MFA in Creative Technologies at The School of Visual Arts at Virginia Tech
The School of Visual Arts at Virginia Tech invites applicants to the MFA in Creative Technologies, a cross-disciplinary graduate program centered in visual art and design practice. This unique MFA prepares graduate students to use digital and new media technologies to create, present, communicate, and shape information and artwork.
Courses + Program Timeline
MFA program coursework centers studio practice and creative research, introducing and expanding knowledge of emerging trends in art and technology, as well as history/theory, with opportunities to also strategically engage scientific/research arenas at Virginia Tech. The MFA requires at least 60 graduate credit hours including original research led by the student which culminates in the MFA Thesis. All MFA candidates complete a public thesis defense, an exhibition of their graduate thesis work, and a formal written thesis document. On average, MFA students complete our 60-credit program in four rigorous semesters, or two full academic years.
Mentorship
Primary mentorship from faculty across SOVA’s Creative Technologies, Studio Art, and Graphic Design areas facilitates crucial opportunities for deepened, discipline-agnostic creative and intellectual inquiry. Many of our MFA students also contribute to major faculty-led research projects. MFA students work with a Thesis Committee in review and preparation for their Thesis defense. The Thesis Committee is chaired by SOVA faculty. For all of these reasons, we recommend prospective applicants learn about our SOVA faculty to best indicate whose work might aligns with their interests and goals.
Subject Areas
Research trajectories for MFA students center creative practice but may be further informed by other programs across the university at the intersection of the arts, design, engineering, science, and culture. Graduate students in this program creatively investigate a range of subjects, including coding, visualization, 3D modeling, installation, interactivity, projection mapping, imaging, video art, performance art, and virtual environments, as well as countless other hybrid creative studio approaches.
We also strategically leverage projects, grants, and research opportunities spearheaded by the Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology, located at the Moss Arts Center at Virginia Tech.
Application to the MFA Program
The Creative Technologies MFA application deadline is February 20, 2020 for the Fall 2020 semester.
We no longer facilitate Spring admissions. The general Graduate School guidelines for application to Virginia Tech can be found at: http://graduateschool.vt.edu/admissions/how-to-apply.html
The application includes two parts: a set of documents that you will upload electronically to the Graduate School application site, and a digital portfolio that you will send by URL to the School of Visual Arts (SOVA) through these instructions. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
Funding
We are proud to offer funding to admitted students in the MFA program. Each accepted MFA candidate is eligible for tuition remission as well as a financial stipend through Graduate Assistantships. These opportunities require 20 hours per week of labor during each semester in roles that support the School of Visual Arts or partnering institutes, research projects, or initiatives. Due to the limited number of funded positions available, acceptance to our program is highly competitive.
About
The School of Visual Arts at Virginia Tech facilitates outstanding art and design learning, making, and exploration. Located in the Appalachian Mountains, in Blacksburg, Virginia, our transdisciplinary programs at the BFA, MA, and MFA levels enable students from all backgrounds to combine technical expertise with critical and creative inquiry. SOVA faculty are highly-active and award-winning practicing artists, designers, educators, and researchers.