Interactive Arts at Pratt

The MFA in Interactive Arts cultivates the exploration of the critical issues of our growing digital cultures — through participation in physical installations, interactive objects, machine learning / AI, augmented and virtual reality simulations and networked-based applications. Self-discovery, societal transformation, and critical reflection are recurrent themes in the MFA studios. 

The Experience

The Interactive Arts MFA journey is grounded in the pursuit of mastering digital technologies, cultivating personal growth, and driving societal impact through fine art. A range of skills-focused courses interrogate the latest software, hardware, and other emerging technological systems, exploring their innovative applications in digital and physical environments. Through seminars, workshops, and a visiting artist series, students gain a comprehensive framework for sharing, debating, and evaluating the historical and contemporary advancements within the field.

New York City serves as the ideal catalyst for this experience. Through in-class and extracurricular excursions, students tap into our unique position at the vanguard of contemporary art practice.

Student Work

Take a look at examples of work by recent Digital Arts students, and imagine what you might be able to do!

Digital Arts Facilities

Students in the Interactive Arts MFA have excellent studios with access to several digital computing facilities that are outfitted with state of the art Apple and Windows computer stations. These computers are loaded with top of the line software including Maya, Houdini, TouchDesigner, MaxMSP, Nuke, ToonBoom, Adobe Suite, ProTools, and much more. 

MFA students have access to shared Digital Arts facilities that include a green screen room, audio editing suite, a variety of 3D printers, laser cutter, ink-jet printers and a world-class surround-sound VR production/presentation suite. Further access to Pratt Institute facilities is also possible, including fine art workshops and a large photogrammetry volume. 

Financing your Graduate Studies in the Department of Digital Arts

Prof. J. Michael O’Rourke Scholarship Award

Incoming 1st year Digital Arts MFA students who demonstrate artistic merit in the form of unusual emotional and intellectual thoughtfulness in their artwork and their art-making process will be considered for the Prof. J. Michael O’Rourke Scholarship Award. No additional application is required to be considered. Determination of artistic merit is to be based on portfolio review as well as an interview (either in-person or virtual) during the application process. Finalists will be notified by email.   The scholarship will be renewable for the student’s second year assuming satisfactory academic progress.

DDA Scholarships

The Department of Digital Arts will consider all accepted applicants for merit-based scholarships to offset tuition charges, and no application is required to be considered.

Graduate Assistantships

A variety of graduate assistantships are available to Digital Arts MFA students. These vary by semester based upon departmental need. Students apply semester by semester. We typically have 6 or more GA’s each semester. 

More About Financing Your Education

Pratt Institutional information on applying for financial aid can be found here.

Internships

The Department of Digital Arts and Animation offers an internship program tailored to digital artists. Throughout the academic year, students partake in internship opportunities at a variety of studios and companies in the metropolitan New York area, gaining skills and experience in areas covering animation, visual effects, motion graphics, game design, interaction design, fine arts, and publishing. 
The internship program places students on their career paths, providing experiences that aid in determining their educational and professional goals. Internships may be taken for college credit by both undergraduate and graduate students. While the Department has our own Internship Coordinator, students may also want to visit Pratt’s extensive network and dedicated staff that supports and facilitates Internships and Industry Connections.

Learning Resources

We develop disciplinary fluency in our program of study and we celebrate the interdisciplinary nature of design critical to address the plurality and complexity of the environments in which we operate. Learning resources

Our Faculty

Pratt’s distinguished faculty of outstanding creative professionals and scholars share a common desire to develop each student’s potential and creativity to the fullest. Bringing different views, methods, and perspectives they provide a rigorous educational model in which students make and learn.

See all Digital Arts faculty and administrators.

Our Alumni

Digital Arts graduates become leading contributors to the arts with a commitment to the cultural enrichment of society. After graduation, Pratt Alumni can be found featured in important publications, exhibiting in galleries and new media institutions and working in major creative industries.

Our alumni are leaders at top institutions including Apple Computer, Phillips Electronics, IBM Watson Research Labs, and MoMA and go on to exhibit at SPRING/BREAK Art Show, Whitney Museum of American Art, SFMoMA, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, and the New Museum.

Success Stories

Ready for More?

HERE’S HOW TO APPLY	OUR CAMPUS & BEYOND
Join us at Pratt. Learn more about admissions requirements, plan your visit, talk to a counselor, and start your application. Take the next step.	You’ll find yourself at home at Pratt. Learn more about our residence halls, student organizations, athletics, gallery exhibitions, events, the amazing City of New York and our Brooklyn neighborhood communities. Check us out.

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