Admissions

We only admit for the Fall semester. To ensure consideration for financial support in the form of competitive scholarships and assistantships, the deadline is December 15. The final deadline for submitting an application is January 5th for admission in the Fall semester. Applications for Spring admission are not accepted.

Students must possess a 4-year baccalaureate degree in a related field. Example majors include but are not limited to arts-related fields such as fine art, design, and architecture; technical fields such as computer science, mathematics, and engineering; or a variety of other fields with a strong visual emphasis.

To begin the application process follow the University Graduate Application Form available at http://admissions.tamu.edu/.

Visualization Specific Application Criteria

In addition to the normal application materials required by the university, applicants to the Visualization graduate programs must submit the following materials electronically to admissions@viz.tamu.edu

• Statement of Intent
• Resume - Portfolio website link included
• Recommendation Letters (3)

• Portfolio - See Portfolio Guidelines for additional details.
• Portfolio Description Sheet

Optional materials to include in application.

• An optional technical portfolio demonstrating software development competence may be submitted. Running programs you have developed with a graphical or visual orientation are best. Include source code and operating instructions. We can only accommodate software that operates in Unix (Linux or Mac OS X) or MS Windows environments.

Statement of Intent

A brief Autobiographical Statement of Intent detailing the development of the candidate’s interest in electronic visualization, stating which graduate program – MS or MFA – and outlining the candidate’s goals for graduate study.

Resume

The resume is of academic and/or professional experience. The resume should also include the URL link to your portfolio website.

Recommendation Letters

Three recommendation letters should be request from three individuals who are familiar with your academic achievement and potential. The individuals providing these letters should send them electronically as PDFs to: admissions@viz.tamu.edu

Portfolio Guidelines

Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following within their portfolio:

• Visual quality.
• Ability to use color and visualize three-dimensional form and space.
• Proficiency in different forms of mediums such as drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, architecture, modeling, or work in time-based arts.
• A spread of digital and traditional works.

Work that is included in the portfolio can include conceptual basis for works or body of work submitted. For this reason, portfolios may be composed primarily by consistency of ideas represented. Additionally, those with a technical background may include work that demonstrates their approach to visual problem solving.

Credit should be given to collaborators and to software used in addition to any other aspect of the work not entirely your creation. Please make your portfolio submission complete and easy to handle. If the process is efficient, you will make a more favorable impression.

Submission of Portfolio:
To submit your portfolio as a website, you need to include the URL for your site on your submitted resume and include a portfolio brief written descriptions (including media, size, date, etc.) of the works submitted as a separate doc. or PDF.

• Website URL
• Portfolio Description Sheet

Both should be included in the Visualization Specific Application Criteria material sent to admissions@viz.tamu.edu.

Miscellaneous

If your native language is not English, submit TOEFL scores from within the last two years. Texas A&M requires students from other countries to demonstrate their ability to speak, write, and understand the English language. There are several ways to meet this requirement.

Recommended Preparation

FAQ