Graduate Applicants

Ph.D. in Education, Art Education concentration
MA in Art History (Historical Studies, Museum Studies)
MFA in Fine Arts (Ceramics, Fibers, Glassworking, Jewelry/Metalworking, Wood/Furniture Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting, Printmaking, Photography and Film, Sculpture)
MFA in Design (Visual Communications)

March 1, fall entry only
MFA in Design (Interior Environments)

March 15, fall entry only
MAE in Art Education
MFA in Theatre (Pedagogy/Performance)

International applicants should apply one month before the deadlines above to ensure that application materials are received by the deadline.

Please contact artsgrad@vcu.edu with any questions.

Make sure to check your program specific requirements below before submitting your University Graduate Application.

All applicants must apply online using the University Graduate Application and are required to submit a $70 application fee. Applicants applying to more than one program must submit a separate application and application fee for each program.

School of the Arts applicants are asked to submit their personal statement/artist statement through the University Graduate Application.

Three letters of reference are required for each program and should be submitted online by your recommenders. In your University Graduate Application, you will enter the recommender names and email addresses to send a message requesting the reference. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues should address the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program.

Transcripts

Unofficial transcripts from all post-secondary institutions should be uploaded with your electronic application and may be used for departmental admission review purposes.

If offered admission, you will be directed and required to submit to the VCU Admissions Office an official transcript from any institution from which a degree has been awarded to finalize your admission. Transcripts are considered official if they are sent to VCU directly from the issuing institution.

Virginia Commonwealth University
Office of Graduate Admissions
P.O. Box 843051
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2526

Official transcripts that are not in English must be accompanied by an official English translation. The Office of Admissions reserves the right to request English translations of diplomas prior to granting admission.

All official transcripts and relevant credentials (e.g., diplomas and marksheets) will be required if admitted.

Test scores

GRE scores are optional for PhD in Education with an Art Education concentration.

Scores must be directly reported to VCU by testing agencies. You can submit student copies pending receipt of official scores. An official copy must be received before a final offer of admission can be made. The school code for admission testing is 5570.

GRE scores are no longer required for the MA in Art History and MAE in Art Education programs.

GRE scores are not required for MFA programs.

If the program you are applying to requires a portfolio, you will receive an email following submission of the University Application with additional instructions. A link to the portfolio upload can also be found in your applicant portal following submission of your University Application.

If you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, be sure to review additional requirements on the International Admissions graduate student page.

Statement of Intent
A statement of purpose, approximately 500-750 words in length, that briefly describes the applicant’s interest in graduate study and research, indicating an avenue of inquiry that the applicant expects to explore.  The statement also should include the applicant’s professional goals beyond graduate study and explain why VCU art education is suited to the applicant’s interests.  The applicant should indicate which track of the MAE program is desired: the track designed for practicing art teachers or the MAE+ track, which allows students to earn both the MAE degree and teacher license at the same time.  Please also indicate the preferred enrollment as either full-time or part-time and describe any previous teaching experiences. 

Curriculum Vitae / Resume
Include education, work experience, exhibitions, curatorial activity, residencies/fellowships, honors and awards, organization membership. If you have a website, please include a link in your cv/resume.

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.

Letters of Recommendation
Please solicit letters from 3 faculty college professors or supervisors who can assess your ability to succeed in a writing-based graduate program. Letters of recommendation will be submitted electronically by recommenders.

For general required materials, please view application instructions on the School of Education’s website.

In addition to general requirements, applicants to the Art Education concentration must also submit an academic writing sample (e.g., thesis chapter or scholarly paper) with their application. Applicants may also be asked for an interview with members of the admissions committee. If an applicant is interested in obtaining licensure while working toward the Ph.D., it should be indicated on the application materials.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to speak with the track coordinator prior to applying. Applications must be submitted to the Graduate School by January 15 for Fall admission to the Art Education Doctoral Program. Earlier applications may increase opportunity and consideration for funding through graduate assistantships.

1. A statement of purpose, 750-1000 words in length, that briefly recounts applicant’s academic background, describes an avenue of inquiry that the applicant expects to explore, notes applicant’s professional goals beyond graduate study and explains why VCU art history is suited to applicant’s interests
2. A research/writing sample that has a clearly articulated thesis statement, identifies and interprets primary and/or secondary sources in support of a well-argued thesis, and offers a coherent, cohesive narrative
3. Three letters of recommendation, at least two of which are from faculty members who can assess the applicant’s preparation and promise for graduate work (Some applicants may choose to solicit the third letter from a museum professional who has supervised the applicant’s professional work in a museum setting.)
4. A current resume or CV

The concentration in interior environments program (professional entry-level option) is for second-degree seekers who have a prior degree in a field other than interior design. No prior design or art background is required, although applicants with design and art backgrounds are welcome to apply. If an applicant’s prior degree is in interior design (or equivalent), please see requirements for our post-professional program option instead.

