Current VCU Students

November 1, 2025
Deadline for priority consideration. Applications will then be considered on a space-available basis for the following majors:
Art History, Dance + Choreography, Fashion Merchandising, Music, and Theatre.

April 1, 2026, for the following majors:

Art Education, Cinema, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Dance + Choreography, Fashion Design, Fashion Merchandising, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Music, Painting + Printmaking, Photography + Film, Sculpture + Extended Media, and Theatre.

Students who have completed Art Foundation and want to change their degree granting major to Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting + Printmaking, Photography + Film, or Sculpture + Extended Media must have their arts advisor submit the change of major request to bypass the portfolio requirement for these majors.

Students who have completed Art Foundation requesting a minor in Craft/Material Studies, Painting + Printmaking, or Sculpture + Extended Media must have their arts advisor submit the change of minor request to bypass the portfolio requirement for these minors.

Students with current majors outside of VCUarts may only apply for the Art Foundation program which is a prerequisite for visual arts and design programs. You must complete the change of major request and submit a portfolio in the VCUarts SlideRoom website. SlideRoom will be available starting September 1.

GPA requirements
Some programs require a minimum cumulative GPA for acceptance.

• Communication Arts: 3.0
  
• Graphic Design: 2.5
• Interior Design: 2.5 

Portfolio
Submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

• Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF
• Images can be up to 5 MB each
• Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI.
• Video can be up to 250 MB each. Each video must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

You will be prompted to submit your portfolio through the VCUarts SlideRoom website. SlideRoom will be available starting September 1.

Writing sample
Prior to applying to major in Art History, students enrolled in a major outside of the School of the Arts must complete ARTH 103, 104 and one additional ARTH course.

Art History applicants are required to submit a research-based writing sample that makes a clear assertion about a selected topic and cites published sources to support your assertion. The paper may focus on a work of art, an historical event, a sociological phenomenon, a literary text, or other humanities topic. Your writing sample should be no longer than 600 words, including any citations. You will be emailed a link to submit your essay after submitting your VCU Change of Major Request, or you can submit your writing sample here after you have completed your VCU Change of Major Request.

Change of minor applicants do not have to submit a writing sample.

Majoring in Art History
Prior to applying to major in Art History, students enrolled in a major outside of the School of the Arts must complete ARTH 103, 104 and one additional ARTH course.

Minoring in Art History
A minor in art history consists of 18 credits, which must include:

• 3 credits ARTH 103
• 3 credits ARTH 104
• 3 credits from courses in list #1 (details can be found by following the link below)
• 3 credits from courses in list #2 (details can be found by following the link below)

The remaining 6 credits may be any ARTH course at the 200-300 level open to non-majors (visit http://bulletin.vcu.edu/azcourses/ for a list of all ARTH courses), however only one history of film class (270, 271, 370, or 374) can be counted toward the art history minor.

Of the total 18 credits, 9 credits must be 300-level courses. Only courses in which a student earns a grade of C or higher may be applied to the minor. A student may apply for the Art History minor after successful completion of ARTH 103 and ARTH 104.

Additional information for the Art History minor curriculum can be found on the Department of Art History website.

Overview
Do you ever rewatch a scene over and over just to figure out how it was filmed? Has a movie or TV show ever resonated so deeply that it made you want to create something that moves people too? If this sounds like you, you might be a perfect fit for the VCUarts Cinema program.

Applying to a film program can feel intimidating — especially if you’ve never picked up a camera or don’t have a portfolio yet. That’s okay! When reviewing applications, we’re looking for curiosity and a willingness to learn. Most of all, we value team players who are open to feedback, eager to grow, and ready to be challenged. Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your passion further, there’s a place for you here.

Cinema essay
In 300–600 words, tell us how you approach creative responsibility and collaboration.

What does it mean to be a thoughtful, creative partner? How do you handle feedback or contribute to a team? You may also reflect on the artist’s role in the world. Do storytellers have a responsibility to their audience or community? What kinds of stories matter to you — and why?

Portfolio
Submit a portfolio of your creative work. You’re welcome to include a mix of mediums — short films, photography, painting, music, etc. Choose work that shows us who you are as a creator and best reflects your voice and point of view!

Submit up to 5 total pieces. If you’re including video or music, keep the total combined length under 10 minutes.

If you don’t have a full portfolio yet, that’s okay! You can instead send a 60-second video of yourself pitching an idea for a movie you’d like to make one day.

Due to the competitive admissions process for the Cinema Program, there are a limited number of seats available for change of major students. Applicants must complete all four steps to be considered.

