11 Best Mfa Programs In Phoenix, AZ (2022 Updated)

In Short 1. Great Culture 2. Strong Community 3. Forward Thinking Careers 4. Promotes Innovation 5. Passionate about Student Success 6. The mascots are a freaking NINJA and a CAT (Max) for crying out loud! My Story As a former student of the University of Advancing Technology or UAT I want to reach out to all future students that are considering this school as an option. I spent from 2012 – 2016 completing my undergraduate program with my Bachelors of Arts in Video Game Design. Where I worked 40+ hours a week, maintained my family life, and completed my program online. In my 4 years every professor that I had was extremely supportive an really promoted and communicated the expectations and understanding of the quality of work that needed to be done as well as the opportunities for students to continue being successful with academics while navigating life challenges. From work/life balance to family medical emergencies everyone single professor was able to help me navigate those challenges while not having to exit school for any duration of time. When I finished my undergraduate program, I left UAT with a solid knowledge and understanding of what it took to make games and how to get that career path started. Because of my positive experience at UAT the first time I decided to go back for a graduate program with a Masters of Science in Technology Leadership. During this time, I was not working and had every opportunity to focus 100% on school for the 2 years I was enrolled. Then COVID 19 happened, UAT was able to quickly adapt and conquer the challenges that social distancing and remote working guidelines had put on almost the entire nation. UAT used its knowledge and passion for technology to not only mitigate COVID challenges but also keep every student on track to succeed in their educational journey with little to no delay. I finished my Masters program and during my exit interview found out that I could dual major with just a few more classes, so I decided to extend my stay there for one more term and finish my Masters of Science in Video Game Production and Management as well. Conclusion If your looking for an education in the technology space, heavily consider UAT as your choice to attend. No school guarantees a job afterwards, but this is a great starting point for support and education.Joshua Montero

Let me start off by saying I wish I could give this school a 2.5. I went to this school (2016) with financial problems immediately. I had a financial adviser who told me that I could attend school there and everything had been paid for. Literally after five minutes of being there I was told that she hadn't checked if I could actually attend there, but had only assumed. This was a huge problem seeing as I had flown from Washington to Arizona to attend this school. Upon my nine months there my financial adviser had changed three times. The only thing I really enjoyed was Renee, she has always been kind to me and my situation even to this day. In regards to the academic side of the school, I don't think you get much out of classes for what you're paying. With how much you end up paying a single class would be $180 which is completely insane when a few of the professors don't actually teach you anything. I was a Programming Major and from what I saw and from how I was treated if you already knew how to program or you picked up on it really fast you were automatically favored – this also went for the Game Art degree. During my classes I had been accused of cheating off of a peer when I didn't. Some of the classes are a real challenge though and they were definitely worth the $180. Now onto Founder's Hall. I was an RA there for 6 months. The dorms are messy and there's hardly anyone in the dorms that's social. Due to this their rooms are disgusting and a lot of rooms here do have cockroaches – it really doesn't matter if you're clean or messy, there's cockroaches. I will say that the school seems to be doing a bit better with the dorms and the cafe and what not, but people are still falling out of that school due to the fact that it costs way too much for anyone coming from middle-class or lower. I wouldn't have left if it wasn't for someone who was finishing up his last semester. He was a close friend and had expressed to me how he hoped I wouldn't stay here and have my money sucked out of me and end up with a degree and no job.kkylenkk

My son and I have been so impressed with the staff at UAT that we sent them letters telling them so. We appreciated the warm welcome, well-coordinated incoming events, personable staff and flexibility for students. The communications throughout the year have been great as a parent back here in Minnesota. The logical response to the unprecedented demands for Covid19 included thoughtful adjustments for the residence hall, school operations and courses. My son received support and accommodations for ADHD, anxiety and depression. Ashley in Student Services has been an incredible support and advocate for him. We were able to meet with her together and I was immediately grateful that she was so knowledgeable and warm. I knew he would be lucky to have her as a support. Ashley is enthusiastic and genuinely interested in students. She makes a point to reach out to them and visit the Commons as well. Although my son has been an excellent student in the past, he struggled with the new responsibility of creating his own schedule. Being overwhelmed and anxious led him to fall behind significantly. Ashley supported him, brainstormed options and coordinated schedule adjustments. Teachers provided accommodations on an ongoing basis. I recognize the understanding and time this degree of extra coordination requires. They deserve recognition also. My son and I both felt that what he has learned at UAT, both in and out of classes, was even greater since he developed skills through these struggles. He considers it all a tremendous learning experience. In summary, we've been incredibly pleased with how UAT operates and meets student needs personally and academically.Linda Ell-Egermeier

