What will I learn?
The Studio Art and Design track of the MFA in Emerging Media provides a concentrated studio experience to enhance creative approaches using 21st Century experimental practices. The Studio Art and Design MFA degree produces innovative creative, professional talent in both traditional studio and industry practices. With focused study in contemporary studio practices, such as performance art, installation, experimental time-based media, and fine arts, graduate faculty inspire students to be citizens of the arts both as contributors and professionals. Students in the program are invited to combine their backgrounds in traditional art or computer-related disciplines within a conceptually driven, interdisciplinary environment. Courses provide exposure to time-based media, performance art, video art, sound works, kinetic sculpture, computer-based art, and art using the Internet to understand how these forms are driving 21st century artistic practice and informing our understanding of contemporary cultural identities. The Studio Art and Design MFA track is composed of a minimum of 60 credit hours, to be acquired in three years (six full-time semesters excluding summers). Degree credit is obtained in theory courses, studio art courses, electives, and supervised research. All courses must be approved by the Graduate Program Director. The thesis consists of a body of artistic work accompanied by electronic (Internet) documentation and a culminating exhibition and Thesis Defense. Total Credit Hours Required: 60 Credit Hours Minimum beyond the Bachelor's Degree Graduate students must maintain a 3.0 or better GPA in all course work to complete the program. Continuation in the MFA program requires a positive annual evaluation by the Program Director of the School of Visual Arts and Design and by the Graduate Committee of the School of Visual Arts and Design. Request Information
Entry requirements
For international students
A bachelors degree in one of the following areas or equivalent:
Animation
Art
Emerging Media
Film
Theatre
Computer Science
Graphic Design
Illustration
Creative Writing
Mass Communications
Game Design
The GRE is not required for admission to this program.
Statement of purpose: In your own words, submit a 500-to-700 word statement of why you are interested in the Emerging Media MFA -Animation and Visual Effects track and what your intended focus might be. Tell us a little about yourself and your professional goals.
Three letters of recommendation preferably from people who have personal knowledge of your abilities and scholarship such as educators/faculty members, employment supervisors, organizational leaders, or industry professionals with whom you have worked.
Resume: Please submit a one to two page resume documenting your educational credentials, relevant professional and internship experience, academic achievements, honors, exhibits, publications, memberships, and interest including volunteer work.
Original Animation/VFX Production Concept for a one to five-minute project:
A full storyboard
A full script treatment written in short story format for that storyboard
Visual Development drawings of characters, setting, and production design reflecting research and technique
Other Creative Work:
A portfolio of ten to twenty pieces of traditional or digital work which demonstrates abilities in life drawing as well as proficiency in the field of animation and/or visual effects.
For each item submitted, include the title, media, date of completion, and size or length of the piece.
Storytelling: Script or fictional narrative writing, sequential art illustration, comic book and graphic novel illustration and writing, book illustrations, and additional storyboards.
Applicants applying to this program who have attended a college/university outside the United States must provide one official transcript and official certification of degree, with date awarded.
