<p>Hi guys, any ideas about the best place to study interactive design (computer art, multimedia, flash, web design) on the graduate level? Been accepted so far to SVA SAIC RISD MICA CalArts CCA SCAD MassEdu but couldn't visit any of the schools because I'm international. Would truly appreciate any feedback as I just can't seem to make up my mind and enrollment deadlines are approaching. So far what I'm thinking is:</p>
<p>SVA - love the school, the program web-site is just gorgeous and shows exactly the kind of student work I'm looking for. so far probably my best shot</p>
<p>SAIC - not sure they have a focus on digital arts, everyone keeps saying they are awfully fine arts oriented. Despite all the enchanting #1 rank rant I couldn't find a lot of inspiration work from students? Are those guys really that great or they're resting on old fame or we mortals just cannot understand real art, any feedback?</p>
<p>RISD - their digital media program seems awfully abstract - all work seems to be installation/media centered. I would really want to dwell into interactive design/web design/multimedia. Not sure if they would teach any techniques or will only center on conceptual art skills. Any ideas?</p>
<p>MICA - those guys don't even have a portfolio posted for the digital program :( sounds like a great place and they're extending a great scholarship, and although i don't see them anywhere on the top rank charts i hear they have a strong program. Just need a bit of evidence :((</p>
<p>CalArts - love all the graphic design approach, those guys really seem great. No examples for the Integrated media though, so not sure how strong they are on interactive. insights anyone?</p>
<p>CCA SCAD MassEdu - good schools but i guess a lower tier so i'm not really consdering those (pity SCAD threw an enormous scholarship :(), unless someone gives real good reasons.</p>
<p>Another request for discussion - do you think all of those schools are more or less equally good and it is just worth going with the one that offers the biggest scholarship?</p>
<p>too late now, already done with the application process :( looking forward to starting school this fall. those are the school where I was accepted, so i'm looking for advise which one to choose...</p>
<p>First, for student or alumni work, maybe try searching coroflot for portfolios of people who go or have gone there? I know there are groups for current students and alumni of certain institutions on there, so it might be helpful to browse there.</p>
<p>After that- contact the schools! Tell them that you like their (curriculum, facilities, faculty, insert whatever you like here) but feel like you need to see more student work to make a decision. Hopefully they can direct you to some websites made by classes to showcase their work. The ideal thing obviously, would be to visit as many of the schools as you can, so that you can get a first-hand look at the facilities and the work. </p>
<p>I've also been admitted to the CCA design program (for a combined communications/industrial design track), and they had a professor contact me to see if I had any questions about the program- wouldn't this be the best opportunity (other than a visit) to find that stuff out?</p>
<p>I am somewhat familiar with MICA's digital program. It is fairly new. It started about 3 years ago and is housed in a relatively new building with new facilities. </p>
<p>Although I really don't know how strong a program it is,which means that employers don't know much about it either, I do know that MICA is very well known in Maryland and well known for its interdisciplanary approach to art and design. You can basically structure your education in almost anyway that you want. I would definitely check them out with a visit.</p>
<p>Here is what MICA posts about their Masters in Digital Arts:</p>
<p>This immersive, one-year, 30-credit program emphasizes both the study of digital arts theory and studio practice, resulting in a thesis project that is crafted through two consecutive 6-credit Studio/Thesis Seminars. Other program requirements include two 3-credit Critical Theory Seminars, an advanced digital media elective each semester, a sound course, a typography course, and additional coursework in practice and technology. </p>
<p>Requirements for the MA in Digital Arts
Fall Semester:
Digital Thesis Seminar I 6
Electronic Arts Elective 3
Typography for Multimedia 3
Critical Theory Seminar 3
Spring Semester:<br>
Digital Thesis Seminar II 6
Electronic Arts Elective 3
Sound for Multimedia 3
Critical Theory Seminar 3 </p>
<hr>
<p>MA in Digital Arts Total Credits 30 </p>
<p>A Sampling of Digital Arts Electives
Web Design
PhotoShop Intensive
The Simulated Photograph
Interactive Animation
Digital Video
Interactive Scripting
Video Installation
Experimental Narrative
Advanced 3D Computer Animation
Interactive Design
Typography and Motion
Digital Sculpture
Sound and Video for the Web
The Surreal Image
Interactive Installation
Typography for Multimedia</p>
<p>MICA's Interactive Design Major is so new that as of last April, there was a grand total of one (1), count' em, one (1) total graduate. Supposedly 3 more were to finish last year, and they were dreaming about double digits by the end of this school year.</p>
<p>Now, that's for their undergraduate major. I'm not sure about the grad dept.</p>
<p>BUT......... what I did see, and the staff members I met were very impressive.</p>
<p>This might be a great program for you, but you'd obviously be one of the early pioneers. You need to go right to the source, talk to them, get a sense if it's where you want to be.</p>