Master of Arts or Science In Media Arts and Computer Science (M.A. or M.S.)

The disciplines of Media Arts and computer science are seeing a significant convergence of interests. Computer science, with its interest in exploring and developing new programming paradigms, user interfaces, computer networking models, and multimedia-based technologies, is constantly offering new forms of human communication. The communication arts professions, including graphic design, animation, interaction design, as well as video and audio production, have always sought new and more effective ways to express ideas, concepts and visions. Thus, they have a natural interest in the possibilities offered by the technologies coming out of computer science and electronics engineering. The departments of Communication and Fine Arts and Mathematics and Computer Sciences jointly offer a program in media arts and computer science that, depending on one’s area of concentration and background would lead to either a master of arts or a master of science degree. Students will receive a degree in media arts and computer science (MACS) with a concentration in one or the other. Students working towards a master of science degree must choose the thesis option. The thesis or project must reflect both an exploration of the student’s interest area and an effort to integrate that exploration in to a broader, interdisciplinary context.

Admissions

Admission to the MACS (Media Arts and Computer Science) program is selective. Admission to the media arts side is contingent upon undergraduate transcripts, student portfolio, which must demonstrate a competency with some media applications. Students who do not meet these criteria may be admitted to the program on a provisional basis, and by taking certain courses may gain full admittance to the MACS program.

Required core: 15

MArt 600 Principles of Media Art & Computer Science (3)
MArt 610 Synthesis of Media Arts & Computer Science (3)
MArt 620 Advanced Project Development (3)
MArt 697 Field Project (6) or MArt 699 Thesis (6)

Concentration in Media Arts

By concentrating in Media Arts, students will develop proficiency with the computer-based production tools currently used in professional industry. They will learn how to apply their skills, talent and intellectual capacity to interpret concepts in the appropriate form of media for the target audience. From interactive design, to multimedia, to print communications, students will be challenged to push the current boundaries of media technologies.

The MACS program has a partnership with the Museum of New Mexico which allows students to concentrate on Interactive Exhibit Design. This requires students to take (as two electives) Exhibit Design I and Exhibit Design II. To complete this concentration requires Exhibit Internship during the course of a semester or summer. Internships are managed through the MACS program and the Museum of New Mexico.

Electives:

Choose 21 credit hours (7 courses) from the following courses, from any approved graduate level course in computer science, mathematics, or media arts. At least one of the courses must be in a discipline other than the area of concentration. Students may be able to add courses from psychology, education, art, music or other disciplines, depending on interests. Students working towards a master of science degree must choose courses from computer science, mathematics, or from a discipline offering a masters of science degree.

MACS

MArt 510 Media Law and Ethics (3)
MArt 518 Principles of Multimedia (3)
MArt 526 Multimedia Project Management (3)
MArt 527 Web Production Workshop (3)
MArt 528 Principles of Game Design (3)
MArt 529 Adv Game Design (3)
MArt 567 Character Animation (3)
MArt 566 Designing Physical Interfaces (3)
MArt 545 Screenwriting (3)
MArt 562 Video Effects (3)
MArt 563 Video Animation (3)
MArt 566 Audio for Video, Radio, and Animation (3)
MArt 568 Adv Lightwave Modeling (3)
MArt 569 Adv Video Animation (3)
MArt 533 Digital Imaging (3)
MArt 545 Electronic Photography (3)
MArt 573 Typography (3)
MArt 517 Publication Design (3)
MArt 595 Exhibition Design 1 (3)
MArt 596 Advanced Exhibition Design (3)
MArt 597 Exhibition Internship (3)
MArt 513 Non-linear Editing (3)

Program total: 36

Master of Arts/Science

MEDIA ARTS & COMPUTER SCIENCE