Making a Career in the Arts
Welcome to the College of Visual and Performing Arts, where we add fuel to the fire of creativity.
Applying to our programs is a two-step process. Admission to George Mason University does not guarantee your acceptance into our programs. However, all College of Visual and Performing Arts majors must be admitted to Mason.
STEP 1: Apply to George Mason University
Admission to George Mason is determined by the Office of Admissions and is separate from acceptance into College of Visual and Performing Arts degree programs.
The College of Visual and Performing Arts strongly encourages freshmen to apply to the university by November 1 to receive maximum scholarship consideration, including merit and talent-based scholarships. The freshman regular decision deadline is February 1.
STEP 2: Complete an Audition or Portfolio Review
Applicants to College of Visual and Performing Arts programs (with the exception of the School of Art) must successfully complete a discipline-specific audition, portfolio review, and/or interview before acceptance into the major. For audition, portfolio review, and interview requirements, click on the program of interest, at left.
Please note the following important dates for submission of materials/scheduling of audition:
- All Freshman Early Action CVPA portfolio materials must be submitted or an audition scheduled by November 7.
- All Freshman regular decision CVPA portfolio materials must be submitted or an audition scheduled by February 7.
Freshman Applicants
| Freshman Applicants | Deadline | Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Freshman Early Action Application | November 1 | December 15 |
| Honors College Consideration | November 1 | Mid-February |
| University Scholars Consideration | November 1 | Mid-February |
| Talent and Merit-Based Scholarship | November 1 | Mid-February |
| Freshman Regular Decision Application | February 1 | Late March |
| Financial Aid | March 1 | Early April |
Transfer Applicants
| Transfer Applicants | Deadline | Notification |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Transfer Priority Application | October 1 | November 1 |
| Fall Transfer Priority Application | March 1 | April 1 |
| Financial Aid | March 1 | Early April |
Program Audition/Review Deadlines and Requirements
Click on the program name to learn more about audition portfolio requirements and deadlines:
Undergraduate Majors
- Art and Visual Technology, BA
- Art and Visual Technology, BFA
- Computer Game Design, BFA
- Dance, BFA
- Film and Video Studies, BA
- Music, BA
- Music, BM
- Theater, BA
- Theater, BFA
Bachelor’s/Accelerated Master’s Program
- Art and Visual Technology, BA/Arts Management, Accelerated MA
- Art and Visual Technology, BFA/Art Education, Accelerated MAT
- Art and Visual Technology, BFA/Arts Management, Accelerated MA
- Theater, BA/Arts Management, Accelerated MA
Undergraduate Minors
- Arts and Social Change Minor
- Art and Visual Technology Minor
- Arts Management Minor
- Audio Production Minor
- Computer Game Design Minor
- Dance Appreciation Minor
- Ethnomusicology Minor
- Event Technical Production Minor
- Graphic Design Minor
- Jazz Studies Minor
- Music Minor
- Music and Technology Minor
- Music and Well-Being Minor
- Photography Minor
- Sport and Computer Game Design Minor
- Theater Minor
- Theater Performance
- Web Design Minor
Undergraduate Certificates
If you have questions about the undergraduate admissions process in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, please e-mail Christen Beatty or call 703-993-5572.
Theater majors at the College of Visual and Performing Arts follow a program that stresses serious practical training and experience, combined with the breadth of liberal arts study.