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Apply - Studio Art and Art Education
For students interested in Art Education, Ceramics, Graphic Design, Illustration, Jewelry and Metalsmithing, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture and Visual Studies only.
(Students in Art History, Film & Video Production and Photography students DO NOT need a portfolio to be admitted as a major. To declare your major in Art History, Photography or Film & Video Production, go to myBanner.)
Admission to Grand Valley State University does not guarantee access or admission to the Art Education and Studio Art degree programs offered by the Department of Visual and Media Arts. The student is responsible for applying to the department in order to become a major.
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Application Submission Instructions
In light of COVID-19, all applications and portfolios must be
submitted online.
Application Steps
STEP 1: Apply to the Department
Once accepted to GVSU, you must submit an application to the Department of Visual and Media Arts online.
Step 2: Submit Your Portfolio Online
Up to 3 days prior to your review date, you will submit your portfolio for review online.
Step 3: Check Your Email
Look for two emails from the Department of Visual and Media Arts. If you do not receive the confirmation email within a few minutes, please call the Visual and Media Arts Office at (616) 331-3486.
Step 4: Review Results
You will receive your results within two weeks. If you have been accepted at Grand Valley State University and the Department of Visual and Media Arts, be sure to complete your registration then.
Tips for Photographing Your Work
Documentation tips from a Studio Art alum on how to document work from the comfort of your home.
Submitting Your Portfolio Online
Application Types
The type of application will depend on your status at GVSU and whether or not you have a portfolio of works. Should you have questions, please contact us through email.
Freshman Application
IF YOU ARE...
- A high-school students (current, graduate or GED certificate) who have been admitted to GVSU and have a portfolio of works.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
The following materials are required for a freshman application:
- Completed Application Form
- Portfolio of works (submit works online or send website link)
- ACT/SAT Score
- High School GPA
- High School Graduation Date or GED Certificate Date
- List of Extracurricular Activities
- Essay: 250–500 words. Select from two topics:
- Why would you like to study the visual arts?, or
- Discuss a work of art or creative endeavor that has influenced you, and explain that influence.
Online ApplicationSubmit Your Portfolio OnlineDownload Freshman Application Form (.pdf)
Internal Application
IF YOU ARE...
- A GVSU students with a major other than Art Education or Studio Art who have been admitted to GVSU and have a portfolio of works.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
The following materials are required for internal students:
- Completed Application Form
- Portfolio of works (submit works online or send website link)
Online ApplicationSubmit Your Portfolio OnlineDownload Internal Application Form (.pdf)
Transfer Application
IF YOU ARE...
- A Transfer students currently not attending GVSU who have been admitted and have a portfolio of works.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
The following materials are required for transfer students:
- Completed Application Form
- Portfolio of works (submit works online or send website link)
- Transcripts from other colleges/universities attended
- GPA from previous colleges/universities
Online ApplicationSubmit Your Portfolio OnlineDownload Transfer Application Form (.pdf)
IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A PORTFOLIO (YET) ...
Register for Foundation classes to create a portfolio and subsequently apply as an internal student.
Learn how to create a portfolio to apply...
Computer Recommendations
The Department of Visual and Media Arts currently does not have a computer requirement. However, recommended specifications are in the document below.
Download Computer Recommendations Guide