Media Arts & Science

Program Overview

Theory and Best Practice

The MAS Program utilizes an applied, project-based approach for the accumulation of new media knowledge and expertise. Rather than emphasizing any particular media area or focusing on one type of technology, the MAS Program supports a mixed-media approach that covers a wide range of integrated media forms and technologies. Students learn how to create multimedia projects of professional quality through classroom activities and real world experience. We recognize the critical relationship between theory and practice, so students learn the latest research techniques and principles of multimedia design. Finally, the MAS Program offers students an introduction into the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) and its application to the new media production process.

MAS Production or Research

Students entering the MAS Graduate Program beginning Fall 2008 will have a choice of two paths to follow in their academic careers. Soon before entering the MAS program, students should decide whether they are interested in a plan of study that emphasizes Production or Research. It is important to note that the Required Core (15 credit hours) is the same for both areas, i.e., production or research. However, when students begin to focus on their specialization area, course selection is very important. (Specialization Areas include: 1) Integrated media / web, 2) video, or 3) virtual worlds / animation) The two areas of emphasis are explained as follows:

Production Emphasis

Interest Area: Students interested in a Production Emphasis are those that wish to pursue a more applied approach to new media. Similar to the Research Emphasis, students may have any range of disciplinary backgrounds, e.g., in MAS, communication, media studies, fine arts, technology, etc. or have professional experience in a related field. Students interested in this emphasis usually have the long-term goal to enhance their current new media skill-set, with the additional benefit to support promotion in their professional careers. Students obtaining a master’s in MAS with an emphasis in production may also decide to pursue a Ph.D. in Informatics at a later time, but will need to eventually take the necessary research design and methods courses. (A Ph.D. in MAS is currently under consideration as a new doctoral track for the future.)

Program Emphasis: Although best-practice plays an important role in either emphasis, in the Production Emphasis it is a focal point of study, as is further emphasized in the specialization courses selected by each student. In the Production Emphasis, theory is also integrated into course lectures, but an additional emphasis on new media application in real-world scenarios, is also present. In this emphasis, a project is completed that is based on the student’s area of specialization, i.e., as outlined in one of the three areas listed above. Critical to the process, the Final Project (discussed below) must demonstrate a form of sophistication in its conceptual, problem-centered, and technical levels. In other words, it must be identified as graduate level scholarship, i.e., clearly above an undergraduate skills-based approach to a project. The MAS graduate project must explore a current topic, usually centered around an existing problem space related to media arts and science. It must demonstrate a mastery of critical thinking and knowledge, as explored through any range of solutions through a unique new media technology that is both functionally sound and human-centered. In other words, its conception, production, and dissemination must exemplify a mastery of media arts technique, creativity, and usability.

Course Requirements: Students interested in the Production Emphasis do NOT need to take any courses related to the Research, including the thesis. Rather, once all course work is completed students must produce a Final Project. In the selection of electives, students must work with their advisor to select the appropriate specialization courses as listed below.

Research Emphasis

Interest Area: Students interested in a Research Emphasis are those that wish to pursue a more exploratory approach to new media; and have: (1) an existing undergraduate degree in MAS, communication, media studies, fine arts, technology (or other areas) or (2) substantial professional experience in any range of disciplines. Students interested in this emphasis may also have a long-term goal to obtain a Ph.D. in Informatics in Human-Computer Interaction, Health Informatics, or other areas. (A Ph.D. in MAS is currently under consideration as a new doctoral track for the future.)

Program Emphasis: In addition to the theoretical and problem-solving / critical thinking centered course projects, a focus on current literature (both theoretical and empirical) is stressed. Students in this area will also select an area of specialization, but should also have an interest to investigate any range of phenomena embodied within the new media culture and research discipline. In this emphasis, a Thesis is written either from an empirical perspective or purely from a theoretical perspective, depending on the student’s interest. Ultimately, however, the Thesis must present proof through sophisticated discourse that the notions presented are novel and are clearly supported through a literature review in related fields.

Course Requirements: Students interested in the Research Emphasis MUST take I575 (Informatics Research Design) as one of their elective courses. Also, once all course work is completed students must write a research-based Thesis. Thesis requirements will be similar to those in the HCI Program and can be found at: http://informatics.iupui.edu/academics/hci/thesis/

Career Path

While our graduates apply their MAS degree in a wide range of positions and fields—animation, 3D, web, interactive, video, sound, project management, to just name a few—the program focuses on the overall and unique conceptual development of each student. All students complete a complex, multi-semester multimedia project or research thesis in their 2nd year in the Program.
In summary, the field of new media is constantly evolving. Our Program emphasizes the students' buildup of critical and creative thinking skills necessary for students' success as new media professionals and for their life-long development.