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.
Prospective students must apply through the Texas A&M University GraduateCAS (Centralized Application Service).
In addition to the university graduate admission requirements, the Master of Science (M.S.) program requires the following.
Minimum Education
A bachelor’s degree in a related field is required for admission to the M.S. program. 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.
Admitted applicants who are still earning the prerequisite degree are admitted contingent on the completion of that degree. Applicants who do not meet this contingency must reapply after graduation.
As artistic and technical competencies are integral to success in visualization graduate programs, applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure their transcripts or portfolios demonstrate relevant experience, skills, or training. Competitive applicants have completed the following:
Mathematics
Two semesters of calculus and one semester of linear algebra.
Computer Science
Proficiency in a high-level programming language (such as C/C++, Java, or Python) and a course in data structures.
Art and Design
At least two semesters of foundation courses such as drawing, figure drawing, painting, sculpture, design, color theory and photography.
Résumé
Résumés should include your employment history, educational record, publications, awards, and any community/volunteer experiences you may have. Your résumé should include the URL for your portfolio website. Please upload your résumé to the Texas A&M GradCas System.
Statement of Intent
Your statement of intent should be a brief, autobiographical statement that details the development of your interest in electronic visualization. It should state which graduate program (MFA or M.S.) you are applying for and outline your goals for graduate study. Statements of intent are used to gauge whether an applicant will be a good fit in the program based on interests and prior experiences.
Strong statements of intent demonstrate an applicant’s motivation and communication skills. Aim to make a clear and compelling case for your interest in this program as well as how the course of study, faculty mentors, and resources align with your trajectory and career goals. Any relevant work or volunteer experience, awards, or publications should be woven into this narrative.
Please upload your statement to the Texas A&M GraduateCAS.
Portfolio
The M.S. portfolio must be a website that showcases recent, high-quality work. Please include your portfolio URL on your résumé. You will also be prompted to enter it in the Texas A&M GraduateCAS.
Your portfolio should demonstrate the following:
- Visual quality
- Ability to use color and visualize three-dimensional form and space
- Proficiency in different mediums such as drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, architecture, modeling, or work in time-based arts
- A spread of digital and traditional works
You must include a brief written description (including media, size, date, etc.) of the works in your portfolio. Credit should be given to collaborators, software used, and to any other aspect of the work that is not entirely your creation. Where useful, explicate the significance of the piece within your body of work (e.g., demonstration of a particular skill; part of an ongoing thematic exploration, etc.).
The portfolio can include unfinished or planned works that illustrate the conceptual basis for a project or a body of work. In some cases, portfolios may be composed primarily of concept designs that demonstrate a consistent exploration of ideas. Additionally, those with a technical background may include work that demonstrates their approach to visual problem solving and/or programming challenges.
Strong portfolios are not exhaustive records of creation but carefully curated collections. Please ensure your portfolio submission is thoughtful, complete, and easy to navigate and handle. If the process is efficient, you will make a more favorable impression.
References
You should provide three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with your academic achievement and potential. If you have been out of school for a number of years and are unable to contact former professors, you may submit non-academic references (e.g., employers).
Your referees will submit an evaluation and letter directly to the application system. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that recommenders submit their letters by the application deadline. Applicants can access the electronic letter of recommendation system available via the Texas A&M GraduateCAS.
Test Scores
The M.S. program does not require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores for admittance at this time.
Texas A&M requires international students to demonstrate their ability to speak, write, and understand the English language via an English language proficiency verification.