Graduate Program
The application process involves a number of steps and interactions with various on-line tools. Procedures vary depending on whether the applicant is a domestic or international student. Please read the following summary of the application procedure in full before following any links to other application information.
Applicants for graduate study must follow a two-step process. They first apply to the University Graduate School, and then submit electronically additional, program-specific materials such as a personal statement, letters of reference and a portfolio. The step-by-step application procedure is outlined on the VCUArts web site (link is below).
International applicants apply to the Graduate School by following procedures defined by the Office of International Admissions. Issues regarding visa status and language proficiency are handled by this office.
The MFA Program in Visual Communications is a full-time, 2-year program. Students enter the program in the fall semester only. Applications are due each year on February 1st with acceptance letters sent out the first week of March.
The department has a limited number of full-tuition Graduate Teaching Assistanceships that are awarded to first-year students. These are given solely on the basis of merit and do not require additional information in the application. Students are offered these postions in their letter of acceptance.
To Apply
The step-by-step application process starts by visiting the VCUArts website's Apply Online page. International students should follow the link on this page to "International Application" to be directed to the Office of International Admission.
Portfolio Requirements
All portfolio items must be submitted electronically to the School of the Arts Application database. It is strongly recommended that representations of work be formatted in PDF files with identifying information such as client, type of artifact (poster, brochure, web site, etc.), and year of execution included in the layout. Work in other media (e.g. Quicktime video, Flash animations, etc.) can also be submitted online.
Applicants may also submit physical portfolios and/or supplemental presentations of their work directly to the Graduate Program Coordinator at the following address.Applicants should not submit unique, original works as they will not be returned.
Roy McKelvey
Graduate Program Coordinator
Department of Graphic Design
PO Box 842519
Richmond, VA 23284-2519
Telephone: (804) 828-6188
rmckelve@vcu.edu