Master of Fine Arts in Emerging Media

The Master of Fine Arts in Emerging Media program offers tracks in Animation and Visual Effects and Studio Art and Design. The MFA is a terminal scholarly and creative degree suitable for those students wishing to pursue careers as professors in higher education or as creative leaders in the industry. Both tracks require 60 credit hours and students follow a three-year program (six full-time semesters excluding summers). Degree credit is obtained in theory courses, electives, supervised research, and a thesis project. Students progress through the program by taking required classes in particular semesters. Students must remain in good academic standing and graduate within the three-year program of study. The Animation and Visual Effects track is a specialized cohort style program designed to emulate the professional studio environment, providing opportunities to assume an artistic leadership role. The principal emphasis is placed on narrative film structure and the entrepreneurial aspects of animation as related to independent filmmaking, studio employment, and job creation. The Studio Art and Design track 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. To develop such an understanding, Art courses often utilize images of clothed and unclothed human figures and, in certain studio classes, live nude models.

A bachelor’s 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. 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.