Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Media Technologies (STEM)

at Academy of Art University USA

The School of Illustration's BFA program embraces the art of visual and conceptual storytelling in any medium. Students develop the skills necessary to transform themselves into skilled, distinctive, professional illustrators able meet the marketplace’s growing need for artists trained in visual problem solving in both traditional and digital media. Exciting career paths await in comics and graphic novels, children's books, advertising, editorial illustration, and interactive illustration.

The School of Fashion offers four MA degree programs. They are Design, Costume Design, Fashion Journalism, and Fashion Merchandising. The MA in Fashion and the MA in Fashion Design Emphasis degrees offer courses that include a wide range of design areas including textiles and knitwear. Studio courses hone the graduate candidate's mastery of fashion industry standards in design and construction, enhancing design excellence with computer skills, and preparing MA candidates to launch themselves into the industry upon graduating.

The MFA in Sound Design is designed to provide the highest level of training in sound design for film, television, games and other visual media. Students will gain a complete overview of the audio post production process, recording and editing dialog, sound effects, and ambiences to create a sonic landscape which supports and informs the narrative, from initial recording to final mix. MFA students will complete a thesis project and portfolio in their final year, and graduate with a working knowledge of professional workflows to prepare them for success in the soundtrack industry.

The MFA in Animation & Visual Effects program focuses on developing skills in any one of the many areas of expertise within the animation and visual effects industry. The program educates students in all aspects of animation and visual effects, from ideation to post production. Communication, collaboration, and time management skills are emphasized throughout the program to ensure graduates are acclimated to the intense professional culture that awaits them.

2D Animation and Stop Motion
This MFA in Animation & Visual Effects program focuses on developing skills in 2D animation and stop motion. The program educates students in all aspects of animation and visual effects, from ideation to post production. Communication, collaboration, and time management skills are emphasized throughout the program to ensure graduates are acclimated to the intense professional culture that awaits them.

Develop the artistic and technical skills you need to enjoy a career in advertising as an art director, copywriter, or creative strategist. Work independently and collaboratively to create a dynamic portfolio.

The Fashion Product Development MFA focuses on developing and managing all aspects of the fashion product development process. Emphasis will be placed on aesthetics, design, and product development strategies specific to companies and their target markets. Students will create product concept and lines based on their in-depth market and trend research, textile and raw material sourcing strategies, manufacturing strategies and shipping logistics to deliver finished products to stores and consumers. Students will learn the drawing, design, construction, technical, and industry standard software skills. Students will apply all of these skills to create a culminating thesis project that includes a complete product line and an implementation strategy. MFA Graduates will be capable of launching a new product line and applying high level strategic thinking to hold key positions in global fashion organizations.

The School of Fashion offers ten BFA degree programs, each designed to prepare you for work in the fashion industry. They are: Design, Knitwear Design, Textile Design, Costume Design, Footwear & Accessory Design, Fashion Styling, Fashion Product Development, Fashion Visual Merchandising, Fashion Merchandising, and Fashion Marketing. Students in these BFA programs may choose an emphasis in Fashion Design or 3D Design Pattern Making. Coursework combines excellence in design, artistic production, and innovative technology to provide students with the skills necessary to fully realize their creative visions.

The MFA Game Development program allows students to further their careers by synthesizing traditional art and design fundamentals with today’s groundbreaking technologies. Students level up their skill through hands-on prototyping of game mechanics and art creation, followed by creating a thesis project and an industry-quality portfolio.

The BFA in Fashion Product Development encompasses the process of fashion product development that requires understanding and knowledge of the consumer, market, and trends, textiles and raw materials, product concept and line development, and sourcing and manufacturing. Drawing from their design courses, students will apply a high level design aesthetic to develop products that are appropriate for a brand and their target customers.  Students will learn the hand drawing and drafting skills and the technical skills needed to produce detailed and accurate technical drawings and flat patterns using industry standard computer software. BFA graduates will be capable of working in various roles in a product development team.

The Bachelors of Fine Art in Fashion Merchandising provides a foundation in fashion merchandising and fashion management. It includes major functions necessary to run a successful operation that plans, manages, and sells fashion products. Through hands-on Fashion Merchandising classes in buying, planning, product management, and retail management, students will develop the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in today’s global retail operations.