Admissions

Source: https://etc.cmu.edu/admissions Parent: https://etc.cmu.edu/

Ready to Level Up?

We’ll teach you how to build the future.

There’s no program in the world like Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center (ETC). Based at a university already renowned in computer science, engineering, fine arts, and design, the ETC offers an unparalleled education in innovative, interactive media. Our graduates are highly sought-after in their respective industries, whether that’s gaming, film and television, location-based entertainment, software development, artificial intelligence, or something so new it doesn’t have a category yet.

At the ETC, we bring together students from all walks of life and all kinds of fields. What they share is their unique talent and incredible passion.

Application Checklist

In order for you to have completed the application process, the following materials must be submitted:

Completed Online Application

The application process is completed online and submitted electronically. A few tips to keep in mind:

You do not have to complete the online application in one sitting. You can use your assigned PIN and password to access your application as many times as you like before the deadline.
Before proceeding to a new section, we always click the “Save” button. This will prevent you from losing any of your work!
Once you have completed all sections of the online form to your satisfaction, you can click the “Submit” button at the top of the page. You will then be guided through the steps to electronically submit your application to our office.
Please note you can only submit your application once. Applicants are fully responsible for completing and submitting their applications on time and in accordance with the following admissions guidelines.

Current Resume/CV

This should be the most up-to-date version you have — we want to know what you’re up to right now!
Highlight whatever experience you have that’s relevant. While this can include internships or jobs, it can also look like coursework, thesis work or independent study, or personal projects. If it reflects your interest in entertainment technology or highlights your skills, we want to see it.

Completed Essay Questions

In a single document, please respond to all of the essay questions below. Each answer should be no longer than 250 words. Do not use ChatGPT or any other AI tools to generate responses.

What do you think are your strongest skills right now? What skills would you like to learn or grow at the ETC?
The ETC’s curriculum is almost entirely team-based and emphasizes working collaboratively. How has your background prepared you for this? Please give examples, whether that’s from your personal, professional, or educational background.
What are your career goals, and how will the ETC help you achieve them?
Who or what inspires you? This could be a person, a game, a work of art, a scientific discovery or historical moment, etc.

Portfolio And/Or GRE Score

You may choose to submit a GRE test score or a portfolio or both.
If submitting the GRE, all test scores must be reported to the ETC directly through the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Use institution code 2074 and leave the department code blank.
Portfolios should include the work that best demonstrates your skill set. This could be 4-8 examples of traditional or digital artwork, graphic design, writing, coding, etc. Photos and videos are acceptable if necessary to display your work.
If any of your samples are from group projects, please provide a short description that explains what you specifically worked on.
Please note: portfolios must be submitted in the form of a website. You will have an opportunity to submit the URL when completing the online application. Portfolios submitted via Google Drive will not be reviewed.

Three Letters Of Recommendation

These should be from individuals who can attest to your academic or professional qualifications, and must be received by February 1. Recommendation requests are sent automatically via our online application system when you enter the recommender’s name and email in the form.
Recommenders are notified when first added to your online application, and automatic reminders as the deadline approaches.

For International Students: TOEFL, IELTS, Or Duolingo English Test (DET) Scores

If English is not your native language, you are required to submit a language test. \ We accept TOEFL (including the home edition), IELTS, and DET.
Official scores must be submitted directly to the ETC by the appropriate testing agency, whether that’s ETS, IELTS, or Duolingo. Please use our institutional code, 2074, when submitting. Test scores cannot be older than 2 years old.
Minimum Score Requirements
TOEFL Total Score: 92
- Reading Subscore: 23
- Listening Subscore: 23
- Speaking Subscore: 23
- Writing Subscore: 23
IELTS Total Score: 7.5
- Reading Subscore: 7
- Listening Subscore: 7
- Speaking Subscore: 7
- Writing Subscore: 7
Duolingo English Test (DET) Total Score: 130
- Reading Subscore: 130
- Listening Subscore: 130
- Speaking Subscore: 130
- Writing Subscore: 130

Official Undergraduate Transcript

All applicants must submit an official undergraduate transcript. Official means that it must be submitted directly to the ETC by your undergraduate institution. This means that transcripts uploaded by students are not accepted.
Electronic transcripts are preferred and may be sent to etc-admission@andrew.cmu.edu. If your school does not offer an electronic transcript service, you may have it mailed directly to the ETC at the following address:

Admission Department\ Entertainment Technology Center\ 700 Technology Drive\ Pittsburgh, PA 15219 USA - Be advised if you send your transcript to any other CMU address (such as the general CMU mailing address) we will not receive it.