I’ve been an artist my entire life. I had always dreamed to make video games and work on the characters for them ever since I was little. When I found out ASU had a new art program, I was happy because I didn’t have to get an associates at a community college. Turns out, this would be the worst experience of my life. The classes they had me taking were beginners classes, some had absolutely nothing to do with my career of choice. The fact that I was spending 6,000 a semester just to learn how a line can work in art was very degrading to me. In fact, the only reason I put two stars was because my 2D Design professor was amazing, comforting, and she had a true passion for everyone’s art. She was the reason why I didn’t leave after my first month. Not only did the BFA program suck, they almost never get back to you on any questions you have. When I got accepted, no one told me that I had to talk to my counselor and chose my own classes upon registration so I almost didn’t even make it into the fall program. Not only that, but it took almost a month to be able to even call my counselor to figure things out. When I wanted to drop out of ASU, I scheduled an appointment with my counselor and he told me to just withdraw from my classes. I took his advice and four months later I was still enrolled getting emails that I was on “academic watch”. I also emailed the financial office to tell them that I was withdrawing from ASU, after two and a half months I got an email basically stating “we don’t know what to do for you” in a polite manner at least. This whole situation has been an absolute nightmare, and I know google isn’t the best place to review them but I needed to put this out there. If you’re looking for a good place to do animation or 3D computer design, look into CG spectrum. They take great care of their alumni.Baylee Grace

Metropolitan Arts Institute, a school that I previously attended from eighth grade to the beginning of my junior year in high school. And at every turn, every possible opportunity I have been dissapointed by this school. This supposed "Art" school lacks any classes that would actually qualify it as an art school, and in that regard Metro manages to somehow offer lessart classes than a majority of public schools, lacking any culinary classes or even woodworking. This school offers no opportunities for students to excel within their own classes or grade level by offering the opportunity for students to skip a classes if they have already studied or learned the topic within a class outside of the school. That aside, the school does not support students who wish to gain college credits as they progress through school and as such a majority of the students cannot benefit from gaining early credits. Even still the school has absolutely terrible management, from the absolutely mediocre job as a principle that Matt Baker does. Where as he rarely participates or is even active around the school. The poor sanitation conditions within the school bathrooms both male and female. The unfulfilling and almost laughable attempts at a legitimate prom that this school has. Whereas it is poorly planned and funded, poorly put together and absolutely terribly executed. Even other students here laugh, at the miserable and terrible management this school suffers from. The teachers constantly changing yearly and the new ones coming in not knowing how to adequately teach their students. Overall this school is an absolute waste of time, money, and resources in general save yourself and your children from this absolutely mediocre excuse for a school and go to an actual school. Paragraph construction and organization skills provided by Alhambra Traditional School, not Metro Arts, this school taught and gave me nothing but disappointment.Marvin

This place will always hold a big place in my heart for developing my foundation as a person. Anything you want to get done after high school the faculty is there for from college to art. Amazing art programs that truly are world class and you can always find something to do. Metro continues to surprise me as an alumni every year that passes.Jesse Avalos

I went to this school last year before I had to move. The teachers are great but a a like a lot of schools metro suffered from drama sadly the school was falling apart when I left.When I was there the the most of the 'art' classes didn't let us express ourselfs.That's The Tea

Hey send me a dollar 4323 North 27th Ave apt 101 Phoenix AZ 85017 I'm trying to become a millionaire 1 dollar at a time.Eric Soini

Worst service ever. First it took me 5 hours on hold(tried multiple times in two days) to get to speak to someone. Just to find out that ASU doesn’t notify you when you have a bill coming up or amount due, till the last date and due date. Obviously they like to collect the late fees. “It’s students responsibility to keep an eye on it”, yea sure, then don’t pretend like you care about your students. Won’t be enrolling in any classes no more with this school. The whole experience with this school was mediocre, from financial aid support, to coaching and Academic advisers. People who were in these roles were constantly changing. I would constantly get phone calls from academic advisor, before ever notifying me via e mail or message. They can’t help you with simple things like editing your resume or finding and internship. They absolutely did nothing, and the classes are waste of time and money, most of the classes I took could’ve been a 10 min YouTube video. Don’t waste your time or resources on ASU. ThanksDragan Danicic

