Please see the SOVA health and safety policies and practices for student and employee conduct in our facilities.
The School of Visual Arts (SOVA) at Virginia Tech offers an expansive undergraduate and graduate education in fine art, creative technology, art history, and graphic design. Our Studio Art, Creative Technology and Graphic Design BFAs offer an inclusive approach to educating artists and designers, implementing new and established technologies that are uniquely available at Virginia Tech.
Our Art History and Visual Culture BA educates students to place visual culture in its broader historical context. We offer an MFA in Creative Technologies, a cross-departmental MA in Material Culture and Public Humanities. Our programs enable students to combine technical expertise with critical and creative inquiry.
AREAS OF STUDY
ART HISTORY AND VISUAL CULTURE |
The study of Art History develops the student’s ability to place a work of art in its historical, cultural, social and political contexts by developing both analytical and visual skills.
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CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIES |
The Creative Technologies BFA and MFA programs offer an inclusive approach to educating artists and designers, implementing technologies in analog and digital realms that are uniquely available at Virginia Tech.
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STUDIO ART |
Studio Art prepares artists for the digitally enhanced world by integrating emerging technologies into a contemporary fine arts experience. Our students have access to cutting edge technologies, and are taught in an environment that explores these tools in conjunction with traditional mediums.
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GRAPHIC DESIGN |
The Graphic Design program prepares our students for a career in visual communication by focusing on conceptual thinking, semiotics and problem-solving tactics.
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SOVA sustains and promotes the visual arts through the creative activities and scholarly research of its faculty. The faculty provides instruction, research, and outreach reflecting a comprehensive knowledge of the history and theory of art and design. A principal goal of the school is to develop programs and interdisciplinary collaborations within and beyond the university. In its curriculum and administration, the department affirms the vital link of the studio artist’s knowledge of traditions, materials and media, the visual designer’s connection to technology and concept development, and the art historian’s understanding of our links to past and contemporary cultures. Our programs unite to serve students in their quest to become productive, progressive and creative forces in society.
SOVA prepares students to enter professions and graduate programs in the visual arts, design, and visual culture. We foster improvement and advances in facilities, equipment and critical technologies for students and faculty. We engage Art and Design alumni as vital and contributing constituents of the community. The school serves the public sector through events, exhibitions, internships, competitions, workshops, and courses that nourish and renew the vitality of art and design.
OPPORTUNITIES
Some of many opportunities offered to students in the School of visual arts.
Study Abroad
Three week study abroad trip to Europe and Switzerland.
Visiting Artist Workshops
Poster artist Jay Ryan hosted a screen printing demo for students.
Become an Ambassador
Students who serve as advocates, recruiters, and mentors for the School of Visual Arts.
TAKE A CAMPUS TOUR
The School of Visual Arts at Virginia Tech is located in Blacksburg, Virginia
