Every student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Stevens' visual arts and technology program chooses one of four concentrations: creative computation, design, game design, or moving image. 

Creative Computation

The creative computation concentration merges code, art and design, letting students create new visual experiences that would be impossible with more traditional tools. Students learn how to write their own software in a variety of languages, how to create interactive projects and how to build custom electronic circuits, all with the goal of exploring software as a creative medium. Additionally, courses in this concentration address the critical issues around software like the open source movement and learn about the rich history of code in the arts. Students electing this concentration can go on to work in games and app development, interactive design, working on data visualizations, or as a “creative technologist” solving challenges across a wide range of fields.

Design

Students in the design concentration learn about visual communication and typography, but most of all how to creatively solve problems and communicate ideas. Students will make posters, design fonts, lay out books, and prototype apps. Career options include graphic and web design, but could also lead to working on interactive projects like apps and games, part of a team in advertising and marketing, or working as a creative director.

Game Design

Games have been called the definitive medium of the 21st century, and yet there is still so much to learn and discover. The game design concentration is focused on teaching students how to build 2D and 3D games using their own artwork, code, and story. This concentration also critically looks at the current state of game design--from large scale studio, to small independent art projects. By seeing the entire scope of what games can do, students will explore a range of possibilities of using games to create thought provoking projects.

Moving Image

This concentration focuses on technical, theoretical, and aesthetic approaches to making moving-image based artworks. Creative output includes video, animation, virtual reality, augmented reality, interactive design, motion graphics, and work of other disciplines that are informed by the history of time-based media. Through research-based projects, students will look at the entire production method, including pre- and post-production, in order to turn their initial concepts into fully realized moving image works.

With saws, air compressors, nail guns, woodworking tools and more, the Visual Arts & Technology Studio invites students to play and create.

The Sensory Computation, Experimental Narrative Environments Lab—better known as the SCENE Lab—immerses students in virtual reality, spatial audio, and 3D mapping.

The Virtual Arts Lab is packed with the best computers, and here, students brainstorm, prototype, and critique computer-powered art. 

Students advance their projects by employing the FabLab's 3D printers, laser cutters, large format printers, and carving tools.

With over 300 titles, the Art Library is a growing collection of books on art, archeology, criticism, design, and history.

Modern Art: History & Theory

Creative Programming

Design

Game Design

Photography

Color & Composition

Form & Space

History of Art

3D Modeling

Motion Graphics

Moving Image: On Screen & In Space

And More!

Christopher Manzione
Director of Visual Arts & Technology and Assistant Professor

Diana Bush
Teaching Assistant Professor

Nancy Nowacek
Assistant Professor

Nicholas O'Brien
Assistant Professor

Jeff Thompson
Associate Professor

Do I have to submit a portfolio?

If you are applying to our visual arts & technology program you are strongly encouraged to submit a portfolio, but it is not required.

How do I submit my portfolio?

All portfolio materials must be uploaded through your student portal which you’ll receive access to once you have submitted your application. The automated process of receiving student portal credentials can take up to 48 hours after your application has been received.

What are some examples of creative work?

Examples of creative work can include, but are not limited to the following:

• Paintings and drawings

• Sculpture and ceramics

• Photography and collage

• Creative writing

• Code (Github/processing/etc.)

• Game design/world building

• Graphic and web design

• Anything you think is creative

How many pieces should I submit?

We require five examples of creative work for the visual arts and technology portfolio.

Can I submit more than the required number of pieces?

The system will let you upload more than the required number of pieces; however, we cannot guarantee that all of them will be reviewed. Please try your best to only submit your strongest work. We prefer quality over quantity. 

Will I have the opportunity to describe the pieces I am uploading?

Yes! You can provide a description of every piece that you upload and we strongly recommend that you do so. The more context that you provide for your submission, the easier it is for our faculty to review your contribution to the work. Make sure you include information describing what the piece is, how it was created, and why you chose to submit it. 

What should I include in my resume?

Your resume can include any relevant jobs or internships that you’ve had, performances/exhibitions that you’ve participated in, competitions you’ve entered, and volunteer work that you’ve performed. You can also include a list of technical skills and relevant coursework.

For drawings and paintings, how should I go about submitting these pieces?

Feel free to submit digital images of your paintings, drawings, and traditional media. Take the best quality photos that you can (borrow a good camera if you can). If you don't have access to a camera, or if your images are highly detailed, consider scanning any appropriate material using a flatbed scanner at a local copy-shop or public library. If you don’t have access to studio lighting, shoot your images outside on a cloudy day for good even, light. Please avoid casual or low-quality images!

Would you recommend submitting samples of different types of work? For example, some photography, some painting, some computer-based artwork?

We recommend submitting your best work. Including drawings just for the sake of including traditional materials doesn't improve the quality of a portfolio. Make sure that whatever you are submitting, it shows the best of your creative output – that is the top priority. You are encouraged to submit non-traditional work and if you feel that you're accomplished in many mediums, please feel free to include a variety of pieces. Keep in mind that the evaluation is based on depth, not breadth.

What kind of files do you accept and is there a maximum file size? 

Although we technically support media files as large as 5 GB, please be advised that larger files will take longer to upload from your Internet connection and may stall if you are on a wireless connection or one that cannot sustain a connection for the necessary period of time. Uploaded documents may contain no more than 75 pages. We support the following file formats:

Video: .avi, .flv, .m1v, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .webm, .wmv

Audio: .aac, .aif, .aiff, .iff, .fla, .m4a, .mpa, .mp3, .ra, .wav, .wma

Slide: .bmp, .gif, .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .tif, .tiff 

Document: .doc, .docx, .odg, .odp, .odt, .pdf, .ppt, .pptx, .rtf, .wpd