This university consistently shows they only care about money and not the students. I have two full-time kids attending. The financial aid department lacks professionalism, follow-up, and follow-through. We have experienced this two years in a row. We did financial aid months in advance and my kids are trying to start and are still not financially cleared. We spend hours on hold day after day and get hung up on, live chats disconnected, and when you get a hold of someone they are rude and do not take action. They make millions in profits and are understaffed and hire people that don’t care about students. It is funny how private colleges are held accountable for job placement and graduation rates. They also provide quality customer service. State funded schools don’t have to report on job placement and their retention rates are horrific and they priced zero customer service…going to drop this joke of a place and find a good private school.Rodney Fitzsimmons

Really nice campus, a lot of expansion and improvement construction has happened over the past 10 years. It is a little hard to access certain areas without at least a little walk. Having a bike to get around campus is really helpful. if you’re visiting town I’d recommend visiting campus while you’re here, plenty to see and a lot to experience in the area.Cameron Baker

Phoenix College graduate writing!! I have had a wonderful experience at Phoenix College. It was affordable and I'm starting my new job 100% debt free due to the affordable college tuition. I am a medical assistant graduate and I'm so glad I did my studies at Phoenix College. The medical assistant program director Monica N. is superb and one of the hardest working ladies I know. Despite how busy she is being both a program director and a teacher, she always made time for me whether it was in class or if I had a question about issues or concerns within the program. To prospective medical assistant or healthcare students I have to say this: choose a community college instead of a private college. First of and VERY CRUCIAL – Phoenix College is an accredited school with accredited programs. But the best thing is that you will graduate without being seriously in debt. Other programs will try to lure you in and say you can graduate in as little as 9 months. But at what cost? If you can wait a little longer to finish your program I definitely think it's worth it. Also, this school has a great reputation amongst healthcare companies. I was able to acquire a job at a great company that is very well known despite being a new grad. When it comes to the staff all over campus, EVERYONE is helpful and knowledgeable. They really care about students. Also, the testing center staff are awesome as well! Susan at the testing center helped me in the process of taking the HESI A2. I was very nervous, but she was so funny and encouraging and it really helped my nerves. I LOVE this school, I will likely take another program at this school in the future. So proud to be an alumni!!A A

I love this little place, it is my haven especially after the neverending unraveling events in the world. Moved to Phoenix randomly 3 years ago after my undergrad and was so lost, but finally found this place. Doing some prerequisites for something in healthcare. It is very affordable, I work full-time and do my classes part-time and so thankful that you can do payment plans. Love going to the library. Conveniently located close to where I live. I have met some very interesting people from all backgrounds and professors here are great, hats off to the flagship college cultivating such a nice environment.Domino

Try to do as much as you can online. Visiting the campus this summer is pointless. They're running on a skeleton crew. One person named Susan was trying to work three stations at the same time and seemed to be running the whole show. Apparently office people won't be returning to the office until July or August. Despite the lack of a line it still took 45 min. to get one thing done. If you decide to go in, don't expect to be in and out quickly.Doniphan Sanchez

The best education ever. A great place to meat friends my only complaint is that I couldn't go back beacuse I was in the hospital for 3-4 months but a excellent school and I wish I could go back this is way better then any public school and a real arts program unlike other schools. The staff is so nice and the teachers develop a relationship with most all of the students. The friends I met there were some of the coolest people and the teachers really care about education and they arnt strict In the way of someone yelling at you more they teach the students how to act being at a public school I can tell that ASA is the best school. They also have the best cough drops haha but I'm serois they get the high quality ones. Yes they do give lots of work but it's worth it + they do all they can to lower stress and even give help to students who can't complete some work.Education Experience

Alumni reporting in Pros Very great people teach here Every instructor seems to have a passion in their field of study Very supportive administration office Cons The kids can sometimes be hard to relate to Classes like history seem to be very left leaning and the teachers show their own biased viewpoints in these classes STEM wasn't a thing for my cohort Instructors while passionate sometimes have very little skill to teach High stress on homework not enough stress in classwork Overall just an over glorified high-school filled with "gifted" kids who just won a lottery Also no Shrek themed plays very disappointedCole Sieffert

Worst school that I have ever been to. No people are not accepting only for Gays, and Transgenders. Not people who are not very social. They turn around and backstab you and make everything your fault. Major bullying and gossip. Very cliquey and everyone is superficial. The office is very rude and the teachers all gossip about the students. If you are a new student you are in the lowest arts classes for 2 years. I have been playing the cello for 7 years and I was placed in the last chair of foundations 2 for 2 years. Oh and It is very democratic. They make fun of christians Thanks!Gabrielle Cermak

Nice big open space. Great for all kind of shows. I highly recommend stopping by and seeing all the events they have going on here.Benjamin Kastelic