ADMISSIONS
Application Procedures and Deadlines
At the time of application to Western Washington University, a formal application to the Department of Art is required. For students in art studio, design, or art education, application is made with a portfolio of work. (See Studio, Design and Art Education Applicants section).
The portfolio will be reviewed by Department of Art faculty and evaluated on the basis of a demonstrated understanding of the elements of visual art, technical proficiency and originality. Portfolios must be submitted and reviewed by the Department of Art before students can enroll in 100-level Art courses.
For incoming freshmen, the admission deadline for the Department of Art, through a portfolio review, is January 31st of each year (for students starting at Western the following Fall quarter). The Admission Portfolio must be received in the Department of Art office on or before January 31st, not postmarked on January 31st. Application deadlines for incoming transfer students are October 15th (for students starting Winter and Spring quarters) and, beginning in 2012, April 1st (for students starting at Western Fall quarter). There will be two portfolio reviews for current Western students, on October 15th and January 31st of each year.
Contact the Department of Art office at 360-650-3660 to confirm deadlines and/or requirements for the Admission Portfolio.
Send your material to:
- Review Committee
- Department of Art
- Western Washington University
- 516 High Street
- Bellingham, WA 98225-9068
Please include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of your materials. The utmost care will be exercised in the process and review of all materials submitted; however, the Department of Art and Western Washington University assume no liability for loss or damage.
Art History Applicants
To apply to the art history major students must have taken A/HI 275 and two 200- level art history surveys or pre-approved equivalent courses (students can be enrolled in the second survey when applying). Students must have a B average or higher in these classes to be considered for the art history program. Currently enrolled WWU students may apply October 15 or January 31each year. Contact the Department of Art for specifics. See Bachelor of Arts in Art History for more information.
Studio, Design and Art Education Applicants
Incoming freshmen and transfer students in art education, design, or studio art must submit a portfolio of 12 images. It is recommended that the portfolio include only recent pieces. Artwork can be in any media and must demonstrate the following criteria:
- 1. Understanding of formal principles
- 2. Technical skills
- 3. Ability to use visual language to communicate ideas
- 4. Originality and risk-taking
An accompanying image list should briefly describe the rationale behind each piece. DVD's or CD's are preferred but online portfolios or slides are acceptable. Digital portfolios must be presented in an easily accessible format such as Powerpoint or pdf. It is the applicant's responsibility to insure proper functioning of the presentation. Portfolios will not be accepted as email attachments.
Application Packet: Art Studio, Design, Art Education
- 1. Completed Application Form (Available in PDF Format)
- 2. DVD's or CD's preferred; online or 12 slides in a plastic sleeve acceptable
- 3. Title, dimensions, date and medium with image
- 4. Separate brief description of work in question
- (The description should state any direct inspirations or influences that might have determined the outcome of the piece. If the work was collaborative, the description should also state your role in the project. Works submitted in CD-ROM or online portfolio should include this information directly in the digital presentation.)
- 5. Self-addressed stamped envelope
