In this M.F.A. program, we integrate a historical perspective within the context of emerging technologies blended with a critical relationship to art via theory, technology, and practice. Our mission is woven into the mission of New York Institute of Technology, providing career-oriented professional education and access to opportunity for all qualified students. We support applications-oriented research that benefits the larger world.

Our M.F.A. fosters creativity and curiosity in convergent technologies in the arts. Our focus is to support students in the creation of their work and to help students create comprehensive documentation of their work at New York Tech. We will encourage students in this studio research environment to create original works of art and design.

It is not enough to be technically proficient in the creation of art and design; nor is it enough to be theoretically engaged without studio practice. It is a critical perspective that mediates these two sensibilities in an advanced degree. This criticality manages our rich technological environment but allows it to be governed by the arts and aesthetics. To use technology in the arts is to work within a physical philosophy that is at once concrete and abstract, theoretical and embodied. To use computers, with the intent to make art, is to combine physical philosophy into an intuitive system, a unique, non-repeatable content—a work of art or design.

International F-1 students who successfully complete this degree are eligible for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension to work in the U.S. in an area directly related to their area of study immediately upon completing the customary 12-month post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT).

See below for information on how to transition from a New York Tech Master of Arts (M.A.) program to the M.F.A. Department of Digital Art and Design.

Digital Art and Design – Fine Arts and Technology

The Fine Arts and Technology specialization prepares graduates to pursue self-directed creative research in any related concentration, such as digital imaging, experimental media, digital sculpture, performance art, installation art, physical computing, time-based art, robotics, web-based information art, and/or any approach to the creation of artistic content outside static disciplines.

This creative research will result in the actualization of innovative digital art projects after exhaustive preparation throughout the standard professional workflow of concept development, logistical planning, technical development, and final production of the digital art thesis project.

Graduate courses, group discussion, critiques and consultation with thesis advisors emphasize critical thinking, development of aesthetic concepts, historical perspectives of art theory, philosophical questions relative to creation and context of image making, content as end experience as well as product, fine arts application of computer technologies/digital media, and preparation to function professionally as well as socially within the art world structure of galleries, museums, dealers, curators, and art critics.

Thesis art projects will be presented in a professional thesis exhibition including photographic documentation in a thesis book complete with written critical evaluation of the thesis project. Graduates will also be expected to make a successful oral presentation of their final thesis to their thesis advisor.

Digital Art and Design – Graphic Design

The Graphic Design specialization prepares graduate students to engage complex problems and creative research in design content, print design, web design, interactive design, exhibition design, and interface design. This creative research will result in the actualization of innovative design solutions to real-world design problems. This will include extensive preparation of professional workflow from concept logistical development, logistical planning, technical development, and final production of the design thesis project.

Thesis design projects will be presented in a final exhibition that will include: a visual exhibition of an ambitious design solution, a written critical evaluation of the thesis project, and a comprehensive book that includes the process and documentation of the realization of the thesis project. Graduates will also be expected to make a successful oral presentation of their final thesis to their thesis advisor.

Transition Requirements to M.F.A.

Any student with an earned M.A. from New York Tech may transition into the M.F.A. in Digital Art and Design program with the following three conditions:

1. All credits from the M.A. degree can be transitioned into the following M.F.A. concentrations:

• M.F.A. Digital Art and Design – Fine Arts and Technology
• M.F.A. Digital Art and Design – Graphic Design

2. 18 required M.F.A. thesis credits must be completed as listed below:

• ARTC 801/802/803: Graduate Critique/Thesis Orientation, 3 credits
• ARTC 851/852/853: Thesis Proposal, 3 credits*
• ARTU 862: Thesis Production I, 4 credits
• ARTU 872: Thesis Production II, 4 credits
• ARTC 871/872/873: Thesis Paper and Exhibition, 2 credits
• ARTB 751: Professional Critiques, 2 credits

* ARTC 852 Thesis Proposal is waived for transitioning UX/UI Design and Development program students.

3. 8 – 10 credits* of electives recommended by the M.F.A. faculty advisor from ARTA, ARTB, ARTC, ARTH, and/or ARTG series, above 600 level.

* UX/UI Design and Development program students must complete 15 credits of electives.

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Admission Requirements

• B.F.A. degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university
• Minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0

Application Materials

• Completed application
• $50 nonrefundable application fee
• M.F.A. Supplementary Application: digital portfolio, description sheet describing the contents of the portfolio, résumé/CV, and three letters of recommendation. Applicants must submit their portfolio after applying to New York Institute of Technology. They will then receive a New York Tech ID number through their application portal, or they can contact the Office of Admissions for their ID number to upload their portfolio online.
• Copies of undergraduate transcripts for all schools attended. All final, official transcripts must be received prior to the start of your first semester.
• Copy of college diploma or proof of degree
• International student requirements: English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE), I-20, and transcript evaluation

For additional information, please contact the Department of Digital Art and Design at 212.261.1796 or 516.686.7542 or visit the department website.

The M.F.A. program does not accept transfer credit. See the M.F.A. description for information on transition from a New York Tech Communication Arts, M.A. or UX/UI Design and Development, M.A. degree to the M.F.A. (Fine Arts) degree.