Degree Requirements
Total credits: 120
Mason Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Requirements | ||
| Oral Communication | 3 | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 3 | |
| Information Technology 1 | 3 | |
| ENGH 101 | Composition (Mason Core) 2 | 3 |
| ENGH 302 | Advanced Composition (Mason Core) 2 | 3 |
| Core Requirements | ||
| Literature | 3 | |
| Arts 3 | 3 | |
| Natural Science 4 | 7 | |
| Western Civilization | 3 | |
| Global Understanding 5 | 3 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 37 | |
| 1 | Studio Arts concentration students must take either AVT 180 or AVT 110 for this requirement. All Graphic Design concentration students must take AVT 110 for this requirement. |
| 2 | Nonnative speakers of English with limited proficiency in the language may substitute ENGH 100 for ENGH 101. Students must attain a minimum grade of C in ENGH 100 or ENGH 101, as well as in ENGH 302, to fulfill degree requirements. |
| 3 | AVT majors may not choose AVT courses to meet this requirement, and they may not double-count ARTH courses toward both the AVT major and the Mason Core arts requirement. |
| 4 | Including at least one laboratory science. |
| 5 | AVT majors may not double-count ARTH courses toward both AVT major requirements and the Mason Core global understanding requirement. |
AVT Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Studio Foundation | ||
| AVT 104 | Two-Dimensional Design and Color (Mason Core) | 3 |
| AVT 105 | Three-Dimensional Design and Beyond (Mason Core) | 3 |
| AVT 110 | Digital Design Studio (Mason Core) 1 | 3 |
| or AVT 180 | New Media in the Creative Arts (Mason Core) | |
| AVT 222 | Drawing I (Mason Core) | 3 |
| Foundation Electives | ||
| Select three courses from the following: | 9 | |
| Typography (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to Web Design | ||
| Painting I (Mason Core) | ||
| Printmaking I (Mason Core) | ||
| Darkroom Photography I (Mason Core) | ||
| Digital Photography I (Mason Core) | ||
| Sculpture I (Mason Core) | ||
| Introduction to New Media Arts | ||
| Interdisciplinary Arts (Mason Core) | ||
| Special Topics | ||
| Art History | ||
| ARTH 374 | Art Now | 3 |
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| History of Graphic Design 2 | ||
or AVT 410 | Experiential Design History | |
| Any ARTH 200-400 level course | ||
| Critical Analysis & Contemporary Practice | ||
| AVT 307 | Aesthetics | 3 |
| AVT 395 | Writing for Artists 3 | 3 |
| or AVT 396 | Writing for Designers | |
| AVT 472 | Critical Theory in the Visual Arts 4 | 3 |
| or AVT 408 | Visual Communication Theories | |
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Visual Thinking | ||
| Creative Processes | ||
| Art as Social Action | ||
| Entrepreneurship in the Arts | ||
| Visual Perception and the Arts | ||
| Hip Hop Culture | ||
| Sound Art I | ||
| Thinking Through Animation | ||
| Advanced Aesthetics | ||
| Visual Communication Theories | ||
| Introduction to Art Teaching and Learning | ||
| Studio Core & Research Practicum | ||
| AVT 101 | New Majors Colloquium | 3 |
| AVT 202 | Sophomore Core | 3 |
| AVT 303 | Junior Core | 3 |
| AVT 404 | Senior ProSeminar | 2 |
| Professional Practices | ||
| AVT 413 | Professional Design Practices 5 | 3 |
| or AVT 453 | Professional Practices | |
| Synthesis | ||
| AVT 497 | Senior Project (Mason Core) 6 | 3 |
| or AVT 498 | Senior Design Project (Mason Core) | |
| Total Credits | 56 | |
| 1 | Graphic Design concentration students must take AVT 110. |
| 2 | Graphic Design concentration students must take either AVT 318 or AVT 410 to fulfill this requirement. |
| 3 | Graphic Design concentration students must take AVT 396 to fulfill this requirement. |
| 4 | Studio Arts concentration students must take AVT 472 for this requirement. Graphic Design concentration students must take AVT 408 for this requirement. |
| 5 | Graphic Design concentration students must complete AVT 413. |
| 6 | Graphic Design concentration students must take AVT 498 to fulfill the Synthesis requirement. |
Concentrations
Select one concentration and complete the requirements therein:
Graphic Design (GD)
All AVT BFA majors concentrating in graphic design must complete AVT 215 Typography (Mason Core), AVT 217 Introduction to Web Design and AVT 252 Darkroom Photography I (Mason Core) or AVT 253 Digital Photography I (Mason Core) under Foundation Electives (above).
