Frequently Asked Questions

How can I learn about events and performances that are currently taking place at Mason Gross?

To learn about current events and performances at Mason Gross, please visit the following link: http://www.masongross.rutgers.edu/calendar/calendar.html

What are the majors and specializations available in each Mason Gross undergraduate department?

Dance: Modern Dance

Music: Classical Performance, Jazz Studies, Music Education

Theater Arts: Acting, Design (Costume, Lighting, Scenic Design), Production and Management Specialties (Stage Management, Technical Direction, Costume Technology)

Visual Arts: Ceramics, Film, Graphic Design, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Video

Are minors available within each department?

Dance: no; Music: yes; Theater Arts: yes; Visual Arts: no

What combinations of majors and minors are allowed at Mason Gross?

All Mason Gross students may choose a minor or a second major in any liberal arts area at Rutgers University; Mason Gross students may not choose a minor or a second major in another Mason Gross department.

Which Mason Gross courses are available to the general Rutgers student body?

There are a select number of courses in each department that are available to the general student population. Please see the relevant course schedules for a listing of these.

How can I be involved in the study of Music if I am not a Music major?

Participation in music ensembles is encouraged. Enrollment is
determined by auditions the first week of school. Private lessons are
limited but will be determined through audition the first week of
school. Go to music.rutgers.edu and click on ensembles for information.

How do I go about applying to Mason Gross School of the Arts and to Rutgers University?

All applicants must use the standard Rutgers University application form, which is available at http://admissions.rutgers.edu/0201.asp. There is also a $60 university application fee.

What is the minimum SAT requirement for admittance to Mason Gross?

Mason Gross has no published SAT minimum requirement; however, SAT scores are taken into consideration when evaluating potential success at Mason Gross and at Rutgers University.

What role do auditions and portfolio reviews play in my application to Mason Gross? When do auditions and portfolio reviews take place?

Auditions are required for students who are seeking to major in Dance, Music and Theater Arts (Acting only – click here to see requirements for other areas in Theater Arts). Visual Arts requires submission of a portfolio, which should include 10-15 pieces of the student’s most recent work. Further information is available using the following link: http://www.masongross.rutgers.edu/admissions/port_arts.html Admission decisions are based on academic and artistic performance.

If I apply to Mason Gross by the Rutgers priority deadline, will I receive an early decision notification?

Because of the audition/portfolio review cycle, it is not possible for Mason Gross to offer early decisions to its applicants.

What opportunities are there to visit the school and the university?

Each department conducts its own tours and information sessions. We encourage you to visit the following websites for more information:

For dance visits, click here

For music visits, click here

For theater arts visits, click here

For visual arts visits, click here

University tours are offered regularly. Further information is available at: http://admissions.rutgers.edu/1101.asp

How can I learn more about financial aid opportunities at Mason Gross and at Rutgers?

Financial aid information is available at the following website: http://studentaid.rutgers.edu

Why is it necessary to affiliate with a residential school at Rutgers? How do I choose my college of affiliation?

Since Mason Gross is a professional school, it does not offer housing or mail services. Therefore, all Mason Gross undergraduates must choose a college of affiliation, at which they will receive housing, dining, and other university services. To learn more about how to choose a college of affiliation, please review the following options:

Cook College:

http://aesop.rutgers.edu/~reslife/

Douglass College:

http://www.douglass.rutgers.edu/services/residencelife.asp

Livingston College:

http://lcreslife.rutgers.edu

Rutgers College:

http://www.rcstudentservice.rutgers.edu/residence.html

If I am admitted, what events are held to help me acclimate to Mason Gross and to Rutgers?

When a student is admitted to Mason Gross, the Dean’s Office will send a congratulatory letter, which will include Spring and Fall orientation dates.

Once admitted, how would I schedule my first semester of classes?

After admittance, all students will be assigned to an advisor, who will help to schedule the first semester of classes.

Who are some well-known alumni/alumnae from Mason Gross?

These can be found through the following website: http://www.masongross.rutgers.edu/alumni/alumni.html

As a non-Mason Gross student, can I participate in Dance and Theater Arts performances of the school?

Only Mason Gross majors can participate in Dance and Theater Arts performances. Non-Mason Gross students can take advantage of the other Dance and Theater Arts offerings available on campus.

Is there a program in Musical Theater?

There is no Musical Theater program at Mason Gross. However, there is a program in Musical Theater offered through Rutgers-Camden.

If I have other questions, to whom should I direct them?

If we haven’t answered all of your questions, please email us at contactus@masongross.rutgers.edu.

For more FAQs for those interested in Music, click here.

For more FAQs for those interested in Visual Arts, click here.