University of North Carolina School of the Arts
Test-Optional
Program
Prescreen RequiredNo AuditionInterview RequiredIn-Person or VirtualSelectiveUnder 12 StudentsUniversity App Required
Program Characteristics
Prescreen Required
No Audition
Interview Required
Selective
Under 12 Students
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM DISTINCTION
•One of only a handful of schools in the nation offering an undergraduate Wig & Makeup Design concentration
•92% job placement rate within one month of graduation
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•Industry-standard materials and techniques from professors at the top of their field
•Covers all areas: design, wig making, period hairstyling, makeup techniques, mold making and prosthetic arts
•First two years include exposure to costume, scenic and lighting technology plus drawing, color and design, hair and makeup history
•Third-fourth years: advanced wig and makeup technology, prosthetics, special effects makeup, and leadership roles as department heads on productions
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
•Hands-on work in fully staged student-driven productions within drama, dance, film and opera
•Students serve as Assistants to Wig and Makeup Designers, Wig Masters and Heads of Department
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Amelia Bay — Assistant Hair and Makeup Supervisor for The Book of Mormon on Broadway, also worked on Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, Sunset Boulevard, Jersey Boys
•Michael Ferguson — Hair and Makeup Department Head for Grey House on Broadway
•Amelia Brown and Harley Haberman — wig and makeup team for Broadway's Camelot
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early ApplicationNov 3, 2025
Final ApplicationJan 15, 2026
Program AppApplication
Deadlines
Early ApplicationNov 3, 2025
Regular ApplicationJan 15, 2026
Prescreen DeadlineJan 31, 2026
Auditions
On-Campus InterviewNov 7, 2025
Virtual Interview (Zoom)Nov 20, 2025
On-Campus InterviewDec 5, 2025
Virtual Interview (Zoom)Dec 9, 2025
Prescreen Requirements
•PORTFOLIO:
-Images of realized makeups and hair styling, on yourself or models
-Wig work, including own-hair, and styled, altered, or constructed wigs/hairpieces
-Prosthetic/FX work, including 2D, 3D, moulage, sculpting, mold-making, and any realized looks/characters
-Any design work, including sketches, renderings, and realized production images
-Any examples of creativity and craftsmanship, such as drawing, painting, costuming, props, and ceramics
Good to Know
APPLICATION STATUS
•Wig & Makeup Design program closed as of January 31, 2026
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
•Application fee: $95 (domestic) / $130 (international)
•Fee waivers available via SAT, ACT, or NACAC Fee Waiver Request
•If applying to two UNCSA art schools, a second application and fee are required
EARLY APPLICATION
•Submit all materials by November 3, 2025 and complete interview by December 5, 2025 for early decision
What's The Process
PRESCREEN
•Applicants are prescreened — faculty offers or declines interviews based on submitted application and required materials
INTERVIEW PROCESS
•After completing application, applicants receive information about scheduling required faculty interview
•Interviews scheduled on first-to-apply, first-to-schedule basis — slots are limited
•Applicants should be prepared to discuss their portfolio at interview
•On-campus: prepare to be on UNCSA campus from 12:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
VIRTUAL OPTION
•Virtual interviews available via Zoom
•Virtual Q&A session required: December 2, 2025 (3–4 p.m. EST)
•Admission decisions based on both artistic and academic merit
Program info updated 5h ago
PROGRAM DISTINCTION
•One of only a handful of schools in the nation offering an undergraduate Wig & Makeup Design concentration
•92% job placement rate within one month of graduation
TRAINING & CURRICULUM
•Industry-standard materials and techniques from professors at the top of their field
•Covers all areas: design, wig making, period hairstyling, makeup techniques, mold making and prosthetic arts
•First two years include exposure to costume, scenic and lighting technology plus drawing, color and design, hair and makeup history
•Third-fourth years: advanced wig and makeup technology, prosthetics, special effects makeup, and leadership roles as department heads on productions
PRODUCTION EXPERIENCE
•Hands-on work in fully staged student-driven productions within drama, dance, film and opera
•Students serve as Assistants to Wig and Makeup Designers, Wig Masters and Heads of Department
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Amelia Bay — Assistant Hair and Makeup Supervisor for The Book of Mormon on Broadway, also worked on Phantom of the Opera, Aladdin, Sunset Boulevard, Jersey Boys
•Michael Ferguson — Hair and Makeup Department Head for Grey House on Broadway
•Amelia Brown and Harley Haberman — wig and makeup team for Broadway's Camelot
Updated 5h ago
Academic School Information
3.60
Avg GPA (W)
30%
Admit Rate
78%
Grad Rate
945
Enrollment
$38,357
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$9,477
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$27,211
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$14,906
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$3,165
Family Income $30k - $48k$7,828
Family Income $48k - $75k$11,491
Family Income $75k - $110k$20,173
Family Income $110k+$25,172
