The MA in Media Arts strives to develop artists and technologists committed to expanding the boundaries of artistic expression through digital media. This is a multi-disciplinary program integrating music, engineering, technology, and art.

Curriculum

The Master of Arts in Media Arts requires a minimum of 36 credits. Coursework to include:

• Media Arts: Immersion & Enculturation
• Engineering Applications of Media Technology
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Electives – areas of study include:
  • Interactive media design
  • Music technology
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Music performance with electronics
  • New interfaces for musical expression
  • Sound and video art installation
  • Acoustic and electro-acoustic music composition
  • Sound engineering
  • Software design for music and audio
  • Psychoacoustics
  • Music and sound for film
• Cognate Courses

Thesis

Candidates complete a comprehensive thesis that usually consists of two parts: a technology-enhanced performance of original work and a written thesis that documents the performance.

For requirement details, please see the Degree Requirements and Term-by-Term Layout for Current Students.

Funding

Graduate Student Research Assistantships are available that offer a tuition waiver and stipend.

Audition & Interview Dates

How To Apply

Academic Eligibility

Applicants to the Master of Arts in Media Arts must have completed a BM, BA, BFA or BS degree to be eligible for admission. Experience with electroacoustic music or multimedia composition, technology-enhanced performance, production, and computer programming is recommended.

Applicants must:

• Apply to U-M via the Rackham Graduate School Application by December 1
• Submit an SMTD Artistic Profile by December 1
• Send official transcripts from all previous schools to the Rackham Graduate School

Click the button below to read more detailed information about the application requirements and procedures.

Please send inquiries regarding the SMTD application process to SMTD.admissions@umich.edu. To learn more about SMTD, sign up for an Information Session.