Master of Fine Arts in Visualization
The Master of Fine Arts in Visualization is a technology-infused visual arts degree. The MFA program is unique in the state of Texas, and one of only a handful of programs of this kind in the United States.
Students master the use of artistic visual communication and expression through the combined use of digital and analog mediums. The curriculum is highly interdisciplinary and encourages development of new technologies and creative applications.
Graduates are equipped with an uncommon balance of artistic insight and technical prowess that sets them apart from their peers. Post-graduate opportunities include university-level faculty positions, self employment as a contemporary artist, and art direction in digital media.
Degree Requirements
| Category | Credits |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite Courses* | 0 |
| Required Courses | 12 |
| Prescribed Electives | 17 |
| Free Electives | 11 |
| Professional Study | 20 |
| Total Coursework | 60 |
*Prerequisite courses are to be taken as directed on admission. They will not count as credits toward the degree. Most students will not be required to take prerequisite courses.
Required Courses & Research Studio
- VIZA 630: Contemporary Art Studio/Seminar I (4 hours)
- VIZA 631: Contemporary Art Studio/Seminar II (4 hours)
- VIZA 680: Professional Practice (4 hours)
- VIZA 693: Professional Study (20 hours)
Prescribed Electives
- VIZA 654 Digital Image (4 hours) or VIZA 656 Image Synthesis (4 hours)
- VIZA 622: Design Communication I (4 hours) or VIZA 643: Time-based Media I (4 hours)
- VIZA 614: Form, Installation, and Environment (3 hours) or VIZA 684: Professional Internship (3 hours)
Choose at least six credit hours from the list below:
- VIZA 613: 3D Modeling and Animation (4 hours)
- VIZA 614: Form, Installation, and Environment (3 hours)*
- VIZA 615: Computer Animation (4 hours)
- VIZA 616: Rendering and Shading (3 hours)
- VIZA 617: Advanced Animation (4 hours)
- VIZA 618: Facial Modeling and Animation (3 hours)
- VIZA 622: Design Communication I (4 hours)*
- VIZA 623: Design Communication II (3 hours)
- VIZA 625: Multi-media Web Design (3 hours)
- VIZA 626: Generative Art (3 hours)
- VIZA 627: Design Communication III (3 hours)
- VIZA 629: Digital Media Inspiration and Process (3 hours)
- VIZA 641: Visual Storytelling (3 hours)
- VIZA 643: Time-based Media I (4 hours)*
- VIZA 644: Time-based Media II (3 hours)
- VIZA 647: Color Photography (3 hours)
- VIZA 654: Digital Image (4 hours)*
- VIZA 656: Image Synthesis (4 hours)*
- VIZA 657: Computer Aided Sculpting (3 hours)
- VIZA 662: Physical Computing for Art & Design (3 hours)
- VIZA 665: Digital Compositing (4 hours)
*If not taken to fulfill one of the specific prescribed electives listed above.
Free Electives
Students are required to complete 11 semester credit hours in any graduate level course or undergraduate level course designated as 300-400 level, with approval of their advisory committee chair.
Body of Work
The student is expected, in concert with their advisory committee, to identify a conceptual and/or aesthetic basis for their body of work. The student is then expected to develop a significant body of visual work that explores the identified basis.
Departmental Requirements for MFA Degree