Temple University requires that all students to the Tyler School of Art programs meet the academic requirements for admission. Temple's admissions process is holistic; we consider every aspect of the student's academic history. For incoming freshmen, we typically accept students with a B-average or better in a strong, college-prep curriculum in Grades 9-12 and in the top 40% of their graduating class. Our average SAT score is 1090. Students who apply are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships and Honors. Recommendations are not required, but they are accepted and considered. An essay is required for the Temple Undergraduate Application. This essay may be copied and submitted to the Tyler Admissions Office as the Statement of Purpose required for students appling to the BFA program. You should also include extra-curricular activities and leadership. Temple does not use Affirmative Action when evaluating undergraduate applicants. The final decision for admission depends on many other factors, including grade trends, the written essay, special talents, leadership qualities, community service and letters of recommendation. The high school academic record is weighted more heavily than standardized test (SAT or ACT) scores.
Transfer students must have at least 15 transferable college credits and a minimum 2.5 GPA to be considered, although the average grade point average of accepted transfers is over a 3.0.
Academic requirements for some programs or majors may be more stringent - contact the Tyler Admissions Office if you have concerns or questions.
Transfer Student Admission Guidelines
In making admissions decisions, we give careful consideration to the quality of your program, the number of credits you have earned and the grade point average you have achieved. A 2.5 cumulative GPA is the minimum considered for most programs of study. The following programs have higher minimum grade point average requirements: Architecture, and all programs with Art Teaching certification K-12.
You must request that all high schools and colleges which you previously attended send official transcripts to the Undergraduate Admissions Office at Temple University by these deadlines. SAT or ACT scores are not required if you have earned at least fifteen college-level credits.
For more information, please visit Undergraduate Admissions.
Graduate Admissions
All applicants to Temple University Graduate programs must have at least a 3.O cumulative grade point average and have completed a baccalaureate degree from a college or university whose accreditation is accepted by the University prior to enrollment. Applicants to the Art History programs must submit official GRE scores; applicants to the MED program must submit official MAT or GRE scores. Applicants to the MFA and MED programs must have completed 40 undergraduate studio credits, and must submit a slide portfolio of original work (see portfolio requirements).
Full-Time/Part-Time Status
Students matriculated in any Tyler main campus program have the option to attend part-time, subject to the academic policy per the departments. Students interested in matriculating in the MED program may also attend part-time. The BFA program requires matriculated students to attend on a full-time basis each semester. The semester load for full-time undergraduate students is a 12-18 credits. Undergraduate students must carry at least 12 credit hours to be classified as full-time. Students who have been full-time for at least four semesters may petition the Associate Dean no later than two months in advance for approval to enroll in the subsequent semester on a part-time basis. All requests for part-time status must be approved by the Associate Dean and the department chair. Part-time status is granted for one semester only. Students who are on academic probation are not eligible for part-time status. If a student is granted part-time status and is then are placed on academic probation, part-time status will be revoked.