Application Fee

The $75 application fee is payable by credit card and is non-refundable.
Fee waivers are available on request. To apply for one, please email Rebecca Lombardi at rlombardi@cmu.edu with your request and she will provide you with information on how to obtain one.

Review Process

After all items listed have been received by our office, your application will be considered complete. We will accept transcripts, official test scores, and recommendations in advance of your submission of the online application, and will continue to accept them through February 1.

Application Review

The ETC Admission Committee will begin reviewing applications after January 15, and notifications will go out mid-March. If you have questions about your application, please email the Director of Admissions at rlombardi@cmu.edu.

Admission Interview

After your application has been submitted, we will conduct interviews as part of the review process. We will contact you after your application has been submitted to schedule interviews.

The purpose of the interview is to learn more about your background and interests, as well as your desire to attend the ETC. We want to understand your goals for graduate school as well as their career aspirations. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom.

Tuition + Financial Aid

Wondering how ETC fits into your financial picture? We're here with information on tuition, aid, and funding resources designed to support your journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to submit my GRE scores or a portfolio?

Applicants must submit either a portfolio or GRE scores.

In the early days of our program, we assumed that technologists would send us GRE scores, and artists would send us a portfolio. Now, the ETC is attracting such an interesting mix of applicants that it is no longer easy — or necessary! — to categorize our applicants as either technologists or artists.

You should send us anything that will help us evaluate you as a candidate and that best represents your talent, abilities and potential, whether that’s in the form of a portfolio or GRE scores. You are also welcome to send you both if you feel comfortable doing so.

What if I have a non-traditional portfolio?

If you choose to submit a portfolio, it can include graphic design, traditional artwork, music, writing, or any other creative medium. However, we are also open to non-traditional portfolios as well; this could look like a copy of a grant proposal or business plan. In short, we want to see whatever best represents you and the talents that you’ll bring to the ETC.

If you have any questions about what to include in the portfolio, feel free to contact Rebecca Lombardi with any questions.

Do I really have to take a language test?

Yes, we currently accept TOEFL, IELTS, and the Duolingo English Test. For more information on score requirements, please go to the Application Instructions.

Is the ETC a full time program?

The ETC is a two-year program, requiring enrollment in the equivalent of four full-time semesters. There is an optional summer internship. There is project work required each semester, and the completion of the degree program cannot be attained in less than two years.

Can I work while attending the ETC?

Due to the time commitment necessary to complete the program, we strongly discourage students from working outside the department. However, students often work as TAs or in other roles within the ETC.

What are you looking for in a letter of recommendation?

Recommendation letters can come from professors, project directors, employers or anyone who can describe examples of your talent and interesting things you have done. Your recommenders should be able to speak to your passion, enthusiasm, critical thinking and people-skills. Friends and peers should not be your letter writers; we are looking for people who can evaluate your previous work from a supervisory or instructional standpoint.

Remember that you should ask your recommenders for letters early and clearly give them a deadline. We do not send a written request to your recommenders. It is your responsibility to ask them to submit a letter on your behalf.

What exactly is the statement of purpose?

A statement of purpose typically consists of two to three single-spaced pages, and should tell us what interests you most about entertainment technology and share your personal vision for how you plan to make an impact in your chosen field. You should talk about why you’re interested in the field, why you’re interested in the ETC specifically, what you’d like to learn here, what you hope to do after graduation, and what you think you are good (and not so good!) at.

In general, your statement should give the admissions committee a better feel for you as a person and as a candidate. We are looking for a sense of you as a unique individual and how your distinctive experiences, identities, values, and/or views of the world have shaped who you are.

What kind of financial aid do you offer?

The ETC offers a limited number of merit scholarships. All students who apply to the ETC will automatically be considered for these scholarships through the application process. Scholarships will be granted for one year of study and may be renewed for the second year based on academic performance.

Learn More about Tuition & Financial Aid

Is there a way to be put in touch with faculty/current students/alumni?

Yes! We’re always happy to have prospective students reach out to us as part of the application and decision making process. Contact Rebecca Lombardi and give her a brief description of your interests and who you’re looking to talk with, and she can connect you with members of the ETC community from there.

How can I check on my application?

Once you start your application, you will have a link to an online application portal that will allow you to regularly check on what documents have been received and the overall status of your application. Admissions decisions are released via the portal on March 15th.

How can I visit?

We’re always happy to have visitors, but we ask that they contact us in advance to schedule it!

Learn More about Visiting the ETC

Contact Us

Do you have questions about applying to the Master of Entertainment and Technology Degree? We’re here to help guide you through the process.

Entertainment Technology Center

700 Technology Dr. Pittsburgh, PA. 15219