One of the first graduate programs to incorporate digital practice, the MFA in Photography, Video, and Related Media at SVA is dedicated to the creative practice of both traditional and digital lens-based arts and to the integration of new theories, contexts, and techniques of these ever-evolving media. Emphasizing the expansion of the photographic vocabulary, the department encourages students to challenge the current boundaries of their media, and to look at the ways in which design, video, social media, telecommunications, and other electronic components are impacting contemporary work in the field.
The 60-credit, two- or three-year MFA degree program explores contemporary lens and screen arts through a rigorous curriculum in the culture, history, theory, and practice of photography and video. First-year MFA Photography, Video, and Related Media students take courses in digital imaging, along with studio courses and a selection of academic courses dealing with historical perspectives, criticism and theory, and contemporary issues. A key component of the curriculum is the Master Critique, a required series of courses in which students engage in group critique seminars as they refine their talents and concentrate on producing a body of professional work. For students selected for the three-year program, their first year is geared toward supplementing their education with fundamental studio and history courses, along with the Master Critique sessions. The last year of the program is geared to the development and completion of the thesis project.
2012 – 2013 student population
76 matriculated students
Department chair
Charles H. Traub, photographer, author, and editor
Some notable faculty members
Shimon Attie, Ed Bowes, Phong Bui, Elinor Carucci, Sarah Charlesworth, Liz Deschenes, Collier Schorr, Amy Taubin, Penelope Umbrico, Grahame Weinbren, Randy West
Some notable lecturers, mentors, and thesis advisors
Cory Arcangel, Tina Barney, James Casebere, Paul Chan, Omer Fast, Duane Michals, Alfredo Jaar, Miranda Lichtenstein, Andres Serrano, Lorna Simpson, Joel Sternfeld, Sara VanDer Beek
Some notable alumni
Adam Ames, Renée Cox, Stuart Hawkins, Shai Kremer, Dinh Q. Lê, Jeff Chien-Hsing Liao, Vera Lutter, Brian Palmer, Rachel Papo, Matthew Pillsbury, Aïda Ruilova, Lynn Shelton, Sarah Silver
Student exhibitions
Graduating students unveil their thesis projects in a group exhibition at the Visual Arts Gallery, or at a group screening at the SVA Theatre, both located in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood.
Office of Admissions: 212.592.2107 | gradadmissions@sva.edu
Media requests: 212.592.2010 | proffice@sva.edu
209 East 23 Street, New York, NY 10010-3994 | Tel 212.592.2010 | sva.edu
