (750 words) critiquing a brand of their choice. Subject matter should include the following: Relevance in the market; Historical significance (if any); Assessment of the brand’s positioning; Creative analysis.
A 500-750 word written statement of intent outlining why you would like to receive this degree, what you hope to achieve during your course of study and what the concept of “branding” means to you.
Applicants must submit a resume which should include professional experience as well as related activities, such as research, awards, and exhibitions.
Three letters of recommendation from instructors or practicing professionals. Letters of recommendation can be uploaded through the online application portal, emailed by the recommender to Graduate Admission gradadmissions@sva.edu or mailed to the Graduate Admissions' office at 209 E. 23rd Street, NY, NY, 10010.
Once your application has been processed you will be notified if an interview is required. Please note that not all applicants are interviewed.
The following items are optional but highly encouraged to supplement your application:
Any other items outlining the applicant's expertise in this discipline will be accepted but not required, including any or all of the following:
- Brand strategy, positioning proposals, or white papers.
- Any branding work currently in the market that you have contributed to with a statement outlining the challenge, your participation and a rationale for the result.
- A creative portfolio is not required for this program but will be reviewed if submitted.
Supplemental materials, such as a PDF portfolio, can be emailed to the Branding Department branding@sva.edu.
Due to the high volume of application materials the Graduate Admissions Office receives, it can take up to 3 weeks for your submitted materials to be marked as Approved in the application portal checklist.
If you are experiencing difficulty uploading your materials via the online application, please email your materials to Graduate Admissions and include your full name and date of birth in the email.
For further application and program information, please visit the specific links below.