Graduate Programs
Degree Programs
Masters
Master of Science in Media Arts and Science (36 cr.)
The Master of Science degree develops specialized skills and knowledge in new media with the purpose of preparing students to manage and conduct research on Internet and Web environments and multimedia production techniques. Like all new media programs, the master's degree is focused on applied research and application. The course of study is oriented toward professional practice and relies on a theory base drawn from fundamental disciplines which study communication as sight, sound, and motion.
The Master of Science in Media Arts and Science includes required courses in new media with specific emphasis on philosophy and principles of the field as well as techniques using technology in communication and human interaction theory. Graduates will be prepared to conduct research in the development and effects of using communication technology in academic, social, and vocational settings. Opportunities exist within the program for students to conduct applied research in media-related disciplines.
Graduate Portfolio Submission Guidelines
The candidate's portfolio should demonstrate a sufficient mastery of the knowledge and skills of design, interactive media, and/or three-dimensional digital graphics. This includes the ability to technically and creatively integrate the cumulative proficiencies of the candidate's previous discipline into a representation that professionally demonstrates his or her experience, achievements, and creative problem-solving skills in digital technologies. Portfolios should include a collection of 15-20 works (maximum) that represent the candidate's graphics, digital arts, and/or other proficiencies in three of the four areas below. Fifty percent of the works submitted must be from categories 1-3; i.e., areas pertaining to the visual arts.
- 1. 2D: Visual communication, design, and/or art
- 2. Interactive: Multimedia and/or Web design*
- 3. 3D: 3-dimensional graphics, simulation, gaming, and/or animation*
- 4. Other: Other forms of media or other disciplines - film, video, etc.*
*One or more of these areas should include audio, video, or simulation
- Music: Recordings, scores, etc.
- Journalism: Examples of creative written works, published works, etc.
- Other disciplines: Published papers or research in the arts and sciences
All portfolios must be delivered in a digital format such as DVD, CD-ROM, or Web site. Floppy disks, videotapes, film, and audiotape will not be accepted. Portfolios should auto-run or a clear indication of a starting point must be identified. The committee will not open individual folders to review multiple works. The accumulated works must be in a predesigned presentation format. If the candidate submits copies of written works, such as published papers or musical scores, they must be GBC or Coil bound into one document. Do not send three-ring binders or other forms of folders or binders.
The portfolio should include a Microsoft Word document or PDF that contains a detailed description of the submitted works with the following information:
- Name
- Title
- Description of work
- Date of completion
- Resources used: applications (software or program), platform, etc.
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Additional comments
Degree Requirements
The Master of Science degree is a 36 credit hour program that includes a core of 9 hours and a specialization area of 15 hours. Electives are available to allow students to specialize in areas within the new media graduate curriculum. Students must receive a B+ or higher in the required core courses, and a B or higher in the specialization core courses to remain in good standing.
Required Core Courses (15 cr.)
NEWM N500 Principles of Media Arts Production
NEWM N501 TPCS: Foundations of Multimedia Technology
NEWM N503 Multimedia Design Applications
Specialization Core Electives (15 cr.)
Media Arts and Science Courses
NEWM N502 Digital Media Motion and Simulation Methods
NEWM N504 Advanced Interactive Design Applications
NEWM N505 Internship in Media Arts and Technology
NEWM N510 Web-Database Concepts
NEWM N553 Independent Study in MAS
HCI and Informatics Courses
INFO I575 Informatics Research Design
INFO I541 Human-Computer Interaction Design 1
INFO I561 Human-Computer Interaction Design 2
INFO I563 Psychology of HCI
INFO I564 Prototyping for Interactive Systems
INFO I503 Social Impact of Information Technologies
INFO I550 Legal and Business Issues in Informatics
External School Courses
CSCI 507 Object-Oriented Design and Programming
CSCI 538 The Design of Interactive Systems
CSCI 550 Computer Graphics
CSCI 552 Advanced Graphics and Visualization
HER V501 Intro to Design Thinking
HER V502 Intro to Human Factors in Design
HER V511 People-Centered Design Research
HER V521 Design Analysis
HER V531 Design Synthesis
HER V541 Design Evaluation
HER R511 Studio: Designing Integrated Experiences 1
HER R512 Studio: Designing Integrated Experiences 2
Thesis or Project (6 cr.)
As a capstone experience, students will complete either a project, planned in conjunction with their advisor, or a research-based thesis, supervised by a research advisor and a thesis committee. Core and support faculty from the participating schools will have a wide range of research interests that will provide graduate students with choices relevant to their concentration areas.