Creative Technologies

The Bachelor of Arts in Creative Technologies at Virginia Tech offers an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to prepare students for dynamic careers at the intersection of technology, design, and creativity. This program emphasizes the development of skills in digital media production, interactive design, programming, and innovative problem-solving, enabling graduates to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Students engage with a broad range of coursework that includes computer programming, visual arts, digital storytelling, and user experience design, fostering both technical proficiency and artistic expression. The program is tailored for those interested in creating immersive multimedia content, interactive applications, and digital presentations across various platforms. Through a combination of lectures, hands-on projects, and collaborative work, students learn to conceptualize and develop creative digital solutions that respond to real-world challenges. The curriculum also encourages exploration of emerging technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and digital fabrication, keeping students at the forefront of industry trends. Virginia Tech’s state-of-the-art facilities and dedicated faculty members provide an inspiring environment for experimentation and innovation. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers, including digital media production, game design, interactive exhibit development, multimedia consulting, and emerging tech entrepreneurship. With an emphasis on both technical skills and creative instincts, the Creative Technologies program aims to produce versatile professionals capable of contributing meaningfully to the digital economy. Participants are encouraged to build a strong portfolio throughout their studies, showcasing their projects and ideas to future employers or collaborators. Ultimately, Virginia Tech’s Bachelor of Arts in Creative Technologies empowers students to become leaders in digital innovation, capable of transforming ideas into compelling digital experiences that engage, inform, and inspire audiences worldwide.

The MFA in Creative Technologies requires 60 graduate credit hours, including a thesis project. The credit hours are distributed as follows:

• 30 credit hours in digital studios, projects, labs, and internships
• 9 in art history / theory courses, including graduate seminar
• 9 in electives outside of the School of Visual Arts
• 12 in thesis project, culminating in a public event, exhibition, app, or other mode appropriate to the project.

Professional internships are strongly encouraged and up to 12 credit hours of studio / lab may be used for well designed internships on or off campus.

In addition to the 60 credit hours students may be required to take certain courses to strengthen their background in specific areas, as determined by the MFA faculty.  These courses do not count toward the 60 hour Plan of Study, but do count toward full time status and graduate assistantships.

Concentrations

While we do not have pre-defined curricular tracks students can develop their Plan of Study to concentrate in data and spatial visualization; creative coding for art and design; 3d animation and gaming; and interactive envrionments.  Most students will combine elements of each of these as they develop a path that is uniquely tailored to their interests and goals.

• Transcripts. Include a scanned copy of your college transcripts with your online application, then arrange for an official copy to be sent to us after you receive an offer of admission.
• Letters of Recommendation. Check to see whether your department requires letters of recommendation from references. If so, you can include their email addresses in your online application, or have them send paper copies directly to your program’s department.
• Application Fees. Degree-seeking students must include a $75 fee with their application, though check to see if you qualify for a waiver or reduced fee.
• TOEFL Paper 550.0, Computer 213.0, iBT 80.0
• Minimum GPA: 3.0
• Institution code: 5859

Scholarships

• University Scholarships
• Global Education
• Assistantships

The Bachelor of Arts in Creative Technologies at Virginia Tech is an interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with a versatile set of skills in digital media, interactive design, and emerging technologies. This program integrates principles from computer science, art, and design to prepare graduates for careers in areas such as digital media production, interactive installation, game design, virtual and augmented reality, and multimedia art. Students gain hands-on experience with programming languages, visual design tools, and hardware systems, enabling them to develop innovative digital projects. The curriculum emphasizes creativity, technical proficiency, and critical thinking, fostering an environment where students can explore new technological frontiers and apply them creatively across various industries. The program typically includes coursework in programming, user experience design, digital media production, visual arts, and hardware integration, along with opportunities for collaboration on real-world projects. Students may also participate in internships and research activities to enhance their practical skills and industry connections. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for careers in digital media companies, entertainment industries, educational technology, advertising, and non-profit organizations that utilize digital and interactive media to engage audiences. The program encourages innovation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and entrepreneurship, aiming to produce graduates who are adaptable and forward-thinking in the rapidly evolving landscape of creative technology.