IUPUI Bulletins » Schools » School of Informatics and Computing » Admission » Graduate Admissions » Master of Science » Media Arts and Science

Media Arts and Science

Successful applicants to our Master of Science program in Media Arts and Science must have a strong background in computing, information technology, and design. You should be able to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required of the undergraduate Informatics degree.

Promising applicants lacking competencies necessary for admission may be allowed to take courses that will satisfy those requirements, as determined by School of Informatics and Computing faculty. Those courses, however, would not count towards degree or certificate completion.

Prerequisites
  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (with demonstrated technical skills)
  • Minimum Overall GPA: 3.0 (4.0 point scale)
  • Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores from within the past five years if you are seeking direct financial assistance (such as an assistantship or fellowship) from the School of Informatics and Computing. A GRE score is not required to submit your FAFSA or to seek other federal or private financial assistance opportunities.
  • Strong background in media arts and science, fine arts, graphic design, computer science, informatics, communication/media studies or film/cultural studies
  • Students with backgrounds in the sciences or the humanities are also encouraged to apply if your interest is in developing a multidisciplinary approach to media arts.
  • Applicants with background in more visual/graphic/media fields should provide a professional portfolio.
  • Applicants without a new media, art or graphic design background should provide samples of academic writing, published papers, software or programs, or any other evidence of scholarship.
How to Apply

The Graduate Admissions Committee will not review applications until the application fee and all required materials are completed and received by the deadlines indicated.

Submit a resume, transcripts, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation to:

Graduate Admissions Committee
School of Informatics and Computing
535 W. Michigan Street, IT 475
Indianapolis, IN 46202
  1. Complete and submit the IUPUI Graduate Online Application form. Paper applications are not accepted. Choose “M.S. Informatics” and Media Arts and Science in the “Academic Interest” section.
  2. Submit a resume listing your education, work, research, honors/awards and computer programming experience. This may be attached to your online application or sent separately.
  3. Submit a personal statement (visit the IU Writing Center for instructions on how to write such a statement). This may be attached to your online application or sent separately. Your personal statement should indicate the following:
    • Why you’re applying to the program
    • Your post-graduation career plans
  4. Submit all official transcripts from previous colleges and universities. NOTE: we do not require transcripts from Indiana University campuses.
  5. Submit three references from academic instructors and/or employers. To submit references, you will input contact information for each person on your electronic application. The reference will receive a form via email to fill out and submit electronically.
  6. Applicants with background in visual/graphic/media fields should provide a professional portfolio. Applicants without these backgrounds should provide samples of academic writing, published papers, software or programs developed, or other evidence of scholarship.
  7. Complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and ensure that IUPUI receives your score report from the GRE exam board (when applying for financial support). The Informatics and Computing school code for the GRE is 1325 – enter this code on the exam’s answer sheets.
  8. Submit English language proficiency exam score (International and non-native English speaking students only – see instructions below).
  9. Pay your $65 application fee.
Special Instructions for International Students and Non-native English Speakers

If your native language is not English, submit with your application one of the following official test scores from within the past two years:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Minimum required scores: 250 for the computer-based test, 600 for the paper test and 79 for the Internet-based test.
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Minimum required score of 6.5 or higher

Use IUPUI School Code 1325 to ensure correct routing of your score to IUPUI.

  • The TOEFL may be waived if a B.S. or M.S. degree has been earned in the United States
  • If you are in the Indianapolis area, placement into G013 or higher on the IUPUI ESL Placement Test may replace the TOEFL requirement for admission. Test registration is arranged by calling 317-274-4240. You must have submitted your application and received a University ID to be eligible to register for this test.
  • If you need additional English language study, you may enroll at the ELS Language Centers intensive English program at IUPUI and successfully complete Level 112. We accept successful completion of ELS 112 in place of a TOEFL report.

Last updated: 04/19/2019