Master of Fine Arts in Visual Development

at Academy of Art University USA

Graduate programs in the School of Fashion refine and focus your individual artistic vision with degree options in Design, Knitwear Design, Textile Design, Costume Design, Footwear & Accessory Design, Fashion Product Development, Fashion Merchandising & Management, and Fashion Marketing & Brand Management. Studio courses hone your knowledge of industry standards, combining design excellence with the mastery of the latest digital tools. Graduate candidates are guided through Directed Study which culminates in the production of a final collection, portfolio, or project.

The MFA program provides advanced study for students pursuing a career in web design and new media. Progress in the MFA degree is measured through a rigorous process, both at the midpoint and final reviews.

Studio courses develop creative and technical acumen, with attention to mastering user experience design, while advanced courses provide a focused learning environment for building final thesis projects. Students will graduate with a portfolio and comprehensive thesis project showcasing their talent.

The BFA program provides students with a comprehensive education in the principles of modern web design and new media. Taught by a faculty that works in the San Francisco Bay Area creative industry, our students are provided a unique opportunity to learn from teachers immersed in the field. The curriculum focuses on visual design, user experience, design strategies, web design, and motion graphics.

The School of Fashion offers one BA degree program in Fashion Journalism. In addition to emphasizing the principles and practice of the written journalistic form, the BA Fashion Journalism program offers coursework in fashion design to afford journalism students a broader appreciation of the craft.

The School of Motion Pictures & Television’s MFA program offers in-depth, advanced training in the various areas of film and television production. Depending on the area of specialization, the MFA program culminates in a thesis film or professional reel/portfolio. Areas of study include directing, producing, cinematography, editing, production design, and screenwriting. Students are prepared to compete for work in the industry or to teach, as the MFA is a terminal degree.

The School of Communications & Media Technologies BA program provides a dynamic education of essential modern media skills including foundations in storytelling, broadcasting, journalism, and mobile platforms. Under the guidance of industry experts, students learn to shoot, edit, write, and host their own productions, and use the latest technologies to stream and broadcast them.

The Fashion Marketing and Brand Management MFA program develops expertise in creating, marketing and managing global fashion brands by providing insights on global consumers, developed and emerging markets, and business trends in fashion industry. Students will learn creative and analytical methods of marketing and brand development, and management tools to develop innovative fashion marketing and brand strategies through in-depth research and analysis in macro and micro perspectives.

Visual Merchandising is the physical method of promoting product and services to the customer for the purpose of increasing sales.  Visual merchandisers actively engage in developing floor plans, window displays, in-store presentations, store lighting and graphics.  Visual merchandisers work collaboratively with retailers to ensure that retail space is best utilized to maximize sales.  The Bachelor in Fine Arts degree will give students training in technical and conceptual skills to plan, design and manage visual merchandising and brand presentations for various fashion businesses.  Students will develop their ability to design and install in-store presentations, merchandising and displays, and to execute visual projects from concept to delivery to support companies’ goals and sales.  They will enter the field with an industry-ready portfolio that demonstrates proficiency in color and design, material selection and manipulations, concept development and execution, excellent oral and visual presentation skills, collaboration and current software applications.

The MA program provides students an opportunity to work in 2D Animation & Stop Motion, 3D Animation, 3D Modeling, or Visual Effects, while focusing on storytelling with an emphasis on exhibiting technical skills and eliciting emotional responses.

The MFA program focuses on advanced techniques and theory of interior architecture and design. The curriculum—designed and taught by industry professionals—focuses on research, concept and design development, traditional and digital media, innovative ideas, and global issues.

The interior design program leading to the Master of Fine Arts [MFA] in Interior Architecture & Design is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation.

The CIDA-accredited program prepares students for entry-level interior design practice, for advanced study, and to apply for membership in professional interior design organizations. The Master of Fine Arts [MFA] in Interior Architecture & Design granted by Academy of Art University meets the educational requirement for eligibility to sit for the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Examination (NCIDQ Exam).