Application Deadlines and Instructions
Online University Application
All applicants must apply online using the University’s application below. Applicants applying to more than one program must submit a separate University application and application fee for each program.
Applications will be reviewed after ALL components, including required supplemental materials have been received (audition, portfolio, statement of purpose, test scores or transcripts).Submit your online Graduate University Application (MA, MAE, MFA, MM, PhD). All applicants are required to submit a $50 application fee. Please use the credit card payment option presented upon application submission for paying your application fee (if paying by check/money order, make payable to VCU).
Official Transcripts & Scores
Collect and send all official (signed and sealed) transcripts from each college/university attended in one envelope to the address below. Please include any required test scores.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Graduate School
Moseley House
1001 Grove Avenue
P.O. Box 843051
Richmond, Virginia 23284-3051
*Applicants whose native language is not English must also submit scores for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) in addition to any other test scores required. The school code for admission testing is 5570; departmental codes for VCU are not necessary. Official test scores must be requested from the appropriate testing agency and reported directly to the Graduate School. An official agency copy must be received by the Graduate School before a final offer of admission can be made.
References
After You Apply
Each application is reviewed by departmental graduate faculty. The decision to admit an applicant is based on a combination of criteria that constitutes the admissions standards of the university. When an admissions decision has been made, you will receive an official written notification of that decision from the dean of the VCU Graduate School. Please be advised that admissions decisions cannot be released over the phone.
To confirm your decision to enroll at VCU, send an e-mail with your program, student number (from admission letter) and term of entry to respondgrad@vcu.edu.
Art Education – MAE
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: Jan. 15, fall entry only
Test Scores
The GRE is required if the applicant’s undergraduate GPA is below 3.0 and should be submitted directly to the Graduate School.
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Statement of Purpose
A formal personal statement (approximately 500 words) indicating the applicant’s interest in graduate study and research. Please also indicate your preferred enrollment as either full-time or part-time, and explain your previous experiences teaching. Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
3 References
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders. References submitted by friends and family will not be considered.
Portfolio
10-15 images of personal or student work. Please show both breadth of media competency as well as depth of ability in at least one area. Write a caption for each work and clearly indicate if it is your work or student work.
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Art History – MA/PhD
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: Jan. 15, fall entry only
Review Dates: Begins Jan. 15
Campus Visits & Interview: Welcomed but not required; PhD applicants are advised to initially correspond via email with faculty members with whom they wish to work. Faculty contact information may be found at http://arts.vcu.edu/arthistory/faculty/full-time-faculty/
Test Score: GRE
Admission Requirements in Detail for Art Historical Studies M.A. and Architectural History M.A:
- B.A. or B.F.A in art history or a related field with a minimum of 21 credits of art history
- GPA of 3.2 or higher on the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
- GRE scores
- 3 references: You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from college instructors who can assess the applicants’ academic preparation and promise will be submitted electronically by recommenders through Slideroom.
- Statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s reasons for seeking a graduate degree, area of intended specialization in art history, and professional goals. The statement of purpose may also include professional experience relevant to the pursuit of a graduate degree in art history. Please submit with your online VCU Graduate School application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
- Writing Sample: undergraduate research paper in art history submitted through Slideroom.
- There is no language requirement for admission, although students should have some language background to prepare them to pass the department language exam. The department does not provide language instruction.
Admission Requirements in Detail for Museum Studies M.A.
Same as above except a minimum of 15 credit hours of undergraduate courses are required and the following letter of reference requirements:
2 references: You will provide the names and contact information for two references from college instructors and 1 reference from a museum professional who has supervised the applicant’s work as a museum intern, employee or volunteer. Letters will be submitted electronically by recommenders through Slideroom.
Admission Requirements in Detail for Art Historical Studies Ph.D.
For applicants with a BA requirements are the same as for admission to the MA in Historical Studies.
For applicants with an MA:
- GPA of 3.8 on all graduate work
- GRE scores
- 3 references: You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from college instructors who can assess the applicants’ academic preparation and promise will be submitted electronically by recommenders through Slideroom.
- Statement of purpose outlining the applicant’s reasons for seeking a PhD, area of intended specialization, prospective major adviser, and professional goals. The statement of purpose may also include professional experience relevant to the pursuit of a graduate degree in art history. Please submit with your online VCU Graduate School application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
- Completed MA thesis or other academic writing sample submitted through Slideroom.
- Applicants are advised to correspond with faculty members with whom they wish to work.
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Design, Visual Communications – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: February 1, fall entry only.
Review Dates: February 4 – February 29
Notification of Acceptance: March 3
Financial Assistance: Limited number of Graduate Teaching Assistantships, awarded on merit with all applicants considered. Criteria include quality of application, design experience, perceived abilities to contribute to the department’s goals in education and research.
Interview: The department will contact selected applicants regarding the interview (may be via telephone).
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Statement of Purpose
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
3 References
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.
Portfolio
20 submissions
Please include the year, client or class for which this work was created and the type of project.
Design, Interior Environments – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: February 1, fall entry only.
Interview: Recommended
Campus Visits: Recommended
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Statement of Purpose
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
Writing Sample
This should be a 3-5 page (minimum) sample of academic writing.
3 References
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.
Portfolio - Only required for students who already have art related degrees.
15 submissions
This portfolio should contain images of design projects that exemplify awareness, understanding, and competency in creative design, graphic skills, and technical ability.
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Fine Arts, Ceramics – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: January 15, fall entry only.
Review Dates: Begins March 15
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Statement of Purpose
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
References
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.
Portfolio
20 submissions
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Fine Arts, Fiber – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: January 15, fall entry only.
Review Dates: Begins March 15
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Statement of Purpose
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
References
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.
