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Creative Practice Graduate Programs

Formal exploration and critical investigation of media and technology.

Master of Fine Arts in ATEC: Creative Practice Pathway

The Master of Fine Arts in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication (ATEC) offers an immersive experience in the creative use and critical exploration of technology within artistic practices. Designed for those who aim to teach arts- and technology-focused courses at the college level or pursue a professional studio or design career, this degree program fuses critical thinking with creative thinking.

MFA students in the Creative Practice Pathway engage in both formal exploration and critical investigation of media and technology. Students work within an idea-driven maker culture that emphasizes both artistic expression and rigorous inquiry. They learn to present their work effectively, incorporate constructive feedback, and contextualize their practice within aesthetic, historical, and cultural frameworks.

Areas of focus within this program include 3D modeling, 3D printing and projection mapping, digital fabrication, digital and interactive media, documentary, new media art, photography, contemporary art, and simulations.

The typical timeline to graduation is three years. In the first year, students take courses in aesthetics and digital theories, establishing a solid foundation for their creative inquiry and production coursework. Alongside required and elective courses—some of which may be taken outside ATEC—in the third year, students focus on producing a final capstone project that showcases their expertise and artistic vision. MFA students may also serve as teaching assistants, gaining valuable teaching experience.

Collaborating closely with award-winning faculty, MFA students join a cross-disciplinary cohort of graduate students engaged in both creative and critical forms of research. All of our graduate students can participate in the Bass School’s interdisciplinary lab spaces, and each year, the Bass School hosts showcases where students can present their work. Located in Dallas, students have nearby access to the city’s thriving arts community, in which both our faculty and students play active roles.

In addition to working closely with our award-winning faculty, MFA students join a cross-disciplinary cohort of graduate students pursuing creative and critical forms of inquiry. All graduate students have the opportunity to participate in ATEC’s interdisciplinary lab spaces, and each year ATEC hosts various showcases where students can contribute work. An MFA student at the Bass School can also expect to be introduced to or further explore the vibrant Dallas arts scene, with which our faculty and students are heavily engaged.

Our Creative Practice MFA graduates have built successful careers as artists, cultural administrators and teachers, actively contributing to arts and culture industries and academia.

You can learn more about policies and procedures here: List of Graduate Degree Program Policies and Procedures.

Program TypeMaster’s
FormatOn campus, full- and part-time options are available
Estimated Time to Complete3 years
Semester Credit Hours54
Dean Terry, Creative Practice

Meet Professors You Will Never Forget

ATEC program faculty include world-renowned artists, scholars, and creative practitioners. Their diverse areas of expertise ensure that graduate students gain knowledge of breadth and depth. Our professors publish with the nation’s leading academic presses, hold patents in design, and are recognized as pioneers by peers in their field.

Areas of Faculty Work & Exhibition

3D modeling; 3D printing and projection mapping; digital fabrication; digital media and interactive art; documentary; games; new media art; photography and contemporary art; simulations

gizmology students

Art-Based Research & Creative Practice

We believe if you can imagine it, we can make it. Our lab and studio culture blends art, technology, design, engineering, science, and the humanities to create an incubative environment rich with possibilities. Collaboration is the heart of the Bass School. Learn how faculty, students, art-based research, and creative practice are connected.

Contact Information

Liz Trosper

Liz Trosper
Design and Creative Practice Area Head and Assistant Professor of Instruction
Email: Liz.Trosper@utdallas.edu
Office: ATC 1.909

Katherine Schweers
Graduate Academic Advisor
Phone: 972-883-6324
Email: katherine.schweers@utdallas.edu
Office: ATC 1.602

Graduate Advising
Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
The University of Texas at Dallas, JO31
800 W. Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080-3021
Phone: 972-883-4706
Email: ahtgradvising@utdallas.edu

Office of Admission and Enrollment
800 W. Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080-3021
972-883-2270 or 1-800-889-2443
admission@utdallas.edu
utdallas.edu/enroll

Next Steps

Explore

Reach out to us to get more information about your program of interest.

Apply

Review the Bass School’s graduate application process and requirements.