What will be required of me for the portfolio review?

PORTFOLIO CONTENTS:

Portfolios should consist of 10-12 of examples of the applicant's best artwork. Applicants should submit their portfolio in person at one of the JMU Portfolio Review Days listed below. Photographs or slides may be substituted for original work.

Personal Interviews: Interviews are conducted as part of the portfolio review. Be prepared to discuss your artwork, art-related activities such as awards, exhibits or art club responsibilities, and your future goals in art.

Letters of Recommendation: At least one letter must be submitted as part of your art application. It should make specific reference to your interest and ability in art.

PORTFOLIO REVIEW DAYS:

Please visit our Admissions requirements page or our home page for portfolio review location, dates and times.

What kind of classes are Art, Design and Art History majors required to take?

To ensure a well-rounded education, every student at James Madison University must complete the General Education Requirements.

The School of Art, Design and Art History offers several different degrees, each with its own set of requirements.

For descriptions of individual courses, please see the catalog.

Do I have to apply to specific programs within the School of Art, Design and Art History?

No. Once you have been accepted into James Madison and have declared Studio Art as your major, you may freely decide which of our programs to pursue. Some of our areas have portfolio reviews that you must pass in order to continue or complete that program, but any Studio Art major is free to begin any program they choose.

Please note that any James Madison student who is currently enrolled as a non-Studio Art major (including Art History majors), or any transfer students, must pass a portfolio review to declare Studio Art and their major.

Can I double major?

Absolutely. As long as you fulfill the requirements for your degree, you may obtain any number of additional degrees at James Madison University. Of course, each program has its own set of requirements. Many Art, Design and Art History majors pursue multiple degrees.

It should be noted that it is not possible to earn multiple Studio Art degrees, such as a B.F.A. in Graphic Design and a B.F.A. in General Fine Art, as the degrees are too similar. It is possible to earn any of our Studio Art degrees along with a degree in Art History.

What are my career options with a degree in art?

Art students at JMU have the opportunity to prepare for a wide variety of art and art-related career fields. Because the School of Art, Design and Art History educates art students as critical thinkers and creative problem solvers, graduates have an enhanced ability to think independently, respond flexibly, work productively and compete successfully for employment in career fields that value original and thoughtful creativity.

Some possible careers include:

• Advertising
• Artist
• Art Critic
• Art Educator
• Art Historian
• Ceramacist
• Conservator
• Exhibition Designer
• Gallery Owner
• Graphic Designer
• Illustrator
• Industrial Designer
• Interior Designer
• Jeweler
• Multimedia Designer
• Museum Curator/Educator
• Painter
• Photographer
• Printmaker
• Sculptor
• Textile Designer

To discuss specific career options, students should contact the school and make an appointment with a member of the faculty. You may also visit the JMU Academic Advising & Career Development website

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