Entry requirements
For international students
Special requirementsThis program is for second-degree seekers who have a prior degree in a field other than interior design. No prior design or art background is required, although applicants with design and art backgrounds are welcome to apply. If an applicant's prior degree is in interior design (or equivalent), please see requirements for our post-professional program option instead. Curriculum Vitae / ResumeApplicants should submit previous academic and professional experiences (if any) in the format of either a CV or resume on their University Graduate Application. If an applicant has a website they are welcome to include it as a link in their CV/resume.Letters of RecommendationThree letters of recommendation are required and should be submitted online by the applicant's recommenders. On the University Graduate Application applicants will enter the recommender names and email addresses to send a message requesting the recommendations. Letters of recommendation from professional associates such as instructors, supervisors or colleagues should address the applicants ability to succeed in a graduate program, as well as describe specific experiences they have had with the applicant that they think would translate to them being an outstanding candidate for the M.F.A. in Design with a concentration in interior environments professional entry-level program.Statement of IntentThe statement of intent should be submitted on the University Graduate Application. Statements should be approximately one to two pages in length and should briefly explain the following:Academic and professional backgroundReason for interest in studying design of interior environmentsReason for interest in studying at VCUarts, specificallyProfessional goals beyond graduate studyAreas of interest relevant to interior design that the applicant is eager to learn more aboutLevel of interest in being awarded a Graduate Assistantship (see below for details) as well as financial need considerations, if any PortfolioA portfolio is not required for the M.F.A. in Design with a concentration in interior environments professional entry-level program application; however, even if applicants do not have a background in design or the arts, the presentation of any creative work completed as a hobby, such as photography, home crafting projects, creative writing, poetry, art classes at a local museum, etc. is highly encouraged to provide a feel for the applicant's visual style, abilities and interest. InterviewOnce an applicant has completed their application the department may request an interview (may be via Zoom, telephone or in person).
