The MFA Computer Arts 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. Our goal is to develop artists who will continue to challenge norms, question standards, and surprise people long after they leave SVA. Being based in NYC also offers a significantly enhanced cultural experience including music, theater, food, museums and of course world renowned art galleries.

Our students come from all around the globe, providing unique cultural perspectives to the creative process. Our combination of small class sizes, working professionals as faculty and guest lectures provide in-depth exposure to all areas of animation, motion graphics and experimental art.

SVA's MFA Computer Arts Department, founded in 1986, was the first MFA program in the U.S. to focus on computer art. It now has a network of more than 1,300 alumni.

• The first-year curriculum strengthens and broadens the student's knowledge and creative approach to digital art in preparation for the thesis year.
• 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.
• The first- and second-year academic programs are supplemented by workshops, visiting artists, guest lecturers, and internship opportunities.

Graduates of the department are employed by the most prestigious companies and digital studios including Apple, Nickelodeon, Buck, Hornet, Volvox Labs, Laika, HBO, Google, Aardman Nathan Love, Titmouse, and Pixar. Some alumni choose the entrepreneurship of their own businesses. Those who pursue fine art careers exhibit their work in museums and galleries, including: the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, P.S.1/MoMA, Whitney Museum of American Art, Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Smithsonian Museum of American Art and the Tate. By combining creativity with academics, graduates have also published books and scholarly writings, and have chosen teaching careers at prestigious higher education institutions.

Thesis projects from our students have gone on to win awards from major international competitions, including Student Academy Awards, Webby Awards, Prix Ars Electronia, SIGGRAPH, The Young Ones and Lumen Prize. Student works have also appeared in such acclaimed festivals as Cannes, Sundance and Tribeca, as well as the world's premiere animation festivals -- Annecy, Ottawa, Animafest Zagreb, Stuttgart Trickfilm, Kaboom, Animac, and more.

Other awards have been bestowed upon our students by major international competitions including Adobe Design Achievement Awards, YouTube Awards, Prix Ars Electronica, SIGGRAPH, Electronic Theater and Art Show, Webby Awards, ISEA and the Leonardo Awards for Excellence. Student works have appeared in such acclaimed festivals as Cannes, Tribeca, Sundance, Annecy, Ottawa and New York, among dozens of others.