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AVT 311 | Graphic Design Methods and Principles | 3 |
| AVT 313 | Editorial Design | 3 |
| AVT 414 | Brand Identity Design | 3 |
| Select 15 credits from the following: 1 | 15 | |
| Mobile App Design | ||
| Illustration | ||
| Comics | ||
| Book Arts: Books Enclosures | ||
| Digital Printmaking | ||
| Photobook: Concepts Form | ||
| User Experience Design | ||
| Motion Design | ||
| Advanced Typography | ||
| Web Design and Usability | ||
| Advertising Design | ||
| Package Design | ||
| Topics in Graphic Design | ||
| Advanced Web Design | ||
| Introduction to Design Thinking | ||
Or other courses as approved by graphic design director. | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |
| 1 | AVT 393, AVT 489, AVT 491, and AVT 496 may be taken with permission of the graphic design director. |
Studio Arts (SA)
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 300-400 level AVT studio courses | 24 | |
Or other courses as approved by director. | ||
| Total Credits | 24 | |
General Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select 3 credits from General Electives | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art & Visual Technology Sample Plan of Study
The sample plan below is a recommended sequencing of courses based on prerequisites and scheduling. This may not fit every student's needs and is a guideline, not a requirement. Students should confirm major requirements with their academic advisor and with PatriotWeb Degree Evaluation to ensure they enroll in the proper courses and are on track to graduate.
Graphic Design Concentration
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| AVT 300 | 0 | AVT 300 | 0 |
| AVT 101 | 3 | AVT 105 | 3 |
| AVT 222 | 3 | AVT 323 | 3 |
| AVT 104 | 3 | AVT 215 | 3 |
| AVT 301 | 1 | Quantitative Reasoning: Mason Core | 3 |
| AVT 110 | 3 | Literature: Mason Core | 3 |
| ENGH 101 | 3 | ||
| 16 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| AVT 300 | 0 | AVT 300 | 0 |
| AVT 253 | 3 | AVT 217 | 3 |
| AVT 307 | 3 | AVT 313 | 3 |
| AVT 311 | 3 | ENGH 302H: Mason Core | 3 |
| AVT 301 | 1 | COMM 100/101: Mason Core | 3 |
| Natural Science Lab: Mason Core | 4 | Natural Science Non-Lab: Mason Core | 3 |
| Elective (UNIV XXX) | 1 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| AVT 300 | 0 | AVT 414 | 3 |
| AVT Graphic Design Concentration | 3 | ARTH 374 | 3 |
| AVT 396 | 3 | AVT 301 | 1 |
| AVT 318 or 410 | 3 | General Elective | 2 |
| AVT Graphic Design Concentration | 3 | AVT Graphic Design Concentration | 3 |
| ARTH 201 | 3 | Arts: Mason Core | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| AVT Graphic Design Concentration | 3 | AVT 413 | 3 |
| AVT Graphic Design Concentration | 3 | AVT 498 | 3 |
| Upper-level elective or ARTH 3xx, 4xx | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| Social & Behavioral Science: Mason Core | 3 | AVT 472 | 3 |
| Western Civilization: Mason Core | 3 | Global Understanding: Mason Core | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 121 | |||
Detailed four year plans and degree planning checklists can be found at https://advising.gmu.edu/current-student/majors-at-mason/.
All Other Concentrations
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| AVT 300 | 0 | AVT 300 | 0 |
| AVT 101 | 3 | AVT 105 | 3 |
| AVT 222 | 3 | AVT 323 | 3 |
| AVT 104 | 3 | AVT Breadth & Experience | 3 |
| AVT 301 | 1 | Quantitative Reasoning: Mason Core | 3 |
| AVT 110 | 3 | Literature: Mason Core | 3 |
| ENGL 101: Mason Core | 3 | ||
| Elective (UNIV XXX) | 1 | ||
| 17 | 15 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| AVT 300 | 0 | AVT 300 | 0 |
| AVT Breadth & Experience | 3 | AVT Breadth & Experience | 3 |
| AVT 307 | 3 | AVT Concentration Course | 3 |
| AVT Concentration | 3 | ENGH 302H: Mason Core | 3 |
| AVT 301 | 1 | COMM 100/101: Mason Core | 3 |
| Natural Science Lab: Mason Core | 4 | Natural Science Non-Lab: Mason Core | 3 |
| Elective (UNIV XXX) | 1 | ||
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| AVT 300 | 0 | AVT Concentration | 3 |
| AVT Concentration | 3 | ARTH 374 | 3 |
| ARTH 200, 203, 204, AVT 318, or AVT 410 | 3 | AVT 301 | 1 |
| AVT 395 | 3 | General Elective | 2 |
| AVT Concentration | 3 | AVT Concentration | 3 |
| ARTH 201 | 3 | Arts: Mason Core | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall Semester | Credits | Spring Semester | Credits |
| AVT Concentration | 3 | AVT 453 | 3 |
| AVT Concentration | 3 | AVT 497 | 3 |
| Upper-level elective or ARTH 3xx, 4xx | 3 | General Elective | 3 |
| Social & Behavioral Science: Mason Core | 3 | AVT 472 | 3 |
| Western Civilization: Mason Core | 3 | Global Understanding: Mason Core | 3 |
| 15 | 15 | ||
| Total Credits 122 | |||
Detailed four year plans and degree planning checklists can be found at https://advising.gmu.edu/current-student/majors-at-mason/.