Portfolio
20 submissions
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Fine Arts, Furniture Design – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: January 15, fall entry only.
Review Dates: Begins March 15
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Statement of Purpose
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
References
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.
Portfolio
20 submissions
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Fine Arts, Glassworking – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: January 15, fall entry only.
Review Dates: Begins March 15
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Statement of Purpose
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
References
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.
Portfolio
20 submissions
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Fine Arts, Jewelry/Metalworking – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: January 15, fall entry only.
Review Dates: Begins March 15
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Statement of Purpose
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
References
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.
Portfolio
20 submissions
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Fine Arts, Kinetic Imaging – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: January 15, fall entry only.
Review Dates: Begins January 15
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Statement of Purpose
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
3 References
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.
Portfolio
12-20 images/videos of representative work
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Fine Arts, Painting – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: January 15, fall entry only.
Review Dates: Begins January 15
Interview: Applicants selected by the jury as finalists will be interviewed by members of the faculty in February.
Campus Visits: see Department of Painting + Printmaking website for list of scheduled information sessions.
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Artist Statement
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom
3 References
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.
Portfolio
20 images of representative work. Present work chronologically with newest work first and oldest work last. You may submit still and / or moving images. Each video clip will count as a single image. Please include any pertinent information that will assist the jury in understanding the work.
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Fine Arts, Printmaking – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: January 15, fall entry only.
Review Dates: Begins January 15
Interview: Applicants selected by the jury as finalists will be interviewed by members of the faculty in February.
Campus Visits: see Department of Painting + Printmaking website for list of scheduled information sessions.
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Artist Statement
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom
3 References
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.
Portfolio
20 images of representative work. Present work chronologically with newest work first and oldest work last. You may submit still and / or moving images. Each video clip will count as a single image. Please include any pertinent information that will assist the jury in understanding the work.
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Fine Arts, Photography and Film – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: January 15, fall entry only.
Review Dates: Begins January 15
Interview: The admissions process is highly selective and requires a personal interview on campus or by phone for those candidates who have been recommended as finalists for consideration of acceptance. During the personal interview, graduate faculty will determine if your interests, experience, and abilities would be best served by the Photography and Film MFA program. At the same time, an applicant will have an opportunity to ask questions in order to assess the program’s suitability in relation to personal artistic and educational goals.
Other: Acceptance decisions are made in early April. The graduate program requires 36 term hour credits in studio art at the undergraduate level with a minimum of nine term hour credits concentrating in photography or cinematography. However, applicants who do not meet these requirements will be considered.
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Artist Statement
Write a three or four paragraph artist statement that directly places the work being reviewed within the context of contemporary art practice, art history, and critical theory. Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.Portfolio
20 still images; or a minimum of three recent films or videos for which the applicant has had primary responsibility in production; or a combination of still images and short video clips, not to exceed 20.Single media as well as mixed-media and multimedia works may be submitted.Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Fine Arts, Sculpture – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: January 15, fall entry only.
Review Dates: Late January
Undergraduate Preparation: Applicants must have earned an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. Visual Arts applicants should have completed a minimum of 36 semester hour credits in art, and 20 credits of sculpture or related course work at the undergraduate level.
Campus Visits: Arranged via Department
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Artist Statement
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
Documentation List
Complete list of image information (sample). Upload as PDF in Slideroom.
3 References
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.
Portfolio
20 still and/or moving images
Present your work chronologically with the newest work first and the oldest work last. Image are reviewed one at a time. Please include any additional information to help us understand the image.
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Music Education – MM
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: April 1, summer entry only
Entrance Requirements:
- Baccalaureate degree in Music or Music Education from an accredited institution
- Virginia Teaching Certification in PK-12 Music Education (or from a reciprocal state)
Interview: Interview with the Director of Music Education.
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
Please include a cover letter with your resume.
Statement of Purpose
Written statement of personal philosophy of Music Education – this is used to assess thoughtful reflection on larger issues of the profession, ability to express thought in clearly written English and as diagnosis for specific deficiencies in this area. Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
3 References
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders. Must include a letter from someone who has directly observed applicant’s teaching.
Please contact Susan Martin with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Theatre, Costume Design – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: February 15
Review Dates: Begins February 15
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Statement of Purpose
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
Writing Sample
This requirement is usually a research paper (preferably in Theatre) from previous undergraduate or MA coursework.
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.Portfolio
The portfolio should include representative work from studio studies, as well as, realized designs for production. Examples of work demonstrating rendering techniques, as well as, scene painting (for scene designers) should be included.
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Theatre, Pedagogy (Literature or Performance) – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: February 15
Review Dates: Begins February 15
Interview: Required
Audition Type: Required for Performance Pedagogy students.
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Statement of Purpose
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
Writing Sample
This requirement is usually a research paper (preferably in Theatre) from previous undergraduate or MA coursework.
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
Theatre, Stage Design/Technical Theatre – MFA
International applicants should apply one month before the following deadlines to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.
Deadline: February 15
Review Dates: Begins February 15
The following application materials must be submitted through Slideroom.
Curriculum Vitae / Resume
If applicant has a website, please include a link in your CV / Resume.
Statement of Purpose
Please submit with your University application as Statement of Purpose and upload as PDF in Slideroom.
Writing Sample
This requirement is usually a research paper (preferably in Theatre) from previous undergraduate or MA coursework.
You will provide the names and contact information for three references. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues who can comment on the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program will be submitted electronically by recommenders.Portfolio
The portfolio should include representative work from studio studies, as well as, realized designs for production. Examples of work demonstrating rendering techniques, as well as, scene painting (for scene designers) should be included.
Please contact Susan Martin by e-mail with any procedural questions. E-mail: shmartin@vcu.edu
