ADMISSIONS
Application Procedures and Deadlines
At the time of application to Western Washington University, a formal application to the Department of Art is required before students can enroll in Art Department classes. Studio Art, Design or Art Education students must submit a portfolio. (See Studio, Design and Art Education Applicants section). Incoming Art History applicants must submit a writing sample consisting of a 500 word essay. (See Art History Applicant section.)
Faculty from the Department of Art will review the portfolio, and evaluation will be made based on demonstrated understanding of the essential elements of visual art, originality, and technical proficiency. Students with an interest in Art History as a major must submit a writing sample. Portfolios and writing samples must be submitted and reviewed by the Department of Art before students can enroll in 100-level courses.
The admission deadline for the Department of Art, through a portfolio review, is March 1 of each year. The Admission Portfolio must be received in the Department of Art office on or before March 1st, not postmarked March 1st.
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
As prospective art history majors, you must submit a 500 word (minimum) essay. It is strongly suggested that you select a topic that you have studied in previous art history classes or related courses and state how that topic has stimulated you interest in the discipline of art history and visual culture. You must also include a list of books and articles that have motivated you to further your study in this field.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 issues
- 2. Technical skills showing craftsmanship
- 3. Ability to use visual language to communicate ideas
- 4. Originality and risk-taking
An accompanying list should briefly describe the rationale behind each piece. Slides, Macintosh compatible CD-ROMs and online portfolios are accepted. Digital portfolios must be presented in an easily accessible format (please optimize images as jpg format--no tiffs). It is the applicant's responsibility to insure proper functioning of the presentation. The portfolio will be evaluated according to the level of excellence achieved in the four criteria.
Application Packet: Art Studio, Design, Art Education
- 1. Completed Application Form (Available in PDF Format)
- 2. 12 slides in a plastic sleeve, Mac compatible CD-ROM, or online portfolio (Design only) organized in a presentation format
- 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 may include this information directly in the digital presentation.)
- 5. Self-addressed stamped envelope
