The Value of an Arts Education
As a parent, you want to feel confident that your son or daughter will find a fulfilling job after graduation. VCUarts graduates take off in a variety of directions with many becoming successful artists, designers, performers.
Education in the arts, specifically a VCUarts experience, develops creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Students learn how to work in a team environment and be flexible. Discipline and innovative thinking are fostered and arts students develop confidence and the ability to take criticism and speak articulately about art.
Our graduates are well prepared for great jobs, but just as importantly, they become strong thinkers and creative problem solvers. If your child is passionate about the arts, and believes that the world of arts is where they want to be, then chances are they will thrive in their environment of choice.
Alumni Success Stories
VCUarts graduates are in high demand because they are creative thinkers. Just as life has many paths, there are many paths to a career. Wonder what path might be in your student’s future? Take some time to check out stories and interviews from select alumni:
Esterknows.com – Where are They Now? – Alumni Success Stories
VCUarts Youtube channel – Alumni Interviews
Arts Education in the University Environment
VCU’s School of the Arts is situated within a large research institution made up of more than 32,000 undergraduate, masters, doctoral and professional students pursuing over 200 degree and certificate programs. Students in the School of the Arts have access to an array of scholarships, research and technology in humanities, science and health fields.
Being part of such an institution affords students many options to minor and double major in areas of study, both within and outside of VCUarts. VCUarts students frequently minor in business, foreign languages, marketing, psychology and sociology. Being a member of the VCU community also allows students to make connections with peers and faculty beyond a specific area of study and participate in a wide range of student activities and opportunities.
Think that a university environment is too big? VCUarts is big when you need it yet small where it counts. The university has 32,000 students. The School of the Arts has 3,200 students. The average department size is about 200 students and the average studio class size is about 14. What does this mean for our students? VCU is a place with big opportunities and small classes that foster close student/faculty relationships.
Safety
When you send your child off to college you want to feel confident they’re in good hands. VCU takes the safety and well-being of its students seriously and offers a number of programs to keep students well-informed and safe.
The VCU Police Department ensures that our campuses are safe for students, faculty, staff and visitors. Over 80 fully certified police officers patrol campuses and surrounding areas on mountain bikes, motorcycles, in cars and on foot.
Emergency telephones are located around both campuses offering immediate connection to the police dispatcher. Dorms and most instructional facilities require ID cards for entry during non-business hours. Students are just a call away from a security escort who will pick them up at anytime of the night. Our advanced campus wide security system uses digital signage, classroom alert units, mobile and email notifications to keep everyone in the VCU community aware and safe.
Video: America’s Safe Campuses: Virginia Commonwealth University
Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
Resources
Academic Calendar
Bookstore Barnes & Noble
Financial Information (tuition, financial aid and scholarships)
First Year Student Services (University College)
Policies and Procedures
Richmond.com – local news, politics and events
