Application & deadlines
Applicants must fill out a change of major application. Deadlines for applications and the change of major form are available under “My Record” in Howdy.
Students will be notified of action on their applications within 45 days of the deadline date. Visualization will accept the best-qualified applicants based on the number of openings available in the program.
Requirements
Students currently enrolled in another major at Texas A&M University must meet these requirements:
- Change of major applicants must have at least a 3.0 grade point ratio (GPR) on and fewer than 60 hours.
- Applicants must have completed 12 graded hours which include MATH 151 and MATH 152.
- Submit a portfolio of artistic work for evaluation.
Each student should submit a portfolio of artistic work for evaluation. It is suggested that a maximum of 20 pieces be included which reflect the best work of the applicant. A variety of media/subjects is encouraged, but not necessary. Traditional media is most helpful in the evaluation, especially works based on observation/imagination and not the replication of existing images/photographs.
Quick, expressive sketches may be just as important to the committee as completed works. Instead of a traditional portfolio, a link to an online portfolio is encouraged. Indicate the URL clearly within the essay.
Regardless of when the student is accepted, the beginning studio — VIST 105 — is only offered during the fall semester, followed by VIST 106 in the spring. Subsequent studios are offered in the summer and most semesters so that the time in the program can be compressed from the normal eight semesters.
Additional information regarding changes of majors is available in the current catalog at catalog.tamu.edu.
Hardware requirements
All students entering the program are required to possess a portable, network-ready personal computer. Students desiring financial assistance with their computer purchase can apply through the Financial Aid Office by submitting a “Request for Change to Cost of Attendance” form.
Additional information is online at financialaid.tamu.edu. No student will be denied admission to Texas A&M University based on an inability to purchase a computer.
Additional details and information relating to computing requirements are available at https://tinyurl.com/TechTamu
Questions & answers
Q: What are my chances to be admitted into the bachelor of science in Visualization program?
A: The number of students admitted is limited by available space and the quality of the applicants. Typically, that number ranges from five to 15 students per year.
Q: What criteria will be used to evaluate my application?
A: A committee composed of Visualization faculty evaluates four criteria: overall GPR, courses taken and grades received in math and science courses, the written essay and the portfolio.
Q: If acceptance is denied, can I reapply next semester?
A: Yes. As the numbers of openings, number of applicants and the quality of the applicants vary each semester, you may reapply as often as you wish.
Q: Since I have taken a normal course load each semester, will I be able to graduate in four years?
A: The answer depends on the courses you have taken and the number of hours applied toward the BS in Visualization degree. The sequence of studio courses generally dictates the length of time to complete the degree. While each studio is not offered each semester, VIST 205, 206, 305 and 405 are typically provided during the summer for students that desire to accelerate graduation.
Q: Should I try to complete all the core curriculum requirements prior to applying to Texas A&M University?
A: No. The time spent finishing the bachelor of science in Visualization degree is governed by the sequence of studio courses, not by the number of hours remaining. The sequence of studios generally dictates the length of time to complete the degree, which requires eight consecutive semesters of studios (beginning with catalog 145). Please see the program courses and organization to view the layout of the curriculum.
Q: The university classifies me as a junior. Does that mean I should study away immediately?
A: No. Visualization refers to the students’ “class” based on the studio they are in. Therefore, you could have junior or even senior hours and still be referred to as a member of the freshman class.