Master in Scene Design (MFA)

Tuition fees for MFA Scene Design are 56,074 USD per year.

The Master in Scene Design (MFA) at California Institute of the Arts is a master's degree for students who want to learn about scene design. It takes a few years to complete and helps students develop their artistic vision and aesthetic sophistication.

The curriculum covers scene design theory and practice, as well as other disciplines like music composition and performance theory. Students learn skills like model making, drafting, painting, and drawing, and explore new media. They also develop their understanding of historical and current theory in scene design.

Graduates can work as scene designers, set designers, or costume designers in theaters, film production companies, or opera houses. They can also work as exhibit designers or production designers for events and festivals. Other potential job titles include scenic artist, prop master, or technical director.

California Institute of the Arts, located near Valencia in Southern California, is a leading institution for creative education founded with a legacy of innovation in the arts. CalArts encourages experimental practice across disciplines including art, film, music, theater, dance, and animation, and offers a compact, studio-focused learning environment where students develop original work under the mentorship of practicing artists and industry professionals.

The institute promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and hands-on learning, supporting individual artistic development with cutting-edge studios, performance spaces, and digital labs. Small class sizes and intensive critique-based courses help students refine their voices and build professional portfolios, while visiting artists, festivals, and partnerships provide exposure to the wider creative industry. Academic advising, portfolio coaching, and career development services support transitions to festivals, galleries, studios, and commercial roles.

International students find a welcoming community and opportunities to participate in collaborative projects, residencies, and public exhibitions that elevate their practice. CalArts fosters a culture of experimentation, critical inquiry, and professional networking, making it a strong choice for creative learners who seek rigorous mentorship, cross-disciplinary exploration, and direct engagement with the contemporary arts scene in the United States.