Master of Fine Arts - Sound Design

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.

Graduate students will meet the following student performance criteria:

MFA Thesis Project

• Plan an original portfolio of work worthy of the MFA degree
• Complete an original MFA thesis which represents an advanced level of achievement in the field of sound design for visual media

Listening Skills and Critical Thinking

• Analyze visual elements and execute innovative sound design and editorial for visual media
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the singular elements and overall combinations of sound design
• Think critically and demonstrate flexibility in creating or editing music for client needs

Soundtrack for Visual Media

• Create compelling, balanced and professional sound mixes
• Create sound which supports or heightens the emotional impacts of visual images (or visual material)

Production Skills and Technical Knowledge

• Demonstrate expert-level proficiency with software related to contemporary sound production techniques
  

Professional Readiness

• Present a comprehensive demo reel / portfolio demonstrating professional-level achievement
• Collaborate effectively with a creative team on a given project, such as a film, television show, animation, game, multimedia project, or commercial

*Note App Fee Waiver in effect for ApplyBoard to reduce the application fee to $50*