• Advising meeting with Martha Harper
• VCU Change of Major form
• Cinema essay submission via SlideRoom
• Cinema portfolio submission via SlideRoom

As part of this process, you are required to meet with advisor Martha Harper for an informational advising session. This meeting will help you understand the unique structure of the Cinema program, how your existing credits may transfer, and your potential graduation timeline.

This is a track for Communication Arts majors.

Accepted applicants will begin their courses in the following Spring Semester, as Spring Admits. Applicants should follow the Spring Deadlines listed above.

You must submit a portfolio in the VCUarts SlideRoom website. SlideRoom will be available starting September 1.

Personal statement
While completing the online application, you must include a personal statement. In this brief statement, articulate your interest in Visual Effects, including a detailed anticipated application of VFX to your primary field of study.

Visual effects scene description
You must complete a 300 – 500 word-long visual effects scene description of an original scene, with a focus on visual effects usage. Scene descriptions will be assessed by the following rubric: plot, structure and creativity.

Inspirational filmmakers and/or visual effects artists
You must list up to five favorite artists or filmmakers that inspire the you to create visual effects and you must explain why they inspire you.

Five cinematic photos or one 1- to 2-minute video

• Upload items in the sequential order intended to convey a narrative.
• Work samples may be taken with any device (e.g., cell phone, digital camera, film camera).
• Photographic sequence/video will be assessed according to composition, lighting, story and creativity.

Minor is for individuals not majoring in Communication Arts.
Accepted applicants will begin their courses in the following Spring Semester, as Spring Admits. Applicants should follow the Spring Deadlines listed above.

You must complete the change of minor request and submit a portfolio in the VCUarts SlideRoom website. SlideRoom will be available starting September 1.

Personal statement
While completing the online application, you must include a personal statement. In this brief statement, articulate your interest in the Visual Effects minor, including a detailed anticipated application of the minor to your primary field of study.

Visual effects scene description
You must complete a 300 – 500 word-long visual effects scene description of an original scene, with a focus on visual effects usage. Scene descriptions will be assessed by the following rubric: plot, structure and creativity.

Inspirational filmmakers and/or visual effects artists
You must list up to five favorite artists or filmmakers that inspire the you to create visual effects and you must explain why they inspire you.

Five cinematic photos or one 1- to 2-minute video

• Upload items in the sequential order intended to convey a narrative.
• Work samples may be taken with any device (e.g., cell phone, digital camera, film camera).
• Photographic sequence/video will be assessed according to composition, lighting, story and creativity.

You must submit your change of major request.

On-campus audition

• Friday, November 21, 2025, from 9:30 am – 3 pm (only date for Spring applicants)
• Friday, January 30, 2026, from 9:30 am – 3 pm
• Friday, February 20, 2026, from 9:30 am – 3 pm

About the audition
The Dance + Choreography Department welcomes students with varying levels of dance experience to audition for our program. The audition consists of a warm-up, a barre, modern center work, an improvisation section and a short interview. The department will send more information in advance of your interview date.

Wear proper dance attire that would be fitting for each dance style, including leotards, tights and ballet shoes for ballet, barefoot for contemporary modern, and socks for certain other forms that may be offered that day. Style your hair in support of full body movement to not impair your dancing ability, and bring warm-up attire to keep you warm and comfortable before the audition.

Admissions criteria

• Talent and potential as an artist in the field of dance.
• Prior training and the ability to demonstrate knowledge of modern dance and/or classical ballet techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate musicality and dynamic range.
• A healthy, physically conditioned body that is injury-free.
• Openness to new ideas and the ability to engage in creative problem solving.

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Doan, Admissions & Administrative Coordinator for the Performing Arts, at adamsml@vcu.edu.

You must submit your change of minor request.

You may only apply for the Dance & Choreography Minor after the following have been completed:

• Maintained a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 at VCU.
• Earned a minimum of six credits in Dance classes at VCU. These would be classes for non-majors and non-minors, and include Intro to Modern, Intro to Ballet, Yoga, West African, Salsa, and Improv.

No audition is required.

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Doan, Admissions & Administrative Coordinator for the Performing Arts, at adamsml@vcu.edu.

Fashion Merchandising applicants have no required supplemental materials.

Admissions criteria

• Students from any department/major may request a minor in Fashion Merchandising, provided they have a 3.0 or higher GPA.
• Students intending to minor in Fashion Merchandising must apply and be accepted as seeking a minor in Fashion Merchandising.
• Students must see an advisor upon declaration of the Fashion Merchandising minor and once a semester thereafter.

