Media Design, M.A.

The master’s program in Media Design is a 32-credit, 12-month intensive, cohort-based program. It is a cross-department, cross-school, interdisciplinary program.

Media Design incorporates human-centered design, media production, applied research, and project-based inquiry. Students will be required to take 12 credits in the fall, 12 in the spring, and 8 in the summer. The program is designed as a competency-based curriculum with two anchor classes-a seminar and studio practicum-that will ground students in human-centered design, community partnerships, art and design production, and applied project-based work.

Following are the Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the Media Design program:

• Students will articulate a sophisticated understanding of contemporary issues in media and design, communication, and technology that impact civic life, including internet infrastructure, data and algorithms, media distribution, privacy, and online participation and collaboration.
• Students will use a variety of participatory design approaches and methodologies, including human-centered design and participatory action research to co-produce creative works.
• Students will employ the appropriate strategies to effectively communicate and work with at-risk and underserved communities and groups.
• Students address, in classes and projects, the major scholarly debates regarding the interplay of new technologies, art, and civic and political life.
• Students will discuss, write about, and design projects around civic media and be able to situate local problems within a global context.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Factors considered in the application review process include experience in working in media, communication, nonprofits, corporations, city offices, or similar fields. Interests in innovation, community engagement, capacity building, and social impact are preferred. Background in art, design, media practice, or media studies is helpful but is in no way required.

Degree Requirements

Students must complete a minimum of 32 graduate credits in order to obtain a Master of Arts. When a student earns a grade of below B- in any course, this course must be repeated and a grade of B- or above must be achieved. Students must successfully complete courses in civic media theory and methods and a yearlong design studio, in addition to three electives and a master’s thesis. Students will successfully complete a master’s thesis that includes both written and produced components.