Master of Arts in Media Arts
Application deadlines are specific to degree programs. See our Graduate Admissions page for a list of all deadlines.
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:
- Graduate Seminar in the History of Performing Arts Technology
- Research Methods in Performing Arts Technology
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Elective 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
- Sound for Film cognate courses
- Creative coding
- MOCAP interaction design
- Digital fabrication for acoustics
- Immersive media
- Dialogue of the senses
Final Project:
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.
Silent Advisor
Degree requirements and term-by-term layout for current students.
Faculty
Anıl Çamcı
Jason Corey
Hao-Wen (Herman) Dong
Paul Dooley
Jeremy Edwards
Jonathan Edwards
John Granzow
Michael Gurevich
Sile O’Modhrain
Zeynep Özcan
Stephen Rush
Chris Vrenna
Julie Zhu
Brehm Technology Suite
Performance Opportunities
From large ensembles in celebrated concert halls to chamber groups in intimate recital spaces, performance opportunities across all disciplines abound, with nearly 900 student performances each academic year. Whether your focus is on early, classical, or contemporary music, whether your passion is for jazz, electronic, or world music, there is an ensemble—or in many cases, multiple ensembles—to suit your interests, including specific opportunities for percussion, piano, and organ & carillon. For students in theatre & drama, musical theatre, dance, and opera, opportunities abound in both professionally produced and student-run presentations.
Organ Performance
Students perform and study with their peers in studio classes and perform for the public in solo student recitals and studio recitals. In addition, the Organ Department organizes several recitals each term in local churches in the communities surrounding Ann Arbor and Detroit.
Carillon Performance
The University of Michigan has two world-class carillons. Half-hour recitals are given on weekdays throughout the academic year and are open to the public to view. Intermediate and advanced carillon students may perform for the campus regularly on these recitals.
Early Music Ensembles
Students interested in historically oriented performance have opportunities to explore music from across the centuries, performed on authentic period instruments and high-quality replicas.
Ensembles
Organ students have opportunities to perform with the University of Michigan orchestras, bands, and choral ensembles, and can gain extensive experience in continuo playing on organ and harpsichord with the Baroque Chamber Orchestra.
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Most applications for Fall 2025 are due by December 1, 2024 - check for exact dates on the appropriate admissions page below.
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