Portfolio Application
If you’re interested in majoring in Animation, Graphic Design, Studio Art, or Photography (BFA) — or earning a BA in Art — you’ll need to do two things:
- Submit an online application, submit your transcript(s), pay your application fee, and get accepted to SHSU. Apply Here!
- Submit a portfolio to the Department of Art by completing this application.
You must be accepted to SHSU before your portfolio can be reviewed, so be sure to apply early.
Important Deadlines:
- Priority deadline for a student attending in the Fall or Summer semester of 2026 is January 15, 2026.
- After the priority deadline: You can still apply, but spots are limited. Once programs fill up, qualified applicants will be placed on a waitlist.
What to Include in Your Portfolio
Your portfolio helps our faculty understand your current skill level and where to place you in our courses and is required for program admission.
What we’re looking for:
- 8 to 10 high-quality images of your best artwork
- Work that shows your creativity, skill development, and artistic interests
- A mix of school assignments and personal projects
- Drawing from observation is highly encouraged — it shows more than copied images or fan art
Media can include drawing, painting, photography, animation, digital media, video, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, or installation.
You don’t need to be a master — we’re looking for potential: creativity, understanding of art concepts, and your ability to grow in areas like drawing, color use, and composition.
How to Submit Your Portfolio:
- Include info for each piece: title, medium, size, and date completed
- Provide a link for shared access to Google Drive, One Drive, Dropbox, or another cloud service
(Make sure access is set to “anyone with the link.” If we have to request access, your portfolio will not be reviewed.)
Please do not send CDs, DVDs, flash drives, physical prints, or anything by mail or in person. These will not be reviewed or returned.
Are you a Transfer Student?
If you're transferring art courses from another college or university, your portfolio needs to show that you’ve met the course objectives of the classes you want to transfer.
If you have questions about the portfolio or the application process, you can call the Department of Art at 936-294-4311. We are happy to help. Start early, be thoughtful about what you submit, and show us who you are as an artist.
University Art Gallery
1741 Bobby K. Marks Dr.
Huntsville, TX 77340
936 294-4311
Hours:
Monday-Friday 10am-6pm
Saturday 10am-5pm
Satellite Gallery
1216 University Avenue
Huntsville, TX 77340
936 294-4311
Hours:
Thursday 12-5pm
Friday 12-5pm
Saturday 10am-2pm
Department of Art Box 2089, Sam Houston State University Huntsville, TX 77341-2089 Phone: 936.294.4311