Visual Information Technologies
Faculty
Associate Professor: White
Assistant Professors:Martin (Director), Olgyay
Graduate Programs
Visual Information Technologies, M.A., M.F.A.
The Visual Information Technologies program offers a Master of Arts or a Master
of Fine Arts specializing in electronic and digital media technology. Computer imaging
and animation provides students with a unique opportunity to integrate visual communication
design with two- and three-dimensional computer modeling, animation, and image processing
within a program that is grounded in both theory and application.
The M.A. degree requires 45 credits and is a professional program aimed at preparing
students for employment in high-tech industries and businesses. These include computer
animation and video production houses, graphic design firms, federal and local government
training programs, and computer-related research industries, including those related
to virtual reality and multimedia systems.
The M.F.A. requires 60 credits, during which time students explore an area of
concentration in depth. The M.F.A. is a terminal degree that includes the benefits
of the M.A. degree, in addition to preparing students to teach at the university
level. Students are encouraged to explore new forms of expression by integrating
electronic multimedia technology with fine art information media tools.
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general requirements for admission for graduate study,
candidates for the M.A. or M.F.A. in Visual Information Technologies must meet the
following requirements:
- B.A. or B.F.A. degree
- Portfolio submission
- Statement of intent and professional goals
- Three letters of reference
Diversity among the group of students accepted for study is another consideration.
Applicants with degrees in areas other than art are welcome, although they may be
required to complete undergraduate core courses. Candidates without computer experience
may be required to complete some undergraduate course work in computer imaging. Students
with an M.A. degree in another field who seek to earn an M.F.A. must complete a minimum
of 30 credits.
The student's portfolio is a major selection criterion for graduate admission,
regardless of area of concentration. Evidence of applications in the arts using emerging
technologies for both the fine and applied arts is of particular interest. Portfolios
from applicants must include 20 slides, labeled and numbered, with orientation information,
and one optional 1/2" VHS NTSC videotape, not exceeding four minutes in length.
Slides should represent the student's most accomplished work irrespective of studio
application area. Some artwork representing skills in computer imaging must be included.
Degree Requirements
| Basic Requirements |
30
|
All students must complete the following courses for a total of 30 credits:
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VIT 600 Research Methodologies
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
VIT 620 Philosophy of Theory and Criticism
|
3
|
VIT 696 Special Topics in VIT
|
3
|
ARTS 500+ Art Studio course work
|
8
|
|
|
4
|
M.A. candidates must complete supervised apprenticeships in professional business
settings (VIT 693)
|
6
|
M.F.A. candidates must complete supervised classroom teaching practicum in the undergraduate
program at George Mason or in a community college art program (VIT 670)
|
6
|
| Areas of Concentration |
15
|
Students must complete the requirements in one
of the following areas of concentration:
|
|
Computer Graphics
VIT 684 Two-Dimensional Computer Imaging
|
5
|
VIT 686 Three-Dimensional
Computer Imaging
|
5
|
VIT 688 Computer Animation
|
5
|
Graphic Design
VIT 614 Problems in Typography
|
5
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VIT 616 Hypertext and Hypermedia
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5
|
VIT 618 Problems in Graphic Design
|
5
|
Multimedia
VIT 616 Hypertext and Hypermedia
|
5
|
|
|
5
|
VIT 678 Interface and CD ROM
|
5
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| Total hours required for the M.A. |
45
|
| M.F.A. Comprehensive Experience |
15
|
Candidates for the M.F.A. must complete all
the above requirements and the following:
|
|
|
|
9
|
VIT 798 Directing Reading
|
3
|
|
|
3
|
The comprehensive experience involves a study of the
historical basis for a studio project, an independent
creative production suitable for public viewing, and
a written thesis documenting the evolution of the
creative problem and exploring the intention,
purpose, and relative success of the finished project.
|
|
| Total credits required for the M.F.A. |
60
|
Facilities and Equipment
The Visual Information Technologies program is situated in the Center for the
Arts complex. The program has three computer labs that contain Silicon Graphics Workstations
and a variety of other platforms and personal computer terminals, in addition to
video editing, image scanning, and digitizing facilities.
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