Curriculum Vitae / Resume
Applicants should submit previous academic and professional experiences (if any) in the format of either a Curriculum Vitae or Resume on their University Graduate Application. If an applicant has a website they are welcome to include it as a link on their CV/Resume.

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required and should be submitted online by an applicant’s recommenders. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues should address the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program, as well as describe specific experiences they have had with the applicant that they think would translate to them being an outstanding candidate for our M.F.A. in Design with a concentration in interior environments entry-level program.

Statement of Intent
Applicant’s statement of intent should be approximately 1-2 pages in length and should briefly explain the following:

• Applicant’s academic and professional background
• Why they are interested in studying design of interior environments
• Why they are interested in studying at VCUarts specifically
• What their professional goals are beyond graduate study
• Any areas of interest relevant to interior design that they are eager to learn more about
• Level of interest in being awarded a Graduate Assistantship (see below for details) as well as financial need considerations they may have (if any) 

Information on Graduate Assistantships:

The Department of Interior Design has historically been able to support a select number of graduate students with Graduate Assistantships, which are awarded positions where in return for work you would do within the department, part or all tuition costs (excluding fees) may be funded in addition to receiving a stipend per semester to help support additional expenses.

Our department does not have an official application process for consideration towards our Graduate Assistantship positions, rather all applicants are eligible for consideration and the selection process is competitive based on merit and need. Students wishing to be considered for Graduate Assistantships should express their interest and rationale for being an outstanding candidate as a postscript to their statement of intent.

The offering of these awards are subject to availability and may be structured for either a full or half academic year (Fall/Spring). If awarded, positions are not guaranteed to be renewed. 

Portfolio
A Portfolio is not required for the M.F.A. in Design with a concentration in interior environments entry-level program application; however, even if applicants do not have a background in design or the arts we highly encourage them to present any creative work they might have completed as a hobby, such as photography, home crafting projects, creative writing, poetry, art classes at a local museum, etc. so we can get a feel for their visual style, abilities and interest. 

The optional portfolio will be submitted along with the online application and it may contain no more than 15 uploaded images or pages of creative work. 

Interview
Once an applicant has completed their application the department may request an interview (may be via Zoom, telephone or in person). 

The concentration in interior environments program (post-professional level option) is for second-degree seekers who have a prior degree in interior design (or equivalent). If an applicant’s prior degree is in a field other than interior design, please see requirements for our professional entry-level program option instead. 

Curriculum Vitae / Resume
Applicants should submit previous academic and professional experiences (if any) in the format of either a Curriculum Vitae or Resume on their University Graduate Application. If an applicant has a website they are welcome to include it as a link on their CV/Resume.

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation are required and should be submitted online by an applicant’s recommenders. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors, or colleagues should address the applicant’s ability to succeed in a graduate program, as well as describe specific experiences they have had with the applicant that they think would translate to them being an outstanding candidate for our M.F.A. in Design with a concentration in interior environments post-professional program.

Statement of Intent
Applicant’s statement of intent should be approximately 1-2 pages in length and should briefly explain the following:

• Applicant’s academic and professional background
• Why they are pursuing continued study of design of interior environments, including a description of their research agenda
• Why they are interested in studying at VCUarts specifically
• What their professional goals are beyond graduate study
• Level of interest in being awarded a Graduate Assistantship (see below for details) as well as financial need considerations they may have (if any) 

Information on Graduate Assistantships:

The Department of Interior Design has historically been able to support a select number of graduate students with Graduate Assistantships, which are awarded positions where in return for work you would do within the department, part or all tuition costs (excluding fees) may be funded in addition to receiving a stipend per semester to help support additional expenses.

Our department does not have an official application process for consideration towards our Graduate Assistantship positions, rather all applicants are eligible for consideration and the selection process is competitive based on merit and need. Students wishing to be considered for Graduate Assistantships should express their interest and rationale for being an outstanding candidate as a postscript to their statement of intent.

The offering of these awards are subject to availability and may be structured for either a full or half academic year (Fall/Spring). If awarded, positions are not guaranteed to be renewed. 

Portfolio
A Portfolio is required for the M.F.A. in Design with a concentration in interior environments post-professional program application. This Portfolio should contain no more than 15 individual annotated page spreads of design projects and should highlight a range of design abilities, thinking, and communication.

