School of Visual Arts

Founded in 1986, the MFA Computer Arts Department at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) was the first MFA program in the United States to focus on computer art. Named one of the Top Ten Digital Art Schools in the World by ImagineFX magazine, the program is also highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report and the Animation Career Review.

The program emphasizes creativity and a multidisciplinary approach to producing innovative animation, motion graphics, and experimental art within a collaborative, state-of-the-art production environment. It is individually tailored to each student’s interests and taught by internationally renowned artists, industry professionals, curators, critics, and theorists.

The two-year curriculum requires 60 credits. The first year strengthens and broadens the student's knowledge and creative approach to digital art. The second year revolves around the thesis process—the completion of a body of creative work, combined with academic research and an artist’s statement. Students are exposed to cutting-edge tools including 4K video editing, 3D printing, Virtual Reality (VR/AR), Physical Computing, Creative Programming, Motion Capture, and Generative AI.