Master of Arts in Creative Technology

Experience Creative Technology – Where Code Meets Innovation

Combine your passion for artistic expression and/or coding with creative technologies to build innovative art, AI powered experiences, interactive media and more. The Master of Arts in Creative Technology offered online through SMU Meadows School of the Arts, empowers you to merge coding with creativity by leveraging tools like JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, TouchDesigner, Solidity, Adobe Suite, Maya, Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity and others to create impactful, real-world applications.

Creative technology is a gateway to creating transformative experiences that bridge art, design and technology. This 30-credit-hour program dives into the tools and concepts shaping today’s - and tomorrow’s - digital frontier. Develop your skills in areas such as 3D modeling, animation, programming, data visualization, generative AI, AR and VR, and Web3 to create immersive experiences that redefine business and artistic possibilities.

This program isn’t about theory - it’s about harnessing advanced tools and techniques to push the boundaries of your coding and creative development expertise, while also giving you the educational foundation to future-proof your skills in leveraging new digital technologies.

Who Should Apply

This program is ideal for students who have training in art, creative computation or technology, and who want to gain or enhance their knowledge of technical tools and creative processes.

• Individuals looking to transition into a new career in creative or technology-related fields
• Coders passionate about innovation in technology and the arts
• Creative professionals who want a deeper understanding of emerging technologies
• Designers who desire to augment their skill set with a greater understanding of programming languages and concepts
• Programmers who are curious about applying their skills in areas like blockchain, AI and NFTs
• Software developers who are interested in design and the creative process

Career Opportunities

Earning the master’s degree in creative technology provides graduates with knowledge and skills within AI, AR/VR, blockchain, web design, data expression, interactive media, and more, can help prepare you for a variety of roles (now or in the future) in creative or technical industries. Some related career options may include:

Creative Technologist:
Use a combination of technical and creative skills deliver creative solutions to challenges in interactive media, programming, blockchain, AI applications and more.

Creative Software Developer:
Use programming and design skills to build innovative software solutions that blend functionality with engaging, user-centered experiences

Web3 Product Designer:
Leverage your knowledge of technologies like blockchain, NFTs, VR and the metaverse to communicate and champion Web3 solutions.

Data Visualization Specialist:
Transform data and information into accessible visual and interactive representations.

Video Game Developer:
Combine programming, design, and storytelling to create interactive and immersive gaming experiences that entertain and engage players.

About SMU?

Southern Methodist University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Formally established at SMU in 1969, the Meadows School of the Arts is a leader in developing innovative outreach and community engagement programs such as the Master of Arts in Creative Technology. The Meadows School educates its students to become visionary artists, scholars and communication professionals. The goal of SMU, as a comprehensive educational institution, is to prepare students to meet the rapidly evolving demands of professional careers.

Admission Requirements

The GRE (or the GMAT) is optional and there is no minimum score requirement. An overall GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred but consideration will be given to those with a lower GPA upon completion of application and all supporting materials.

Completing your application requires the following information:

• Proof of a bachelor’s degree (includes providing transcripts from all colleges and universities attended).
• An updated resume highlighting your educational background, career experience and skills.
• A statement of purpose describing your interest in creative technology and your motivation(s) for enrolling in the program.
• Contact information for two professional references who can provide a recommendation on your behalf.

Committees begin reviewing completed applications shortly after the application deadline(s). Submitting your materials by the priority application deadline helps ensure your application is among the first to be evaluated and also makes you eligible to waive the $75 application fee.

Overview

The creative technology master’s degree includes 10 required courses, each 15 weeks long, with each course being three credit hours (30 total). Full-time students who register for at least two classes every term (Fall, Spring, Summer) can complete the program in as few as two years.

Required Courses

What You'll Learn

Creative technology leverages innovative digital tools to craft immersive experiences that enhance both artistic expression and business applications. This 30 credit-hour program covers a broad range of topics within creative technology and will help prepare creative and coding-oriented individuals to combine their skill sets across interactive media, design, programming, Web3, 3D modeling, animation, blockchain, generative AI applications and more.

Master Creative Coding: Learn the fundamentals of programming and computational thinking to create generative art and interactive applications.
Apply Design Principles Digitally: Understand and implement design theories in digital contexts, focusing on user experience and interface design.
Develop 3D Modeling and Animation Skills: Gain proficiency in industry-standard software like Maya and Blender to create 3D models and animations.
Explore AI and the Metaverse: Investigate the integration of artificial intelligence within virtual reality environments across various platforms.
Engage in Interactive and Experiential Design: Design holistic systems for innovative audience engagement across diverse environments and products.