Art (Digital Technology), MFA

Program Overview

The MFA in Art (Digital Technology) at ASU combines art and technology, providing students with a foundation in digital media, advanced technology, and sustainability. The program emphasizes collaboration, immersive learning, and hands-on experiences, culminating in a solo thesis exhibition. Graduates pursue careers as artists, educators, museum professionals, and technologists, leveraging their skills in digital and fine art.

Program Outline

• The Art (Digital Technology), MFA program combines technological and artistic goals.
• Designed for students with skills and experience in both art and technology.
• Offered by the School of Art in collaboration with the School of Arts, Media and Engineering.
• Provides students with a foundation in digital media, advanced technology, material studies, ecology, sustainability, and science.
• Emphasizes collaboration and immersive learning.
• Culminates in a solo thesis exhibition in one of the four School of Art galleries.

Objectives:

• Develop knowledge and expand technical skills in digital media.
• Engage in impactful research and sustain a lifelong professional arts practice.
• Gain hands-on experience in creating new digital tools.
• Foster global awareness, civic engagement, social responsibility, and collaborative action.

Description:

• Students receive access to specialized facilities and collections including a wood shop, printmaking presses, photography darkroom, ceramics kilns, computer lab and 3D print lab.
• The curriculum includes graduate-level courses in digital audio, video, photography, printing, interactive sculpture, rapid prototyping, and interactive media.
• Hands-on experiences include sensing, understanding activity, perception, cognition, programming and media installations.
• Students benefit from the vast resources afforded by a Research I university.
• Students have access to world-renowned researchers from a variety of departments across ASU.
• The School of Art galleries support a robust schedule of public exhibitions and visiting artist and scholar lectures.

Outline:

Coursework and Structure:

• 60 credit hours and an oral comprehensive exam.
• Graduate credit includes:
• 36 graduate studio credit hours (18 in Art studio and 18 in SAME courses)
• 6 credit hours of ART 621 In Practice
• 6 credit hours of graduate-level art history
• 6 credit hours of ART 680 Practicum and 6 credit hours of AME 593 Applied Project
• The program focuses on collaboration and immersive learning.
• Provides access to specialized facilities and collections.
• Offers a comprehensive toolkit for self-promotion and career success.
• Aligns with the digital and fine art world holistically.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Oral Comprehensive Exam
• Evaluation of studio artwork and projects
• Coursework performance
• Thesis exhibition

Teaching:

Teaching methods:

• Collaborative and immersive learning environment
• Hands-on experiences with digital tools
• Access to world-renowned faculty and researchers
• Robust public exhibitions and lectures

Careers:

Career Paths and Opportunities:

• Artist, scholar, and educator
• Museum or gallery professional, art dealer, director
• Private school art teacher or college professor
• Community-based artist
• Technology consultant, freelance artist, technologist
• Opportunities in art and technology collaborations
• Start their own galleries or small businesses
• Exhibit at notable institutions
• Grant and residency opportunities
• Students have access to a vibrant community of museums, galleries, businesses, and cultural organizations.
• Internship opportunities available through various arts organizations.
• The School of Art galleries present a robust schedule of public exhibitions and visiting artist and scholar lectures.
• The program emphasizes collaboration and immersive learning.

Conclusion

The MFA in Art (Digital Technology) at ASU is a comprehensive and rigorous program designed for students with a strong foundation in both art and technology. The curriculum, faculty, and facilities provide an ideal environment for students to develop their creative and technical skills, engage in meaningful research, and pursue a variety of career paths.