Submit an Online Application
All change of major/minor applicants to VCUarts must submit a change of major/minor application online. The university’s Change of Major / Minor form will not be accepted.
This online application asks for your personal and contact information, current and preferred curriculum, a personal statement, extracurricular activities, 1-3 recommenders’ emails, and required supplemental materials (audition, essays, portfolio).
Important Deadlines
Spring 2020 Deadline
November 1, 2019 — Deadline for change of major/minor applicants to Art Foundation, Art History, Dance, Fashion Merchandising, Music and Theatre tracks.
The following Visual & Design programs will review Spring change of major/minor applications only from students who have completed VCU’s Art Foundation program: Art Education, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Kinetic Imaging Interior Design, Fashion Design, Photography + Film, Painting + Printmaking, and Sculpture + Extended Media.
Applications for all other majors in the School of the Arts are accepted for fall semesters only.
Fall 2020 Deadlines
January 15, 2020 — Deadline for change of major/minor applicants to Dance and Choreography, Music and Theatre.
April 1, 2020 — Deadline for change of major/minor applicants to every department other than Dance and Choreography, Music and Theatre.
Change of major/minor applicants to visual arts and design departments that submit complete applications by the deadline will receive a decision by June 1st.
Major or Minor Specific Requirements
Applicants to the following programs must submit a visual portfolio: Art Education, Art Foundation, Communication Arts, Craft/Material Studies, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Kinetic Imaging, Painting + Printmaking, Photography + Film, and Sculpture + Extended Media.
Art Foundation is the first-year program required of all visual art and design (BFA) students. The exciting first year provides an intellectually rigorous, studio-based experience in the fundamental issues of art and design. The program exposes students to a vast forum of ideas and concepts preparing them for a wide range of disciplines.
The following visual arts departments offer minors: Craft/Material Studies, Painting + Printmaking, and Sculpture + Extended Media. Please note that you may only apply for these minors after the completion of the Art Foundation Program. If your primary major is outside of VCUarts then you must first apply to the Art Foundation Program. A minor in these area will require the completion of 32 credits.
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.
Writing Sample Required
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 prompted to submit your writing sample as part of the online application.
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 vcu.edu/courses 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.
Film Concept
Tell us a story you would like to tell on film: (narrative film concepts only; no documentary; be succinct and specific; maximum length 200 words).
Essay must be submitted in the “Essay Questions” section of the online application. There is a 32,000 character limit.
Personal Statement
While completing the online application be sure to complete the personal statement. In this statement, discuss your educational goals, including why you wish to study your chosen major. This essay should directly and creatively address your interest in film and any other academic interests that could evolve into a second major.
Optional Supplemental Materials:
If you have written a screenplay, we ask that you send the first 10 pages and title page as an additional writing sample. After submitting your online application, email your screenplay to arts@vcu.edu with your full name and birthdate.
The minor in scientific illustration is open only to students majoring in biology or environmental sciences. Acceptance is based on a portfolio and application review.
A minor in this area will require the completion of 21 credits.
Portfolio
The portfolio should include 8 to 10 illustrations and/or images. These can be finished pieces or works-in-progress demonstrating artistic proficiency. The portfolio should demonstrate both personal interests and skill level with a focus on accurate drawing from life and direct observation. (Copying from photographs, anime, comics, tattoos, etc, is discouraged.) Please include the year and medium for each piece, along with any relevant info to help reviewers understand context.
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.
Personal Statement
While completing the online application be sure to complete the personal statement. In this brief statement, articulate your interest in the Scientific Illustration minor, including a detailed anticipated application of the minor to your primary field of study.
Major in Dance
Dance and choreography applicants are required to audition for the Department of Dance + Choreography faculty at the VCU Dance Center. The audition includes a ballet barre, modern center and improvisation.
Minor in Dance
To apply to minor in Dance, you must have completed at least 8 credits of dance courses and have a cumulative VCU gpa of 3.0 or greater. No audition is required.
Schedule your audition
A complete application must be submitted before you may request an audition date. Once your application has been submitted, a link to schedule your audition will be sent to the email address listed on your application.
Audition Dates
Friday, November 22, 2019 (only audition date for Spring 2020 applicants)
Friday, January 24, 2020
Friday, February 7, 2020
Saturday, February 15, 2020 (check-in and audition will be held at the Depot Annex for this date)
Friday, February 21st, 2020
Admission 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.
About the Audition
VCU Dance 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 following attire is appropriate: leotards, tights, unitards, bike shorts with leotard or fitted top, leggings, and appropriate supportive undergarments. No socks. No dangling jewelry. Hair secured away from the face. Please bring either ballet or jazz shoes. The modern center and improvisation are barefoot.
