Media Arts and Sciences, MS
Art, Computer Science, Designer, EXPERIENTIAL, Engineering, Experimental, Interactive, Interdisciplinary, Technology, approved for STEM-OPT extension, media
Are you interested in the computational arts? Pull from courses in a variety of disciplines --- such as sound design, critical media theory, experiential media and engineering --- to create a unique experience based on your background and interests.
The Master of Science program in media arts and sciences is designed for practitioners and makers in design and the arts who have an interest in software and system development and seek to enhance their practice through expanded engagement with interactive, embodied media design in an interdisciplinary environment. The program enables artists and designers to explore new avenues for real-time media creation that seek to go beyond current paradigms.
Through coursework, students also explore current practices in various contexts (performance environments, health and well-being, social media, and communication) as well as engineering-based approaches to developing experiential systems with social impact.
This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.
The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.
- College/school:
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Location: Tempe
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
33 credit hours including the required applied project course (AME 593)
Required Core (9 credit hours) Other Requirements (6 credit hours) Electives (15 credit hours) Culminating Experience (3 credit hours)
AME 520 Movement and Computing (3)
AME 530 Philosophy of Media and Technology (3)
AME 532 Creating Interactive Media (3)
AME 533 Design for Media Arts (3)
AME 534 Machine Learning for Media Arts (3)
AME 593 Applied Project (3)
General university admission requirements:
All students are required to meet general
university admission requirements.
U.S.
applicants | International
applicants | English
proficiency
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field, such as arts, humanities, design, media studies, computer science or engineering.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- graduate admission application and application fee
- official transcripts
- three letters of recommendation
- letter of intent
- professional resume
- portfolio
- writing sample
- proof of English proficiency
Additional Application Information
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of their current residency.
Examples of writing samples include research writing, published articles and other scholarly work.
Because of the transdisciplinary nature of the program, portfolio submissions can vary based on the prospective student's background. Materials may illustrate the types of skills the applicant has. Portfolios can be submitted in the form of a website, photos, video, PDFs and other physical documentation. Examples include games designed and programmed by the applicant, music composed by the applicant, performances (submitted as video), and websites they have created or programmed.
The letter of intent should explain the how the applicant's educational, professional and personal experiences inform their research and creative interests, and it should elaborate on any aspect of their background that supports their candidacy for admission to the School of Arts, Media and Engineering.
| Session | Modality | Deadline | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Session A/C | In Person | 03/07 | Final |
Graduates of the MS program in media arts and sciences go on to careers in areas such as:
- acoustics research
- communications
- graphic design
- marketing
- mobile development
- museum and curatorial work
- sound design
- 3D modeling
The GAME School
|
STAUF-B 217
AMEED@asu.edu
480-965-9432
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.


