M.F.A. in Visual Effects

Entry Requirements for Postgraduate Programs

1. Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have completed an undergraduate degree from an accredited institution. A minimum academic requirement of a 60% or above in the previous academic program is expected. 

2. English Language Proficiency: 

   • IELTS (International English Language Testing System): A minimum overall score of 6.5 is required, with no individual band score falling below 6.5.

   • TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language - Internet-Based Test): A minimum overall score of 85 with no band less than 20 is expected.

   • PTE (Pearson Test of English): A minimum score of 58 is required with no band less than 53.

3. Portfolio : Applicants are required to submit a portfolio showcasing their previous creative work and experience.

SCAD is committed to supporting international students in achieving their educational and creative aspirations. The university offers a range of scholarships specifically designed to help international students pursue their studies.

1. International Student Scholarships: SCAD offers various merit-based scholarships for international undergraduate and graduate students. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, artistic talent, and the potential for creative excellence.

2. Distinguished Scholar Award: This prestigious award is given to exceptional undergraduate students, including international students, who demonstrate outstanding academic and artistic accomplishments. It provides substantial financial support.

3. Graduate Fellowships: SCAD offers graduate fellowships to international students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees. These fellowships cover tuition and other educational expenses and are awarded based on academic achievement and creative potential.

4. International Honors Scholarships: These scholarships recognize and reward the achievements of international undergraduate students. They can significantly offset the cost of tuition.

5. Regional Scholarships: SCAD offers scholarships for students from specific regions or countries. These awards aim to increase cultural diversity and foster a global community at SCAD.

6. Online Student Scholarships: International students who choose to pursue their education through SCAD's online programs can also access a range of scholarships designed to support their virtual learning journey.

7. Need-Based Scholarships: SCAD provides need-based scholarships for international students who may require financial assistance to pursue their creative education.

8. Talent-Based Scholarships: In addition to academic excellence, SCAD recognizes and rewards talent in various artistic fields, such as visual arts, performing arts, and creative writing.

9. SCAD Challenge Scholarships: These scholarships are awarded to students who participate and excel in the SCAD Challenge, a competition that showcases creative talent.

10. International Baccalaureate (IB) Scholarships: SCAD offers scholarships to students who have completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

11. Artistic Achievement Scholarships: These awards are designed to recognize exceptional accomplishments in various artistic disciplines and creative fields.

SCAD's commitment to supporting international students through scholarships underscores its dedication to promoting diversity, talent, and artistic excellence. These scholarship opportunities enable international students to access a world-class art and design education and contribute to a vibrant global creative community.

The M.F.A. in Visual Effects program at Savannah College of Art and Design - Atlanta (SCAD Atlanta) opens the door to an array of exciting and dynamic career opportunities in the world of visual effects. Graduates of this program are well-prepared to excel in the ever-evolving field of VFX and contribute their creativity and technical expertise to a variety of industries.

1. Visual Effects Artist: Graduates can embark on careers as VFX artists, working on blockbuster films, TV shows, and commercials. They create stunning visual effects, from explosions and creatures to realistic simulations.

2. Compositing Artist: Compositing artists specialize in blending various visual elements, such as live-action footage and computer-generated imagery (CGI), to create seamless and eye-catching final scenes.

3. 3D Animator: 3D animators breathe life into characters, creatures, and objects. They work in the film, gaming, and advertising industries, crafting animations that captivate audiences.

4. Character Artist: Character artists focus on creating detailed and lifelike characters, often used in video games and animated films.

5. VFX Supervisor: VFX supervisors play a crucial role in overseeing the entire visual effects process on a project. They collaborate with directors and other crew members to achieve the desired visual effects.

6. Simulation Artist: Simulation artists design and execute realistic simulations, such as water, fire, and weather, enhancing the believability of scenes in movies and games.

7. Motion Capture Artist: Motion capture artists work with actors and technology to record and translate real-life movements into animated characters and scenes.

8. Previsualization Artist: Previsualization artists create preliminary visualizations of scenes, helping directors and production teams plan complex sequences before shooting.

9. Matte Painter: Matte painters craft digital backgrounds and environments, contributing to the overall look and feel of films and animations.

10. Technical Director: Technical directors are responsible for the technical aspects of VFX, ensuring that all elements function correctly and integrate seamlessly.

11. Post-production Supervisor: Post-production supervisors manage the VFX and editing processes, ensuring that the final product aligns with the creative vision.

12. Advertising VFX Artist: Many advertising campaigns use VFX to create compelling and memorable visuals. Graduates can work on TV commercials and online advertisements.

13. Gaming VFX Artist: The gaming industry relies on VFX to deliver immersive gaming experiences. Graduates can create special effects, animations, and environments for video games.

14. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Artist: AR and VR artists design immersive experiences for these cutting-edge technologies, which are used in gaming, education, and simulations.

15. Film and TV Studio VFX Artist: Graduates can work for major film and TV studios, contributing to the visual effects of blockbuster movies and popular series.

16. Freelance Visual Effects Artist: Entrepreneurial-minded graduates may choose to work as freelance VFX artists, taking on a variety of projects and clients.

17. Educator: For those passionate about teaching, becoming VFX educators at educational institutions or online platforms can be a fulfilling path, passing on their knowledge and skills to the next generation of artists.