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 desiring a 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.
Note: No letter of recommendation is needed. If prompted to list a recommender, please use “Deidra Arrington, dwarrington@vcu.edu.”
Audition/Interview
Music applicants are required to audition for the Department of Music faculty. Applicants should prepare pieces of contrasting styles from the standard repertoire for their instrument. Sight reading and an interview will also be part of the audition process. Instrument-specific requirements can be found here.
Once your application has been submitted, a link to schedule your audition will be sent to the email address listed on your application.
Visit the Department of Music to see audition dates and instructions.
The music minor is comprised 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 exception of piano). All students must be able to read music. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 in order to be considered for a minor in Music.
Minor in Vocal
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 online application students interested in minoring in voice should schedule an audition with Dr. Kenneth Wood (kewood@vcu.edu). Voice auditions are usually held a few days before the beginning of each semester and at the end of each semester.
Minor in Strings
(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. Applicants must bring original sheet music and their own instrument to their audition. You will also be required to perform scales. After completion of the online application, contact Susanna Klein at (sbklein@vcu.edu) to schedule an audition.
Minor in piano
After completion of the online application, contact Dr. Yin Zheng at yzheng2@vcu.edu to schedule an audition.
Minor in other instruments
You will be asked a few questions about your musical experience and abilities during this online application. The Assistant chair, John Patykula counsels every student about the selection of appropriate courses based on the student’s competence and interest. After completion of the online application, students interested in minoring in music (instrumental) should contact the assistant chair, John Patykula via email (jtpatyku@vcu.edu).
Performance Auditions:
Prepare two contrasting (one comedic and one dramatic) one-minute monologues from published play scripts. Choose something in an appropriate age range that does not contain a dialect. Secure assistance in the preparation of audition materials.
Be sure to bring a resume and headshot to the audition. Introduce the audition pieces by only the play’s author, title and the character’s name (background on the scene or plot is not necessary). Maintain a positive attitude, dress professionally yet comfortably and, most importantly – have fun!
We find that the following playwrights are generally overdone or are more difficult for high school seniors to deliver successfully: Mamet, O’Neill, Pinter, Shakespeare, Shepard and Williams.
Once your application has been submitted, a link to schedule your audition will be sent to the email address listed on your application. The audition day can last from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the number of applicants. Further details will be emailed.
Audition/Interview Dates:
Spring Applicants
- Friday November 8, 2019, 12 p.m.
Fall Applicants
- Friday, December 6, 2019, 12 p.m.
- Friday, January 24, 2020, 12 p.m.
- Friday, January 31, 2020, 12 p.m.
- Friday, February 7, 2020, 12 p.m.
- Friday, February 14, 2020, 12 p.m.
Applicants are required to audition. You must prepare two contrasting musical theatre or pop selections. After completion of the online application students interested in minoring in musical theatre should schedule an audition with Head of Musical Theatre, Kikau Alvaro (klalvaro@vcu.edu). Auditions will be held at the end of each semester for entrance into the minor in the following semester.
Interview
All Theatre VCU applicants, including Performance, Design/Technology, Stage Management, will be interviewed by one or more faculty members. 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.
Once your application has been submitted, a link to schedule your audition will be sent to the email address listed on your application. The audition day can last from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the number of applicants. Further details will be emailed.
Audition/Interview Dates:
Spring Applicants
- Friday November 8, 2019, 12 p.m.
Fall Applicants
- Friday, December 6, 2019, 12 p.m.
- Friday, January 24, 2020, 12 p.m.
- Friday, January 31, 2020, 12 p.m.
- Friday, February 7, 2020, 12 p.m.
- Friday, February 14, 2020, 12 p.m.
Interview
All Theatre VCU applicants, including Performance, Design/Technology, Stage Management, will be interviewed by one or more faculty members. 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.
Once your application has been submitted, a link to schedule your interview will be sent to the email address listed on your application. The audition day can last from 3 to 6 hours, depending on the number of applicants. Further details will be emailed.
Audition/Interview Dates:
Spring Applicants
- Friday November 8, 2019, 12 p.m.
Fall Applicants
- Friday, December 6, 2019, 12 p.m.
- Friday, January 24, 2020, 12 p.m.
- Friday, January 31, 2020, 12 p.m.
- Friday, February 7, 2020, 12 p.m.
- Friday, February 14, 2020, 12 p.m.
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 30 MB each. Each video must be less than 3 minutes. The total maximum time for all moving images cannot exceed 5 minutes.