Virginia Commonwealth University, located in Richmond, Virginia, has evolved since its founding more than 175 years ago. VCU’s School of the Arts comprises 16 programs and more than 3,000 students. With the inclusion of the campus in Qatar, come an additional five programs and another 214 students. As part of a large, urban public research university, VCUarts students have the opportunity to pursue cross-disciplinary collaborations and to study alongside scholars in different fields. VCUarts has the lowest annual tuition among the top 10 schools of arts and design in the country.

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?

1. VCU School of the Arts is a top ranked art school within a major research university.

2. We embrace diversity - not only within our student body, but diversity of thought in our classroom and the diversity of programs we offer (16 undergraduate departments and programs, plus our graduate programs)

3. We are an urban campus located in Richmond, VA, a thriving, supportive arts community

Can students take courses in other schools?

Yes, many students double major or minor in combinations of arts programs, or arts and non-arts programs. Some of the most popular double majors or minors outside of the arts include business, psychology, and foreign languages. Some arts students have also pursued engineering or pre-med tracks, as well. 

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

The entire aspect of a student’s application is considered — including GPA, strength of academic curriculum, test scores, personal statement, essay, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and portfolio or audition (as applicable to program of interest). 

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


We are looking for a portfolio that broadly communicates an individual’s intellectual curiosity, experimentation, and skill.

We require 12 to 16 works of art created within the past two years that show the individual’s talent and potential in visual art and design. Applying students are asked to present their strongest work; we prefer to see a diverse range of 2D and 3D media. Drawing from observation is recommended, as are exercises or sketches that demonstrate the individual’s creative process. 

We look for a portfolio that embodies the individual and clearly expresses his/her point of view, ideas, and experiences.

We suggest that students who wish to apply to VCUarts come for a portfolio review before applying. (One can do this by attending a National Portfolio Day, or contacting the VCUarts admissions office to schedule
a review.) 

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


We have a curriculum structure that’s flexible enough to embrace innovation and allow a dialogue to occur between fundamental arts and design principles, and new technology as a tool to challenge and expand creativity. In many cases, technology is finding its way into the classroom - redefining the way art can be explored, pushing boundaries and creating a natural space for interdisciplinary collaborations. All VCUarts students have access to a sound stage featuring cyclorama and motion capture, and 3D printers, which allow for rapid prototyping. Students develop global connections as synchronous classes are taught with our campus in Doha, Qatar, and with other universities around the world. 

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?

All VCUarts students have access to the VCU Career Center, which offers resources for finding internships and jobs, resume building and interviewing, preparing for grad school, as well as connecting students with an on-staff Arts and Design Career and Industry Adviser.

Students may participate in “Catapult,” VCUarts’ event series designed to engage students beyond the classroom and help them to prepare for the professional world. Speakers and workshops connect students with industry professionals and provide opportunities for feedback, as well as finesse their ‘elevator pitch,’ cover letter and resume. To date, the series has held two International Opportunities fairs; a ‘Proposal Pitch’ workshop which helped students translate a great ideas into a great funding proposal; and a Reverse Career Fair where students displayed their work while employers navigated the room asking and answering questions, giving feedback and sharing information for job and internship opportunities. 

VCUarts Center for the Creative Economy offers four courses that provide the groundwork for the practice of entrepreneurship, emphasizing creative and design methodologies. Undergraduate majors may enroll in any of these courses independently, or apply for admission into the undergraduate certificate program in Venture Creation for a deeper grounding in entrepreneurship and business development.

The VCUarts CoLaboratory (CoLab) is a for-credit, internship program that provides students with opportunities in hands-on, innovative problem solving. Students develop career skills and create value in existing organizations and professions through the completion of research-intensive, industry-focused projects. Emphasis is on the collaborative development and commercial application of products that focus on emerging technologies.

Middle of Broad (mOb) is an interdisciplinary design studio that combines students from fashion, graphic and interior design departments to work on community-based projects in downtown Richmond.

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

Currently under construction, the 41,000-square-foot VCU Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA) will be an incubator for interdisciplinary experimentation for the entire university while simultaneously providing opportunities for collaboration both locally and internationally. This non-collecting museum will showcase a fresh slate of changing innovative exhibitions, performances, films and special programs. The building, which was designed by one of the world’s most important living architects, Steven Holl, will become an iconic gateway for the city of Richmond. 

What is the most distinguished feature at your school?

1. VCUarts offers students a world-class accredited arts education that provides graduates with credibility as an artist and a professional, and with a degree that’s respected in the world of galleries, design and advertising firms, graduate schools, artistic directors and employers — with the lowest undergraduate tuition among our peers in the top-10 ranked schools of art and design. 

2. The School of the Arts is just one of the schools and colleges that comprise Virginia Commonwealth University, a top-tier research institution. What this means for our students is a rich landscape of opportunities — and funding — to bridge gaps between disciplines with creative ideas. VCUarts students frequently collaborate with those studying medicine, engineering, business, liberal arts, mass communications, and beyond — breaking down barriers and pushing the periphery of what is possible.

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

Pursue what you love and the money will follow. Choose a major based on where your passion lies and what your skills lend themselves best to. Don’t choose a major just because you think that’s where the jobs are. If you are not truly passionate about that field, you won’t do well, and consequently, it will be harder for you to land a job in that field. A degree in the arts is applicable to such a wide range of careers — you may likely end up in a job that you don’t even know exists yet! And, as technology and the world of art and design evolve, there will be new careers available when you graduate that didn’t even exist when you started school. 

Interviewed by Erin Neff, Associate Director of Admissions,
Suzanne A Silitch, Director of Communications
Teresa Ilnicki, Associate Director of Communications

APPLICATION MATERIALS

Common Application

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

12–16 pieces

WRITING SAMPLE

Personal or Artist Statement (300 words max)

TRANSCRIPTS

Required

RECOMMENDATION LETTERS

One reference 

APPLICATIONS DEADLINES

Regular Decision: Jan 15
Portfolio Submission: Feb 2

*Jan 5 for scholarship consideration

FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

TOEFL: 550 (paper) 80 (iBT)
IELTS: 6.0
PTE: N/A

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.

If applicants feel it is necessary, they may submit up to two additional letters of recommendation. Additional recommenders should mail their letters to:

VCU Office of Admissions
PO Box 842526
Richmond, VA 23284-2526

ALUMNI

Teresita Fernández, Sculpture and Extended media artist
Tara Donovan, Sculpture and Extended media artist
Donwan Harrell, Founder and Creative director

DID YOU KNOW?

VCU became the first university from the U.S. to operate a campus in Qatar, which now boasts programs from five other American universities, including Georgetown and Northwestern.

ADMISSIONS OFFICE

Admissions Office, Virginia Commonwealth University
821 West Franklin Street
Richmond, Virginia 23284-2526

+1 (804) 828-1222 or (800) 841-3638