Program Requirements
The Master of Fine Arts in Digital Production Arts program at Clemson University is a professional degree program aimed at producing graduates who will be sought by the growing electronic arts industry, particularly by those companies engaged in special effects production within the entertainment, film and gaming industries. Because the MFA is a terminal degree in fine arts, students will also be prepared to accept university faculty positions. The program is offered within the Division of Visual Computing in the School of Computing, with significant collaboration with the departments of Art and Performing Arts. It offers a unique blend of instruction, with coursework ranging from the artistic to the technical, all with a strong emphasis on advanced studio methods for visual problem solving.
The Master of Fine Arts in Digital Production Arts is administered by a supervisory board, chaired by the program director, and consisting of five additional faculty members-two from the Division of Visual Computing, two from the Department of Art, and one from the Department of Performing Arts.
Admission and Financial Aid
Applicants are required to submit GRE general test results, a portfolio of artistic work that may include slides or electronic media, and evidence of technical preparation that may include software code samples or appropriate coursework. Some assistantships may be available to especially well qualified applicants. For full consideration for admission and financial aid, applications should be received by January 10.
Requirements for Awarding of a Degree
The degree requires 60 hours, 12 of which are devoted to team-based studio work, six to individual studio work, and six to thesis preparation. This ensures that students have participated in the development of several complete digital production projects, providing material for a professional quality demonstration “reel.” Of the remaining 36 credit hours, 0-6 will come will come from foundation courses, 15 from core courses, three from aesthetic electives, and 12-18 from general electives, aesthetic electives, or core courses. Any required foundation courses are determined at the time of admission. These courses provide students with post baccalaureate work in the fundamentals of computing or the visual arts. A maximum of six hours of foundation courses may be counted towards the degree. For students with strong preparation, the course of study requires two calendar years.
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