Students in the Visual Media program develop a sophisticated command of diverse visual media technologies. They examine history, theory, and criticism to illuminate the impact that visual media practices have on contemporary culture and society. In addition, they develop fluency in visual media production and management, with the goal of contributing to design innovation and its application in the industry.
Program Length
One year; Fall intake
Program Type
Master of Arts; diploma awarded by American University of Florence (AUF)
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Digital portfolio
Personal statement
Curriculum vitae/Resume
Official Undergraduate transcript
Copy of Undergraduate Degree
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
Italian privacy consent form
Application Deadline: May 15
Apps accepted after deadline as space permits
Highlights
- AUF’s learning model is based on cultural integration, community engagement, and experiential learning.
- A dynamic study experience in an international context.
- Excellent academics, facilities, and resources provided.
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic: Completed Bachelor’s degree
*contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Undergraduate GPA:* 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
Language: Non-native English language speakers must submit IELTS: 6.5+, TOEFL: 71 IBT, Cambridge Advanced 180+ or equivalent.
The Visual Media program is taught in English at the American University of Florence (AUF). The program consists of 30 credits and is typically completed in 12 months. Upon successful completion of this program, students are awarded a Master of Arts degree.
General Program Structure
- Common Core: Candidates must successfully complete 6 credit hours with a focus on research methods and leadership
- Concentration Courses: 9 required credits of focused concentration coursework
- Electives: 12 credits, of which 6 credits are program requirements and 6 are chosen from other graduate-level disciplines
- Capstone Project: 3 credits for the final capstone project required for graduation
Program Curriculum
Common Core ( 6 credits )
- LAIERM560 Research Methodologies for International Educators
- LAPYEL550 Ethics, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship
Concentration Courses ( 9 credits )
- DIDMDC610 Digital Communication Strategies
- DIVCUX620 User Experience and Interaction Design
- DIVCAD615 Art Direction and Media Management
Electives ( 12 credits )
- DIVCID650 Information Design and Visualization
- DIVCED630 Editorial Design Strategies
2 courses from:
- HPHTCL650 Customer Loyalty and Engagement
- BUMAIB620 International Brand Management and Strategies
- BUMAEM630 E-Commerce Management
Capstone Project ( 3 credits )
TOTAL CREDITS ( 30 credits )
Objectives and outcomes for Visual Media:
- Develop a sophisticated command of diverse and wide-reaching visual media and related technologies.
- Examine history, theory, and criticism to support research in the outcomes related to visual media practices and their impact on culture and society.
- Demonstrate fluency in visual media development, production, and management in professional contexts
- Enact effective and compelling communication strategies that support visual media production.
- Contribute to design innovation and its application in industry sectors through integrated and diversified approaches.
For additional information about this program, please see here.
Your SAI Admissions Counselor will guide you in submitting all required application and enrollment materials.
Application
Upon submitting a SAI application to this program, you will begin to work closely with a friendly US Admissions Counselor who will assist you each step of the way. While the final admission decision is made by the host school, SAI Admissions Counselors work closely with AUF and are able to guide and advise you in finalizing your application. If you have any technical questions about the degree, your Admissions Counselor can facilitate a conversation with the host school. Upon acceptance to your program of choice, your SAI Admissions Counselor will guide you and provide important resources through each enrollment step, including financial processing, visas, housing, and travel.
Financial Processing and Loans
To make a degree program abroad more achievable, SAI is able to offer US students the ability to obtain a private loan through St. Martin’s University to pay for their program. As you reach the point of enrollment, the SAI Business Office can provide assistance with financial processing, as well as student loan applications. Please contact your SAI Admissions Counselor for details about the student loan process.
Housing
Securing the right housing is an important step in having a positive experience abroad. Your Admissions Counselor can assist you with your overseas housing search: we can provide advice regarding good areas of the city, as well as options for housing agencies to consider. In general, students can expect to pay from $800 to $1,500 per month in housing, depending on criteria.
Visas
US students pursuing this degree program will be required to obtain a long stay study visa. Students are required to register through Universitaly, a service of the Italian Ministry of University and Research, in order to obtain their documentation to apply for a study visa. Note that the visa application process can be complicated; we can assist and guide you as you go, but it’s important to begin this process as early as possible.
Not sure what to do next? Fill out the Get In Touch form below, and your Admissions Counselor can help!
This is a SAI Select Services Program; it includes the important on-site services!
- Program tuition
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- SAI orientation to the host city and school
- SAI staff on-site providing assistance as needed and 24-hour emergency support
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
- Admissions counselor assigned to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Assistance with student visa application
- Assistance with financial aid and loan processing
- Paid registration fees for national re-entry conferences
- SAI alumni network
Please see the following links for up-to-date calendar information:
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $140 |
| Program Fee: 2026/27 Includes tuition for 1 year program and SAI Select Services, no housing (see What’s Included). |
coming soon |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| St. Martin's University Loan Processing Fee Applicable to those wishing to utilize SAI’s US School of Record to obtain a loan for their program. |
$1,000 |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
Are you interested in one or more SAI graduate programs, or just have questions? Fill out the form below and one of our Admissions Counselors will reach out to you shortly.