Special Requirements to Apply for an Arts Program at UMBC
If you’re interested in studying music, visual arts, theatre, or dance at UMBC, please note that there may be some additional steps for entry into the program, ranging from additional applications to portfolio submission and live auditions.
Applying as a Music Major?
How to be considered for a music major:
- Be sure to select jazz studies, music composition, music teaching and learning, music performance, or music technology as your major when you complete your Common App for UMBC.
- Students who are applying for a B.A. degree in music are required to audition and may schedule through the department.
Note that first-year students applying to UMBC for Early Action are advised to upload their audition materials in November or January.
Applying as a Visual Arts Major?
How to be considered for a visual arts major:
- Be sure to select visual arts or design as your major when you complete your Common App for UMBC.
- If you plan to major in visual arts with a studio concentration (animation, graphic design, photography and cinema, print and intermedia, or visual & media arts) you must submit a portfolio.
Note that first-year students applying to UMBC for Early Action are advised to upload their portfolio materials in October or January.
Applying as a Theatre Major?
How to be considered for a theatre or acting major:
- Be sure to select theatre or acting as your major when you complete your Common App for UMBC.
- Students who are applying for the B.F.A. degree program in acting are required to audition.
- Students who are applying for the B.A. degree in theatre have no audition requirement, however, a portfolio and interview process is available for scholarship consideration.
Note that first-year students applying to UMBC for Early Action are advised to schedule their auditions in November or January.
Applying as a Dance Major?
How to be considered for a dance major:
- Be sure to select dance as your major when you complete your Common App for UMBC.
- Class placement and scholarship auditions for incoming first-year and transfer dance majors entering UMBC will take place in-person on UMBC’s campus.
Note that first-year students applying to UMBC for Early Action are advised to schedule their audition in January.
Applicants interested in auditioning for the Linehan Artist Scholars program, or other talent-based arts scholarships, are required to audition in November or January.
Ready to Apply to the Linehan Artist Scholars Program?
- Step 1: Complete your first-year application to UMBC by November 1 as a dance, music, theatre, or visual arts major.
- Step 2: Be aware of audition and portfolio review requirements and associated November through January deadlines. See individual program information above for details.
- Step 3: The deadline to apply for the Linehan Artist Scholars Program is January 15, 2026.
- The Linehan application will require that you have your UMBC Campus ID which will be sent within two business days of submitting your Common Application to UMBC.