Prospective Students
The Division of Art at West Virginia University is recognized as a leader in the education, creative development and scholarly evolvement of artists, designers, scholars and teachers in the visual arts. Our mission is grounded on the attraction and retention of a talented, skilled, creative, distinguished and diverse body of faculty and students. The Division assumes the responsibility in providing the members of this creative community a challenging, productive and safe working environment, which will ensure fullest realization of potential in creative activity and scholarship.
In order to assist us in achieving this mission, we require all applicants to the Bachelor of Fine Art degree program to submit a portfolio for review. This evaluation is conducted by the art faculty and is designed to ensure that all students entering the program have certain basic competencies and abilities. These skills are essential in enabling students to obtain the highest caliber professional training in the visual arts.
Please download the Portfolio Application. This document contains detailed instructions to assist you in preparing your portfolio. Please follow the instructions carefully. Any missing information or material will delay the processing of you application. We recommend that you work with your art teacher or other instructors and seek their advice and counsel as you prepare your portfolio.
Since WVU operates on a rolling admissions basis, we strongly recommend applying for the portfolio review at the earliest possible date. Students who are also applying for a Fine Arts Scholarship or other scholarships complete the scholarship application forms and they must accompany the portfolio.
We will notify the student and the Office of Admissions of the results of the portfolio review. Once you have been admitted, you will also receive information on the scheduling of classes. Students who do not meet the standards for entrance into the Visual Arts Program will be enrolled into the General Studies Program at West Virginia University and be notified of this action by the Division of Art and the Office of Admissions and Records.
We believe that the Division of Art in the College of Creative Arts at West Virginia University is an exceptional place to study the visual arts. As an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, our degree programs are designed to afford students and faculty ample opportunity to explore the visual arts, art history and art education.
Thank you again for your interest in continuing your education in the visual arts at WVU and we look forward to seeing your portfolio.
