Undergraduate FAQs

What can I do with a degree in Sculpture + Extended Media?

  • Our students move on to an amazing variety of accomplishments. They establish professional studios, open galleries, start businesses and pursue their dreams while supporting themselves in countless fields.

I want to know if the Department of Sculpture + Extended Media will be the right fit for me. How do I get a feel for the type of work developed in your department?

  • You can look at the work of our faculty here and check out what is going on in the department on our Instagram page!  Current Art Foundation students can always swing by the studios to talk with faculty and students, or sign up for our Projects course

How do I apply to the Department of the Sculpture + Extended Media as an incoming Freshman?

Visit the Admissions how to apply page for step by step instructions. Students must complete the Art Foundation Program before starting courses in Sculpture + Extended Media.

I’m a transfer student. Can I bypass AFO and enter into the Sculpture Department?

  • 100-level studio classes are considered for transfer into the Art Foundation Program on a case-by-case basis. Your portfolio and transcripts will be evaluated to determine if you have any equivalent credit. Please contact artfoundation@vcu.edu if you have questions regarding transferring credits into Art Foundation. Upper level and major specific courses will be reviewed by our department only after you have completed the Art Foundation Program.

I am an international applicant. What do I need to do?

More admissions questions?

 

I would like a tour of the department.

What equipment and technology is available for my use as a Sculpture Major?

  • Our facilities available to undergraduates include a woodshop, a foundry, a metal fabrication shop, a computer lab, sewing machines, and a wide array of digital equipment for check out. A list of equipment provided in our facilities can be found here.

Will I receive a studio space as a Sculpture Major?

  • Yes! We provide a studio for each student. Each locked studio fits four students with their personal space typically used for working, material storage and informal meetings with faculty.

Graduate FAQs

Can you mail me an information packet about the MFA program?

  • We actually do not have printed information to send. All of the information about our program as well as links to our graduate students’ work can be found on our website. Detailed application instructions are located here.

What are you looking for in our portfolio images?

  • We are looking for your best work, and what best reflects your studio practice. Document your work professionally. For a sense of what kind of work is happening here, have a look at the work of our current MFA students as well as our alumni and faculty. We welcome a broad spectrum of working styles and media.

Can I visit the Sculpture + Extended Media MFA Program and meet faculty and students?

Would you have a look at my portfolio before I apply?

  • In order to create an equitable environment for all applicants, we do not review applicant work outside of the application process.

Can I take a self-guided tour of the Department or visit a class?

  • As much as we would love to show each visitor around, we are simply unable to offer tours for individual visitors. You are welcome to stop by and have a look at the studios on your own schedule, but the MFA Open House is a much more comprehensive way to learn about our department and to meet and talk with us. Visit the Admissions page for more information about open house opportunities. Visitors are not permitted to visit classes.

What equipment and technology is available for my use as a graduate student?

  • Our facilities include two woodshops, a foundry, a metal fabrication shop, a computer lab, sewing machines, and a wide array of digital equipment for check out. Graduate students do have some separate facilities to provide ease of access. A list of equipment provided in our facilities is on our website here.

When is the application due?

  • Application materials are due by January 15. The MFA program is fall-entry only.

How many graduate students are enrolled? How many do you admit each year? How many people apply?

  • We admit 5 students each year. As we have a two year program, there are 10 total graduate students enrolled at one time. We receive approximately 150 applications each year.

I need help with the application process. What should I do?

  • Visit the how to apply page, which will step you through the application process. If you need further assistance, you can contact VCUarts Graduate Studies at artsgrad@vcu.edu with any procedural questions.

Can I apply to more than one graduate program in the VCU School of the Arts?

  • You’ll be able to select more than one program in your University graduate application. Programs that require a portfolio are linked to their counterparts in SlideRoom.

I am an international applicant. What do I need to do?

  • International applicants should apply one month before the deadline to ensure application materials are received by the deadline. If you are not a US citizen or permanent resident, be sure to review additional requirements on the International Admissions graduate student page.

I began my graduate studies at another institution; will my credits transfer to VCU?

  • No. Our graduate students are required to complete all of their graduate coursework and thesis research at VCU.

Will you be conducting on-site interviews for applicants and/or finalists?

  • In order to create an equitable environment for all applicants, we do not ask any of our applicants to travel here for interviews. We acknowledge that not everyone will be able to travel and do not want those who can to be at an unfair advantage.

I’ve completed and submitted my graduate application. Will you let me know when you receive my transcripts and/or letters of recommendation?

  • Due to the high volume of applications we receive, our department cannot provide individual confirmation of the receipt of application materials. There is a checklist of required materials on your online application profile which you can use to check the status of your application.

When will I hear back from the Sculpture Department regarding admission decisions?

  • Final admissions should be made by the end of March. Due to the large number of applications and the detailed care we take to review them, the review process takes time. We will not be able to confirm admission decisions via telephone or email.

How much do Sculpture MFA students pay in tuition and fees?

  • Tuition and fees for graduate students in the School of the Arts can be calculated here.

Are the Graduate School Assistantship and the Graduate Teaching Assistantships available to international students as well?

  • Yes.

What financial support is available to graduate students? Do you offer Graduate Teaching Assistantships?

  • Tuition remission and Assistantships are available. Individual offers of awards will be made at the time of admission. You can visit the Funding page for more information. Graduate students are also encouraged to apply for federal student aid by filing a FAFSA.

Do you offer any grants?

  • Yes. You can visit our Grants page for more information on the grants available for our graduate students.

How to I apply for Graduate School Assistantship and the Graduate Teaching Assistanships?

  • All applicants are automatically considered for assistantships. There is no separate application. Applicants are notified of awards upon acceptance.