The minor in Animation is housed in the Department of Kinetic Imaging and includes relevant elective options from majors across the School of the Arts.

The minor in Animation is for students who seek to combine technical and conceptual approaches to animation. Students can expect to gain a basic understanding of contemporary interdisciplinary animation practices, the history of animation and a background on the creative approaches to animation arts.

A minor in Animation consists of 18 credits:

• KINE 245 Animation Practices (4 credits, required course)
• ARTH 370 History of Animated Film (3 credits, required course)
• KINE 405 Animation Studio (1 credit, required course, offered spring semester)
• In addition, select 10 credits from the list of elective options, which includes a variety of relevant classes from across the School of the Arts

Please note that some courses may have prerequisites and may require an override or permission from the host department/instructor.

If a student takes 1-2 classes per semester, this minor can be completed in 1.5 – 3 academic years. Open to all VCU students! Acceptance is based on the review of the VCU Change of Major or Minor Application. A personal statement and a link to an online portfolio are required.

Personal statement: please communicate your experience in animation (if any), why this minor is interesting to you and how this minor will support your goals for learning and research.

Portfolio
The portfolio may contain still images (digital or hand drawn, not photo), storyboards, and moving images (can be motion graphics/animation). Once you complete the change of minor request form, you will receive a link to submit a portfolio through SlideRoom. SlideRoom will be available starting September 1.

Please take note of deadlines on the application page, For questions, please email us at kineticimage@vcu.edu. Please note, admission into this minor is competitive. Consult with your academic advisor for degree progress questions before you apply.

You must submit your items via the  VCUarts SlideRoom website. SlideRoom will be available starting September 1.

The minor in sound design combines both technical and conceptual approaches to sound for video, film and stage. The focus is not on Music but rather on such practices as sound effects production including Foley, as well as field recording and voice over. The minor is a collaboration between the Department of Kinetic Imaging and the Department of Theatre and includes relevant elective options from majors across the School of the Arts.

A minor in sound design consists of 18 credits, nine of which must be at the 300-400 level:

• 3 credits THEA 333 Sound Technology
• 3 credits KINE 346 Survey of Sound Design
• 12 credits from the list of elective options

Any VCU student may apply to the minor in sound design and acceptance is based on the review of the VCU Change of Major or Minor Application and a personal statement (see below).

Personal statement
After completion of the change of minor request, please email a brief statement (approximately 300 words) to kineticimage@vcu.edu, in which you articulate your interest in sound design, an instance of effective sound design from something you’ve seen (and heard) recently, any relevant experience in sound design and how the minor might apply to your primary field of study.

You must submit your change of major request. Instrument-specific requirements can be found on the Department of Music website. The Music Department will contact the applicant to schedule an audition.

The music minor consists of 18 credits distributed among the areas of music history and theory, ensemble performance, private lessons, and music electives. All students must provide their own instruments (with the exception of piano). All students must be able to read music.

Voice minor
Applicants are required to audition. You must play a short passage — at sight — on the piano and sing the same passage a capella. After completion of the change of minor application, students interested in minoring in voice will be contacted via university email. The student will then be connected to a Voice faculty member to schedule an audition. Voice auditions are usually held a few days before the beginning of each semester and at the end of each semester.

Strings minor (Cello, Classical Double Bass, Viola, and Violin)
Applicants are required to audition. Prepare one composition or movement from the standard repertoire for their instrument no more than 10 minutes in length. You will also be required to perform scales. After completion of the change of minor application, you will be contacted via university email. You will then be connected to a Strings faculty member to schedule an audition.

Piano minor
After completion of the change of minor application, you will be contacted via university email. You will then be connected to a Piano faculty member to schedule an audition.

Other instruments minor
You will be asked a few questions about your musical experience and abilities during this online application. Once approved for the minor, Christine Hoffman, Academic Advisor for the Department of Music, counsels every student about the selection of appropriate courses based on the student’s competence and interest. Students interested in minoring in music (instrumental) should contact Christine Hoffman via email (cdesantis@vcu.edu).

Once your change of major request has been submitted, please create a SlideRoom account; answer all questions, including interview date selection; and upload your materials. SlideRoom will be available starting September 1.

In-person interview dates:

• Friday, November 14, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm (only date for Spring applicants)
• Friday, November 21, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, December 5, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 16, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 23, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, February 13, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm

Interviews take place at the W.E Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, located at 922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA. The department will send more information in advance of your interview date.

