About Our MFA Program

School of Computer Arts: New Media

About Our MFA Program

School of Computer Arts New Media Graduate Student Gallery

The objective of the Computer Arts – New Media graduate program is to transform graduate students in New Media into creative leaders and visionaries. Each graduate student enters the program through an archway of core skills master classes. Emphasis in concept building and communication skills continues throughout the program from the archway classes, through the practice of a wide variety of new digital tools and applications leading up to each student’s final thesis project.

The program promotes final thesis project ideas that aesthetically and innovatively propel technology with intent. The potential to improve the world we live in, and for the people who live in it, through technology, enlightens our graduate students with a new sense of responsibility. And as they later step outside the academic experience, the final thesis project encapsulates a demand in the industry.

MFA Program Learning Outcomes

School of Computer Arts: New Media Program

MFA graduates of the School of Computer Arts New Media will meet the following student performance criteria:

1. MFA Thesis Project

   • Successful completion of the graduate student’s Final Project encompasses strong concept, clear delivery to the specific needs of a target audience through creative technological innovation in both access of information and interactivity within an aesthetically appropriate environment for a deep, long lasting user experience.

2. Technical Skills

   • Ability to coordinate multimedia elements, including audio, video, recording/editing/formats effectively.
   • Ability to construct and embed interactive components using the following program and key technical tools: HTML, Actionscript, Javascript, CSS, PHP, XML, and Flash.
   • Ability to adopt front-end, server-side scripting and software.
   • Ability to use motion graphics and digital photography on projects.
   • Ability to work with signal flow.

3. Attention to Usability

   • Ability to provide intuitive access of information for the user.
   • Ability to create a satisfying user experience through usability testing.
   • Ability to develop and understand the Information Architecture of an interactive product that addresses all aspects based on the product’s goals and requirements, audience needs and user access.
   • Ability to design prototypes based on research and analysis, conceptual thinking, navigation, user testing, and visualization as an essential component to the early stages in the product development process.
   • Ability to adhere to guidelines and standards for project development.
   • Ability to conduct requirement analysis, including marketing and knowing what to build.

4. Aesthetics

   • Ability to communicate story and message through an immersive and interactive experience.
   • Ability to design innovative ways of accessing information.
   • Ability to create legibility through sound and visual resolution.
   • Ability to produce aesthetically pleasing graphic design, including balance, typography, color, screen legibility and composition.
   • Ability to use scripting as artistic form, such as typographical treatments in HTML.

5. Professional Practices

   • Ability to present ideas professionally using visual, oral, and written communication skills.
   • Ability to generate new ideas with passion.
   • Portfolio presentation, including resume and personal website.
   • Ability to sell a concept to a client.
   • Ability to problem solve in a professional environment.
   • Ability to conduct relevant research.
   • Ability to collaborate with others.

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

For application and portfolio requirements, please contact Graduate Admissions at 800-544-2787 or info@academyart.edu.

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