School of Art Admissions

Art and Visual Technology majors learn design and production skills that will enable them to thrive in a competitive world.

Forward thinking and adaptive classes allow faculty to work with students as they develop aesthetic and analytical judgment, as well as the confidence to be self-reliant and collaborative. Faculty and students work together to challenge conventional thinking and blur the lines between traditional artistic disciplines. The School of Art facilitates access to the D.C. area's vibrant arts community; presenting opportunities to engage with museum curators, arts organizations and other professionals, creating a synthesis of educational and real-world experiences.

Art and Visual Technology, BA and BFA 


How to Apply

Incoming Freshmen and Transfer Students

Apply to Mason through the Common Application, or directly through Mason's online application. If, after review of your application by the Admissions office, your application is successful you will be admitted into the School of Art. No other steps are necessary.

Application Dates

Freshman Applicants

Freshman Applicants Deadline Notification

Freshman Non-Binding Early Action Application

November 1        

mid-December

Honors College Consideration

November 1           

mid-December

University Scholars Consideration

November 1 

late January

Freshman Regular Decision Application

February 1 

Rolling

Financial Aid

February 1

Rolling

Transfer Applicants

Transfer Applicants Deadline Notification

Spring Transfer Priority Application    

October 1         

November 1 

Fall Transfer Priority Application 

March 1 

November 1 

Fall Transfer Priority Application 

March 1 

April 1 

Financial Aid

March 1

Early April

art student examining drawings
School of Art offers a collaborative academic and professional community focused on advancing creativity through traditional and new media applied to varying social contexts.

Graphic Design Certificate

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The graphic design undergraduate certificate is for working adults with a 4-year baccalaureate undergraduate degree from an accredited institution who seek to gain the skills and competency to advance into a career in graphic design. 

It encompasses a specific body of knowledge and practice that prepares candidates for rewarding positions in the design field. For course descriptions, visit the University Catalog.

Minors

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Minors


To declare a minor in the School of Art, students can stop by the front office to pick-up the Minor Declaration form. No appointment is necessary.

Animation Minor

For more information please visit the Animation Minor page in the University catalog.

Art and Social Change (ASC) Minor

For more information, please visit the Art and Social Change Minor page in the University catalog.

Design Thinking Minor

For more information, please visit the Design Thinking Minor page in the University catalog. 

Digital Media and Web Design Minor

For more information, please visit the Digital Media and Web Design Minor page in the University catalog.

Graphic Design Minor

For more information, please visit the Graphic Design Minor page in the University catalog.

Illustration Minor

For more information, please visit the Illustration Minor page in the University catalog.

Photography Minor

For more information, please visit the Photography Minor page in the University catalog.

Photojournalism Minor

For more information, please visit the Photojournalism Minor page in the University catalog.

Studio Art Minor

For more information, please visit the Studio Art Minor page in the University catalog.

Web Design Minor

For more information, go to the Web Design Minor page in the university catalog.

Accelerated Programs Requirements

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Art and Visual Technology, BFA/Art Education, Accelerated MAT

Undergraduates in Art may apply to the accelerated master's degree in Art Education. If accepted, students will be able to earn an Art and Visual Technology, BFA and an Art Education, MAT after satisfactory completion of 144 credits. 

Students choosing the accelerated option must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. The regular designed timeframe would be a start in the Fall and the completion in the Fall semester five and a half years later, but longer time frames may also be available.

For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies section of the catalog.

To apply to this program, please visit the College of Visual and Performing Arts Accelerated Master's Admissions page.

Art and Visual Technology, BA/Arts Management, Accelerated MA

Undergraduates in Art may apply to the accelerated master's degree in Arts Management.  If accepted, students will be able to earn an Art and Visual Technology, BA and an Arts Management, MA after satisfactory completion of 150 credits. 

Students choosing the accelerated option must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. The regular designed timeframe would be a start in the Fall and completion of all coursework in the Summer five years later with the exception of Capstone, which is only offered in Fall and Spring. Students may need a longer timeframe to complete all requirements.

This accelerated option is offered through joint cooperation between the School of Art and the Arts Management Program.

For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.  For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies section of the catalog.

To apply to this program, please visit the College of Visual and Performing Arts Accelerated Master's Admissions page.

Art and Visual Technology, BFA/Arts Management, Accelerated MA

Undergraduates in Art may apply to the accelerated master's degree in Arts Management.  If accepted, students will be able to earn an Art and Visual Technology, BFA and an Arts Management, MA after satisfactory completion of 150 credits. 

Students choosing the accelerated option must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. The regular designed timeframe would be a start in the Fall and completion of all coursework in the Summer five years later with the exception of Capstone, which is only offered in Fall and Spring. Students may need a longer timeframe to complete all requirements.

This accelerated option is offered through joint cooperation between the School of Art and the Arts Management Program.

For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees.  For policies governing all graduate degrees, see the Academic Policies section of the catalog.

To apply to this program, please visit the College of Visual and Performing Arts Accelerated Master's Admissions page.

Visit Us

Virtual Q & A Sessions

These Q&A sessions will allow prospective students the opportunity to ask questions about the Art and Visual Technology Major as well as any other pressing concerns or questions they may have.  
 
Please see the School of Art's Virtual Q & A Session page for current information on event dates. 

Visit the Undergraduate Open House page for current information on CVPA Open House dates.

Current Students Transferring from BA to BFA

Students accepted into the BA and wanting to declare the BFA

Students accepted into the BA and wanting to declare the BFA

For current Mason students in the School of Art BA program who wish to change to the BFA program, a portfolio submission is no longer required.

To be eligible:

  • You must have a cumulative GPA of 2.85 or better
  • You must be at least 30 credits from degree completion
  • You must meet with your Academic Advisor for approval

If you have any questions, please email the main School of Art office or call 703-993-8898.

Contact us

Email us or call us: 703-993-8898. Visit us at Art and Design Building, 2050, George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.