At interviews, Bachelor of Arts applicants come on campus to learn more about our programs, interview with faculty, tour our facilities, and meet current students and faculty. Parents are welcome to attend.

The purpose of the interview is to allow faculty members to get to know more about the applicant’s interests, commitment and communication skills. This interview is an important part of the application process. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their recent theatre activities, career goals, as well as personal goals and experiences. Please bring your resume to the interview.

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Doan, Admissions & Administrative Coordinator for the Performing Arts, at adamsml@vcu.edu.

Once your change of major request has been submitted, please create a SlideRoom account; answer all questions, including audition date selection; and upload your materials. SlideRoom will be available starting September 1.

In-person audition dates:

• Friday, November 14, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm (only date for Spring applicants)
• Friday, November 21, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, December 5, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 16, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 23, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, February 13, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm

For priority consideration, Performance concentration applicants should audition by February 1.

At auditions, applicants can expect to:

• Interview with faculty in their area of interest.
• Present their portfolio or appropriate audition pieces (details dependent on intended major).
• Tour theatre facilities.
• Talk with current students.
• All students participate in a group general info and Q+A session.
• Performers participate in group warm-ups.
• Parents are encouraged to attend, too. We continue with a parent Q+A session after applicants head off to auditionss.

Auditions take place at the W.E Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, located at 922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA. The department will send more information in advance of your audition date.

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Doan, Admissions & Administrative Coordinator for the Performing Arts, at adamsml@vcu.edu.

Interview
Once your change of major request has been submitted, please create a SlideRoom account; answer all questions, including interview date selection; and upload your materials. SlideRoom will be available starting September 1.

In-person interview dates:

• Friday, November 14, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm (only date for Spring applicants)
• Friday, November 21, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, December 5, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 16, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 23, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, February 13, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm

At interviews, Stage Management applicants come on campus to learn more about our programs, interview with faculty, tour our facilities, and meet current students and faculty. Parents are welcome to attend.

The purpose of the interview is to allow faculty members to get to know more about the applicant’s interests, commitment and communication skills. This interview is an important part of the application process. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their recent theatre activities, career goals, as well as personal goals and experiences. Please bring your prompt book to the interview.

Interviews take place at the W.E Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, located at 922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA. The department will send more information in advance of your interview date.

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Doan, Admissions & Administrative Coordinator for the Performing Arts, at adamsml@vcu.edu.

Once your change of major request has been submitted, please create a SlideRoom account; answer all questions, including interview date selection; and upload your materials. SlideRoom will be available starting September 1.

In-person interview dates:

• Friday, November 14, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm (only date for Spring applicants)
• Friday, November 21, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, December 5, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 16, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 23, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, February 13, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm

In SlideRoom, submit 12 to 16 works of art that you have created within the past two years that show your promise in visual art and design. Present your strongest work and demonstrate your potential to develop a diverse set of skills and ideas should you be accepted into VCUarts. We prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, while copying anime, cartoons, graffiti or tattoos is discouraged.

• Images may be submitted in the following formats: JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF
• Images can be up to 5 MB each
• Videos may be submitted in the following formats: MPG or AVI
• Video can be up to 30 MB each. Each video must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.

At interviews, applicants can expect to:

• Interview with faculty in their area of interest.
• Present their portfolio or appropriate audition pieces (details dependent on intended major).
• Tour theatre facilities.
• Talk with current students.
• All students participate in a group general info and Q+A session.
• Performers participate in group warm-ups.
• Parents are encouraged to attend, too. We continue with a parent Q+A session after applicants head off to interviews.

The purpose of the interview is to allow faculty members to get to know more about the applicant’s interests, commitment and communication skills. This interview is an important part of the application process. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their recent theatre activities, career goals, as well as personal goals and experiences. Please bring your prompt book to the interview.

Interviews take place at the W.E Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, located at 922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA. The department will send more information in advance of your interview date.

Please fill out the change of minor form, and the theatre department will contact you with more information.

In-person interview dates:

• Friday, November 14, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm (only date for Spring applicants)
• Friday, November 21, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, December 5, 2025, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 16, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, January 23, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm
• Friday, February 13, 2026, from 12:30 – 5 pm

Auditions take place at the W.E Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, located at 922 Park Ave, Richmond, VA. The department will send more information in advance of your audition date.

If you have any questions, please contact Meagan Doan, Admissions & Administrative Coordinator for the Performing Arts, at adamsml@vcu.edu.