Entrance Portfolio Review

INSPIRATION • CREATIVITY • INNOVATION • PASSION

Information for Undergraduate students

The Department of Art & Design requires all first-year and transfer students applying for the BA, BFA, BSE, and BDES degree programs to submit a portfolio review as part of the application process. The Art & Design Portfolio Review allows you to show us your artistic ability and your design thinking skills. It will help us determine if you will be successful in our program. The portfolios are reviewed by a committee twice each month. Individual feedback or critiques will not be possible.

*Once you apply to Millersville University, you will receive a prompt to submit your images.*

There is no fee to submit your portfolio to Millersville University’s Department of Art & Design.

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

instructions for undergraduate students Applying for BA, BFA, BSE:

Submit a portfolio of 10-12 pieces representing your strongest and most recent work. Two pieces must be drawings from observation (which means drawing what you see with your eyes, rather than drawing from imagination or copying from photographs or images on your phone). Your portfolio can include examples of artwork in any media, including ceramics, collage, design, fine art metals/jewelry, interactive and graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, installation, 3D fabrication, and work in mixed media. All work should be original without the use of AI.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS APPLYING FOR BDES:

Students applying to the Bachelor of Design (BDes) program at Millersville University may choose one of the following options to demonstrate their design ability and creative thinking:

Option 1: Design Projects

Create a design project for EACH of the three prompts listed below. You may use any medium of your choice—such as digital design, photography, collage, 3D work, illustration, or mixed media. When submitting indicate which prompt is for each project.

A. Water Conservation
B. A Significant Event in Your Life
C. American Influence

Note:
Each project should be substantial and demonstrate thoughtful design execution. Submissions will be evaluated on creativity, critical thinking, and overall quality of design.
Please note: No drawings are required.

Example Project Ideas for option 1

Below are examples to help you think about how to approach each prompt. You are encouraged to interpret them creatively and use any medium that best communicates your ideas.

A. Water Conservation

Create a visual statement about the importance of protecting and preserving our water resources.
Examples:

·  A digital poster campaign promoting awareness of water waste and sustainable habits.

·  A photo series or collage contrasting abundance and drought.

·  A 3D sculpture or installation made from recycled materials symbolizing the scarcity of clean water.

·  An infographic or motion graphic showing global water use or conservation strategies.

Option 2: Design Portfolio

Submit an electronic portfolio containing 10–12 pieces that showcase your design thinking and technical ability. our portfolio can include examples of artwork in any media, including digital designs, hand-crafted objects, photography, installations, videos, or other creative forms. The review committee values diverse approaches and encourages submissions that extend beyond traditional art practices.  All work should be original without the use of AI.

Please note: Drawings are encouraged but are NOT required.

If you have questions about your portfolio submission, feel free to contact our department chair, Shauna Frischkorn.

Information for graduate students

Post-baccalaureate or M.Ed. instructions:

  1. If you are an MU graduate with a degree in Art, you do not need to submit a portfolio.
  2. All other Post-Baccalaureate and M.Ed. certification students need to submit a portfolio. Please follow the directions below.

Submit a portfolio of 10-12 pieces representing your strongest and most recent work. Two pieces must be drawings from observation (which means drawing what you see with your eyes, rather than drawing from imagination or copying from photographs or images on your phone). Your portfolio can include examples of artwork in any media, including ceramics, collage, design, fine art metals/jewelry, interactive and graphic design, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, installation, 3D fabrication, and work in mixed media. All work should be original without the use of AI.

If you have questions about your portfolio submission, feel free to contact our department chair, Shauna Frischkorn.