Interview
Once an applicant has completed their application the department may request an interview (may be via Zoom, telephone or in person).

An artist statement
Please submit your statement in the “Statement of Intent” section of the application. This 700-1000 word essay sheds light on the applicant’s practice and research interests. It should directly place the work being reviewed within the context of contemporary art/theoretical discourses while also addressing goals with respect to graduate school and what the applicant hopes to accomplish after VCU.

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from instructors or professional references in the applicant’s intended field of study

Curriculum vitae/resume

Portfolio
The portfolio should include 20 still and/or moving images. Moving images should be edited to no more than three minutes. Please include the date, materials, and dimensions for each image submitted. Each image can be accompanied by a brief written description that may articulate relevant information about the work.

Interview
The department will contact selected applicants regarding an interview which may be conducted via zoom/skype, telephone, or in-person.

A statement of intent 
Please submit your statement in the “Statement of Intent” section of the application. This 700-1000 word essay sheds light on the applicant’s practice and research interests. It should directly place the work being reviewed within the context of contemporary art discourses while also addressing goals with respect to graduate school and what the applicant hopes to accomplish at VCU. 

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from instructors or professional references in the applicant’s intended field of study

Curriculum vitae/resume

Portfolio for review
Portfolio should include 20 still and/or moving images. Each image, film and video can be accompanied by a brief written description that may include the date, materials, dimensions and/or other relevant information about the work. Images submitted should be an accurate representation of finished artwork.

An artist statement 
Please submit your statement in the “Statement of Intent” section of the application. This 700-1000 word essay sheds light on the applicant’s practice and research interests. It should directly place the work being reviewed within the context of contemporary art/theoretical discourses while also addressing goals with respect to graduate school and what the applicant hopes to accomplish after VCU.

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from instructors or professional references in the applicant’s intended field of study

Curriculum vitae/resume

Portfolio
Portfolio should include 20 moving images, stills, sound files or links, of at least three different projects. Each item should be accompanied by a brief written description that may include the date, medium, or other relevant information about the work. Excerpts are encouraged for longer videos but please refrain from trailers or sizzle reels.

An artist statement
Please submit your artist statement in the “Statement of Intent” section of the application. This 700-1000 word essay sheds light on your practice and research interests,  while also addressing your goals with respect to graduate school and what you hope to accomplish at VCU. 

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from instructors or professional references in the applicant’s intended field of study

Curriculum vitae/resume

Portfolio
The portfolio should include 20 still and/or moving images. Moving images should be edited to no more than three minutes. Please include the date, materials, and dimensions for each image submitted. Each image can be accompanied by a brief written description that may articulate relevant information about the work.

An artist statement
Please submit your statement in the “Statement of Intent” section of the application. This 700-1000 word essay sheds light on the applicant’s practice and research interests. It should directly place the work being reviewed within the context of contemporary art/theoretical discourses while also addressing goals with respect to graduate school and what the applicant hopes to accomplish after VCU.

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from instructors or professional references in the applicant’s intended field of study

Curriculum vitae/resume

Portfolio
The portfolio should include 20 still and/or moving images. Moving images should be edited to no more than three minutes. Please include the date, materials, and dimensions for each image submitted. Each image can be accompanied by a brief written description that may articulate relevant information about the work.

An artist statement
Please submit your artist statement in the “Statement of Intent” section of the application. This 700-1000 word essay sheds light on your practice and research interests,  while also addressing your goals with respect to graduate school and what you hope to accomplish at VCU. 

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from instructors or professional references in the applicant’s intended field of study

Curriculum vitae/resume

Portfolio 
The portfolio should include 20 still and/or moving images. Moving images should be edited to no more than three minutes. Please include the date, materials, and dimensions for each image submitted. Each image can be accompanied by a brief written description that may articulate relevant information about the work.

Statement of Intent
Please submit your statement in the “Statement of Intent” section of the application. This 700-1000 word essay sheds light on the applicant’s practice and research interests. It should directly place the work being reviewed within the context of contemporary art/theoretical discourses while also addressing goals with respect to graduate school and what the applicant hopes to accomplish after VCU.

Letters of Recommendation
Three letters of recommendation from instructors or professional references in the applicant’s intended field of study

Curriculum vitae/resume

Writing Sample
This requirement is usually a research paper (preferably in Theatre) from previous undergraduate or MA coursework.

Interview
The department will contact selected applicants regarding an interview which may be conducted via zoom/skype, telephone, or in-person.

Auditions are no longer required.