Master of Arts in Visual Development

at Academy of Art University USA

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.

The MA in Fashion Art Direction program will train students to think critically and create an industry-standard visual portfolio relevant to interview as Fashion Art Directors, Creative Directors, Visual Merchandisers, etc. Students who graduate from the program will be proficient in fashion styling, visual merchandising, graphic design, art direction, photo and video production.

The School of Animation & Visual Effects BFA program provides students with the skills necessary to master today’s digital technology.

3D Animation
The 3D Animation emphasis BFA is designed for students interested in acquiring skills in computer animation. Course works covers elements of movement, performance, and timing as well as  training in the software and hardware needed to achieve their goals.

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 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 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.

The MA in Sound Design provides students with focused studio training in sound design, digital audio workstations, and industry standard practices in creating sonic worlds for visual media. Emphasis is placed on creative sound design techniques, and editorial practices in layering sounds in synchronization with visual media.

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 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 BFA degree builds on the core curriculum of fundamental principles by emphasizing the aesthetic and conceptual skills necessary for a professional portfolio. After completing the core curriculum, students choose to focus on commercial or editorial, fine art, or documentary courses. Upon graduation, students will be required to demonstrate an individual style and a unique approach to their chosen area of study.