Admissions
Evaluation of applications will begin on January 15 and continue until the cohort is filled. Note that some scholarships require applications to be submitted in full by January 15 to receive full consideration.
Students must have 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 the following link.
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 in the application portal.
- Statement of Intent
- Resume - Portfolio website link included
- Recommendation Letters (Minimum of 3)
- Portfolio - See Portfolio Guidelines for additional details.
- Transcript(s)
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
You must provide contact information for three individuals who are familiar with your academic achievement and potential. These individuals will submit an evaluation and letter directly to the application portal.
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, software used, and to any other aspect of the work that is 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
Your portfolio must be a website. You need to include a brief written description (including media, size, date, etc.) of the works.
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.
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.