Program Overview

Integrated Media Arts MFA Program

The Integrated Media Arts (IMA) MFA program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in media arts, emphasizing the development of technical skills, conceptual foundation, and creative practice.

Program Overview

The IMA program requires students to complete two formal critique sessions, presenting their work to a panel of three faculty members. These critiques are an essential part of the program, providing students with constructive feedback and guidance on their artistic practice.

Critique Procedure

Critiques are held at the start of each semester, and students are intentionally assigned to a panel of faculty members who may be unfamiliar with their work. Students have 20 minutes to present and contextualize their work, followed by a 20-minute Q&A and feedback session with the panel.

Critique Requirements

• First Crit: Students must participate in their First Crit during the crit cycle following the semester when they reach or exceed 21 credits.
  • Students must present at least three works, including an Artist Statement (1 page) and a minimum of three pieces of work, usually made in three different IMA production courses.
  • Work presented should total a maximum of 20 minutes.
• Second Crit: The Second Crit happens when students are approaching or have reached 42 credits, typically during the crit cycle following completion of the Thesis Prep Process.
  • Students must present at least two works, including an Artist Statement (1 page) and a minimum of two advanced projects created since their First Crit, in two different production courses, totaling a maximum of 20 minutes.

Artist Statement

At both critiques, students are required to submit a one-page artist statement contextualizing their projects within their broader creative practice, including their social and aesthetic goals. Artist statements should be between 500 words and 1.5 pages.

Receiving Feedback

Students are expected to listen carefully and take notes during the critique sessions. They should answer questions from the panelists and avoid over-explaining or defending their decisions.

Guests and Recording

Guests may observe critique presentations upon request, but may not participate. Students may also audio record their critique sessions for personal review upon request.

Crit Appeals

Crit Panel decisions are only appealable when a student believes the panel made a procedural error, without which the student would have passed. A procedural appeal must be submitted in writing to the IMA Director within two weeks of the Crit.