In 1996, a worldwide search began for universities that were regarded as the top schools in their fields (see the video), so that an educational center could be created in the Middle Eastern state of Qatar. In 1997, because it was the top ranked public university school of arts and design, VCU School of the Arts was contacted to determine its interest in offering some of the same programs offered on its Richmond campus to students in Doha, Qatar. Consequently, the Shaqab College of Design Arts operated by VCU opened its doors in fall of 1998 to a class of 33 female students enrolled in the equivalent of the Art Foundation Program. It was the inaugural campus in Education City, which has since grown to include Weill Cornell, Texas A&M, Carnegie Mellon, Georgetown and Northwestern. The school began to offer sophomore level courses in Graphic Design, Interior Design and Fashion Design in 1999. The branch campus, VCU in Qatar, replaced the Shaqab College of Design Arts in 2002. Now, VCUQatar teaches 214 students and has 50 faculty members. It has gone from an all-female student body to a co-ed body in Fall 2007. VCUQatar has made significant contributions to the state of Qatar and the region by providing outstanding design education, developing innovative research, advancing the design profession and participating in the community.
The purpose of Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar is to offer students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design, Graphic Design or Interior Design. In spring of 2009, two new programs were announced. An MFA in Design has begun and a BFA in Painting and Printmaking begins fall 2010. Through experienced teachers and a comprehensive four-year curriculum, the college nurtures creativity and innovation and develops the technical skills necessary for demonstrating that creativity. Graduates who earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree are prepared to assume careers and leadership roles in the professional field of their choice.
Click here to visit the VCUQatar web site
Click here to watch the Emmy Award winning student-produced VCUQatar documentary
Click here to read a 2009 article in the New York Times about Doha, Qatar
Click here to read a 2009 article in the Chronicle of Higher Education about Doha’s Education City
Qatar Support Office (QSO)
VCUarts established a Qatar Support Office in 2008 inside the Pollak Building on the Richmond campus. The QSO, as it’s known, provides a variety of administrative support including human resources, procurement and payroll/benefits. If you have a question about traveling to or working in Qatar, the new QSO should be your first stop.
Click here to visit the QSO web site
