As in any academic endeavor, language becomes a principal vehicle for communication. Filmmakers must be familiar with putting a story together and must know how to articulate their desires to their co-workers and actors. Dancers use their bodies for expression, but they need to understand how to take direction. Designers use materials and shape space, but they must be conversant with terminology and American idioms. Scholars must have a fluid grasp of syntax and a far-reaching knowledge of their discipline's canon. Students for whom English is an acquired language must recognize that full proficiency in verbal and written forms plays an important role in their ability to be productive and successful students at Tisch.
To this end the school requires examinations such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as part of the admissions process. Subsequently, once students are matriculated in their degree program, they may engage in auxiliary services to increase their skills. The American Language Institute as well as the Writing Center can complement expository writing courses. Undergraduate students are required to undertake a cycle of three semesters in English writing. Graduate students, depending on the department, may have other requirements.
For detailed information about application requirements for international students, please visit the Tisch Undergraduate Admissions page.
