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MFA in Media Arts Graduate Curriculum

Our Approach

Personal

The School of Media Arts focuses on a humanist approach to work in the varied fields of digital media creation and visual storytelling. Narrative is our starting point, even in the practices of conceptual art, image design, and animation. We create an atmosphere and supply the resources for artists to find and fully express their creative voices. 

Core Ideas Underlay Technological Practices

In the MFA program, we are more interested in key narrative and artistic components than in teaching keystrokes; each student has their relationship with technology and software, but the basic principles of the MFA reflect the underlying principle that “technique follows need.” What you want to say, explore or challenge with your work is the driving force. We provide the conversation and the compression; the evolution and the equipment: the town and the time and the three years dedicated focus on your own work.

Collaboration and Integration

The future of the media-based artist and storyteller lies in working with others, whether on your own work or on fully integrated efforts.  Collaboration is often cited as a driving principle but few programs prepare artists for the actual process. Defining collaborative opportunities and creative processes that maximize each artist’s contribution is key to our definition of success.

Learning Environment

Individualization

Faculty mentors provide guidance in creating a custom curriculum developed each semester in relation to a student’s production focus. This flexible design provides a range of opportunities for exploration, experimentation, and artistic growth.

Core Curriculum

During the first two years of study, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ participate in classes focused on collaborative creative research and production, inspiring each other to new insights and possibilities in their media engagement. Each week, a student’s work is the subject of a Group Critique from peer and faculty from across all creative areas.

Studio Projects

Each semester, Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ work on personal Studio projects, while having access to skills development through Practicum courses to enhance and expand their practical knowledge base as they find [off-campus] opportunities in western Montana’s thriving media/film/arts scene.

Presentation and Critique

Each year of study begins and ends with project presentations by Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ and faculty, providing opportunities for Ñý¼§Ö±²¥ in all levels of the program to learn about each other’s work, foster collaborations, and receive critical feedback from peers.

MFA Media Arts Degree Requirements

, 60 Credit Degree

MFA Media Arts