From its founding in 1870, Syracuse University has a proud tradition of providing an environment in which students from diverse backgrounds come together to create, grow, and break boundaries.

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship, and commentary. We provide the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action. 

What makes your school’s art & design programs different & unique from other art & design school programs? What are the top 3 program features that make your program stand out?

Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (SU:VPA) is unique because it is structured like a stand-alone art, design, or media arts school within a major research institution. This allows our students to explore both academically and artistically within a diverse learning environment.
Specifically design and large studio spaces; ability to engage with the Syracuse community and put scholarship into action; cross-disciplinary possibilities both within visual art as well as across Syracuse University.

Can students take courses in other schools?

Yes, students can take courses at any of the other undergraduate schools and college here at Syracuse University. Students also have enough credits to minor in one of more than 100 minors or possibly double major depending on the desired combination. 

What steps do you take to evaluate a student’s candidacy, apart from reviewing their creative portfolio?

We require the common application, a Syracuse University supplement, and a portfolio. The strongest candidates are both artistically and academically excellent. 

What does your program look for most in the creative portfolio during admissions? What do you think makes an A+ portfolio? 


The strongest portfolios have both technical and conceptual depth. Students who are capable of visually articulating their ideas in a sophisticated way would be considered “A+” portfolios. 

How are new technologies affecting students’ curriculums and/or ways of learning/collaborating at your school? 


New technologies are consistently incorporated into studios and coursework at SU:VPA. The technology itself isn’t what creates new ways of learning and collaborating; rather, it acts as a tool for the exploration of ideas.

How does your program help graduating students with internships or jobs? Can students expect job placement more at your program than in others? If so, how or why? What kinds of job opportunities have you seen students take once they completed their degrees?

Here at Syracuse University we have many tools to help students with internships and jobs. We have an Office of Career Services that helps with placement for both careers and internship opportunities. We find that students who take full advantage of the university environment are uniquely positioned for career placement. The range of opportunities is wider because of the diversity in their education.

Are there any exciting developments for your programs that students should know about?

Here at Syracuse University we have many tools to help students with internships and jobs. We have an Office of Career Services that helps with placement for both careers and internship opportunities. We find that students who take full advantage of the university environment are uniquely positioned for career placement. The range of opportunities is wider because of the diversity in their education.

What is the most distinguished feature at your school?

The development of newly imagined first-year experiences in visual arts that are specific to the School of Art, School of Design, and Department of Transmedia and allow students to begin work within field of study immediately.

What is the best advice you have for students entering the art, design & architecture field? What role does the artist play today?

Explore! Students who spend their time building their visual vocabulary to express their own ideas are well positioned for a variety of different career paths. Additionally, students who take courses in professional practices, marketing, and entrepreneurship seem to have a leg up when it comes to independent, studio-focused careers.

Interviewed by Shawn Rommevaux
Senior Recruiting Specialist, Social Media Strategist

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Common Application

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

Slideroom 12-20 pieces

WRITING SAMPLE

Personal or Artist Statement (300 words max)

TRANSCRIPTS

Required

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

1 Counselor Recommendation 
1 Teacher Evaluation 

INTERVIEW

Portfolio Review recommended 

APPLICATIONS DEADLINES

Early Decision: Nov 15
Early Decision 2: Jan 1
Regular Decision: Jan 1

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

TOEFL: 80
IELTS: 6.5

TIPS

It is strongly suggested that a minimum of six drawings from observation be included if you are applying to illustration, painting, or printmaking. Observational drawings can include still lifes, figure drawings, landscapes, etc.

ALUMNI

Sol Lewitt, Artist
Alan Dye, UI Designer
Gianfranco Zaccai, President and Chief design officer
Warren Kimble, Artist
Chris Renaud, Illustrator and Filmmaker
Thom Filicia, Interior designer
Bryan Buckley, Film director and Screenwriter
LaToya Ruby Frazier, Artist
Bill Viola, Video artist
Jeremy Bailey, Media artist
James Bishop, Painter
Gordon Chandler, Sculptor
Birgitta Farmer, Painter
Sharon Gold, Artist
Clement Greenberg, Art Critic
Henry Grethel, Fashion Designer
Betsey Johnson, Fashion Designer

DID YOU KNOW?

A total of $67.1 million was awarded for research, teaching, and other sponsored programs in fiscal year 2014. The federal government is the major sponsor ($45.9). Awards from non-federal sponsors totaled $21.2 million, the majority of which are from corporate entities ($7.6 million). New York State is the third largest sponsor ($4.8 million).

ADMISSIONS OFFICE

Office of Admissions
900 South Crouse Avenue
100 Crouse-Hinds Hall
Syracuse, NY 13244-2130

+1 (315)-443-3611