Applying to the Georgia State College of the Arts (COTA) is a little different from applying to a traditional college or university.
Select Your School
At the College of the Arts, you apply for admission to a specific program at one of our three schools. Each school has its own supplemental admissions steps and school-specific requirements. Select the school you are interested in on the right and click on the degree level to learn more about supplementary application materials and how to prepare for admission.
Ernest G. Welch
School of Art & Design
The school is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design and offers opportunities to shape culture through the practice and study of the arts. Our accomplished faculty trains students for creative work and scholarship through a rigorous curriculum in fine art, design, art history and art education. We offer an accessible and transformative education to one of nation’s most diverse student populations
School of Film, Media, & Theatre
The school is the largest film and media program in Atlanta, the third largest media capital in America. It is also in the heart of a booming film and television industry, giving students access and experience to navigate the demands of a fast-changing and competitive film, media and theatre world.
School of Music
The school enrolls about 450 students representing six countries and 21 states. The academic mission to preserve, promote and advance humanity’s rich and expanding tradition of artistic music-making through performance, composition, education and research provides a unique experience in downtown Atlanta.
Get Financial Aid
Georgia State is proud to offer financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants and work-study jobs. For undergraduate and graduate students, we offer both need-based and merit-based aid.
We encourage all students to apply for financial aid and to do it early. Most financial aid at Georgia State is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Returning students must re-apply for financial aid each year.