Art and Visual Technology, BFA/Art Education, Accelerated MAT
Overview
Academically strong undergraduates in Art may apply to the accelerated Master’s Degree in Art Education. If accepted, students will be able to earn an Art and Visual Technology, BFA and an Art Education, MAT after satisfactory completion of 150 credits.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
BAM Pathway Admissions Requirements
Applicants to all graduate programs at George Mason University must meet the admission standards and application requirements for graduate study as specified in the Graduate Admission Policies section of this catalog.
Students are eligible to apply for this accelerated program once they have earned at least 60 undergraduate credits and can enroll in up to 18 credits of graduate coursework after successfully completing 75 undergraduate credits.
Important information on how to apply for this accelerated master's program can be found in the University’s Accelerated Master’s Application Guide.
Teacher Endorsement
Students for the MAT (for BFA students) must complete ALL endorsements, as well as the Praxis Core Exam. Students must meet Virginia Department of Education's required semester credit hours in the following specific areas:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| 12 hours of two-dimensional media | 12 | |
| 12 hours of three-dimensional media | 12 | |
| 9 hours of cultural context and art history, judgment and criticism, aesthetics | 9 | |
| 3 hours of related areas of fine arts | 3 | |
| Total Credits | 36 | |
Students should work closely with their advisor to ensure they complete these course requirements through the BFA in Art and Visual Technology and MAT degrees.
Accelerated Master's Admissions Requirements
Undergraduate students admitted to the accelerated master’s program pathway will be fully admitted into the MA program if they meet the following requirements, as verified on the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form:
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.00
- Completion of specific undergraduate coursework
- Successfully meet Mason’s requirements for undergraduate degree conferral (graduation) and complete the application for graduation
Accelerated Pathway Requirements
To maintain the integrity and quality of both the undergraduate and graduate degree programs, undergraduate students in the Accelerated Pathway will take graduate courses that will be determined by the student and their advisor. A minimum grade of B will be required for each course. These courses will be taken as Advanced Standing or Reserved Graduate Credit.
Reserve Graduate Credit
Students may take up to 6 additional graduate credits as reserve graduate credit. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree. The ability to take courses for reserve graduate credit is available to all high-achieving undergraduates with permission of the School of Art. Permission to take a graduate course for reserve graduate credit is normally granted only to Mason seniors within 15 credit hours of graduation and must be approved by the Dean's Office.
To apply these credits to the master's degree, students must request that the credits be moved from the undergraduate degree to the graduate degree using the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form.
Art and Visual Technology, BFA/Arts Management, Accelerated MA
Overview
Undergraduates in art may apply to the accelerated master's degree in arts management. If accepted, students will be able to earn an Art and Visual Technology, BFA and an Arts Management, MA after satisfactory completion of 150 credits.
Students choosing the accelerated option must fulfill all university requirements for the master's degree. The regular designed time frame would be a start in the Fall and completion of all coursework in the Summer five years later with the exception of Capstone, which is only offered in Fall and Spring. Students may need a longer time frame to complete all requirements.
This accelerated option is offered through joint cooperation between the School of Art and the Arts Management Program.
For more detailed information, see AP.6.7 Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Degrees. For policies governing all graduate degrees, see AP.6 Graduate Policies.
Admissions Requirements
Applicants to accelerated master's programs must have completed at least 75 credits that apply to their undergraduate degree (with at least 24 credits at Mason) and no more than 100 credits. Applicants should submit an Accelerated Master's Program Application, available from the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA) Academic Affairs Office. It includes the proposed conferral date for the undergraduate degree and the two graduate courses that are to be applied to the undergraduate degree.
Interested students should contact the Arts Management Program Office for more details about the application process.
Accelerated Option Requirements
As an undergraduate, the accelerated master's student is required to complete the two graduate courses indicated on their Accelerated Master's Program application with a minimum grade of 3.00 in each course. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in all coursework and in coursework applied to their major. On completion and conferral of the undergraduate degree in the semester indicated in the application, candidates submit the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form (which shall incorporate all of the Graduate Admission requirements of the university) and are admitted to graduate status.
As graduate students, accelerated master's students have an advanced standing and must meet all master's degree requirements except for the two courses (6 credits) completed as undergraduates. Students will begin their master's program in the semester immediately following conferral of the undergraduate degree, and they may also begin in the summer term.
Reserve Graduate Credit
Students may take up to 6 additional graduate credits as reserve graduate credit. These credits do not apply to the undergraduate degree. The ability to take courses for reserve graduate credit is available to all high achieving undergraduates with permission of the School of Art. Permission to take a graduate course for reserve graduate credit is normally granted only to Mason seniors within 15 credit hours of graduation and must be approved by the Dean's Office.
To apply these credits to the master's degree, students must request that the credits be moved from the undergraduate degree to the graduate degree using the Bachelor's/Accelerated Master's Transition Form.