Media Arts Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Media Arts (BFA)
Tier 1: Media Arts Foundation: 16 credit hours
FDMA 1210 Digital Video Production I (4)
FDMA 2200 Color Theory and Ideational Concepts (4)
FDMA 2533 Imaging History and Production (4)
MART 3500 Media Arts Seminar (4)
Tier 2: Major: 16 credit hours
FDMA 1545 Introduction to Photography & Digital Imaging (4)
FDMA 2521 Videography (4)
MART 3180 Principles of Multimedia (4)
MART 3730 Typography (4)
Total Requirements: 32 hours
Students will complete one of the following areas of emphasis:
Tier 3: Visual Communication Emphasis: 36 credit hours
MART 3110 Graphics and Meaning (4)
MART 3170 Publication Design (4)
MART 4120 History of Design (4)
MART 4610 Advanced Design Practices (4)
MART 4650 Advanced Media Projects (4)
Electives: 16 credit hours chosen with advisor.
BFA Core: 32 credit hours
Emphasis: 36 credit hours
Major Total: 68 credit hours
Tier 3: Multimedia and Interactivity Emphasis: 36 credit hours
MART 3110 Graphics and Meaning (4)
MART 3170 Publication Design (4)
MART 4120 History of Design (4)
MART 4610 Advanced Design Practices (4)
MART 4650 Advanced Media Projects (4)
Electives: 16 credit hours chosen with advisor
BFA Core: 32 credit hours
Emphasis: 36 credit hours
Major Total: 68 credit hours
Tier 3: Video and Audio Emphasis: 36 credit hours
MART 4190 Design for Emerging Interfaces (4)
MART 4560 Physical Computing (4)
MART 4570 Surround and Installation Workshop (4)
MART 4650 Advanced Media Projects (4)
MART 4720 Distributed Network Production (4)
Electives: 16 credit hours chosen with advisor
BFA Core: 32 credit hours
Emphasis: 36 credit hours
Major Total: 68 credit hours
Tier 3: Video and Audio Emphasis: 36 credit hours
MART 3220 HD Cinema Workshop (4)
MART 4130 Video Editing and Directing (4)
MART 4460 Screenwriting (4)
MART 4570 Surround and Installation Workshop (4)
MART 4650 Advanced Media Projects (4)
Electives: 16 credit hours chosen with advisor
BFA Core: 32 credit hours
Emphasis: 36 credit hours
Major Total: 68 credit hours
Media Arts (BA)
Core requirements: 32 credit hours
Tier 1: Media Arts Prerequisites: 16 credit hours
FDMA 1210 Digital Video Production I (4)
FDMA 2200 Color Theory and Ideational Concepts (4)
FDMA 2533 Imaging History and Production (4)
MART 3500 Media Arts Seminar (4)
Tier 2: Major: 16 credit hours
FDMA 1545 Introduction to Photography & Digital Imaging (4)
FDMA 2521 Videography (4)
MART 3180 Principles of Multimedia (4)
MART 3730 Typography (4)
Electives: 4 credit hours
Students will complete four upper-division elective credit hours in Media Arts in consultation with an advisor.
Major Total: 35-36 credit hours
Minor: 18 credit hours minimum
Core Requirements: 32 credit hours
Flex Requirements: 10 credit hours
Extended Requirements: 8 credit hours
Proficiency Requirements: 11-17 credit hours
General Electives to 120 (if needed): 10-17 credit hours
Total for degree: 120 credit hours*
*A minor is required. The number of electives to reach the degree total of 120 credit hours will vary by the number credit hours required by the major and minor. The number of proficiency credit requirements will vary based on student placement scores. New Mexico Highlands University requires a minimum of 45 upper-division units for the degree.
BSSD in Software Systems Design
Required courses (38-40 hours)
Tier 1: Required courses: 20 credit hours
CSCI 1440C Introduction to Computer Science (3)
CSCI 1450C Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming (3)
FDMA 2533 Imaging History and Production
MART 3180 Principles of Multimedia (4)
BSSD 3400 Programming and Logic (3) OR
CSCI 3140C The C++ Programming Language (3)
BSSD 3520 JavaScript (3)
Tier 2: Required courses: 9 credit hours
BSSD 3310 Web Applications (3)
BSSD 3410 Applied Algorithms and Architecture (3)
BSSD 4200 Mobile Applications (3)
Additional required courses: 9-11 credit hours
Tier 3:
BSSD 3340 Practicum (4)
BSSD 4340 Practicum II (4)
MART 4980 Professional Internship (1-6)
Electives: 21 credit hours
Choose seven courses from the following list:
BSSD 3650 Patterns and Pattern Languages (3)
BSSD 3700 Interfaces (3)
BSSD 3820 Agile Project Management (3)
BSSD 4150 Game Development (3)
BSSD 4250 Advanced Mobile Apps (3)
BSSD 4300 Advanced Web Apps (3)
BSSD 4470 Ambient Computing (3)
BSSD 4540 Data Visualization (3)
BSSD 4560 Generative Art (3)
MART 4190 Design for Emerging Interfaces (4)
MART 3630 Video Animation (4
MART 4150 Design Projects for the Community (4)
MART 4560 Physical Computing (4)
CS 3800 Computer Modeling and Simulation (3)
CS 4730 Artificial Neural Networks (3)
CS 4740 Machine Learning Algorithms (3)
Major Total: 59 – 61 credit hours
Minor: 18 credit hours minimum
Core Requirements: 21 credit hours
Flex Requirements: 10 credit hours
Extended Requirements: 8 credit hours
Proficiency Requirements: 11-17 credit hours
Total for degree: 127-135 credit hours*
*A minor is not required. The number of electives to reach the degree total of 120 credit hours will vary by the number credit hours required by the major and minor. The number of proficiency credit requirements will vary based on student placement scores. New Mexico Highlands University requires a minimum of 45 upper-division units for the degree.
Media Arts Minor
Tier 1: Media Arts Foundation: 16 credit hours
FDMA 1210 Digital Video Production I (4)
FDMA 2200 Color Theory and Ideational Concepts (4)
FDMA 2533 Imaging History and Production (4)
MART 3500 Media Arts Seminar (4)
Tier 2: Minor: 8 credit hours
Choose two courses:
FDMA 1545 Introduction to Photography & Digital Imaging (4)
MART 2521 Videography (4)
MART 3180 Principles of Multimedia (4)
MART 3730 Typography (4)
Minor Total: 24 credit hours
Software Systems Design Minor
Required courses (29 hours)
Tier 1: Required courses: 20 credit hours
FDMA 2533 Imaging History and Production (4)
MART 3180 Principles of Multimedia (4)
CSCI 1440C Intro to Computer Science (3)
CSCI 1450C Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming (3)
BSSD 3400 Programming and Logic (3) or
CSCI 3140C The C++ Programming Language (3)
BSSD 3520 JavaScript (3)
Tier 2: Required courses: 9 credit hours
BSSD 3310 Web Applications (3)
BSSD 3410 Applied Algorithms and Architecture (3)
BSSD 4200 Mobile Applications (3)
BSSD Minor Total: 29 credit hours
Interactive Cultural Technology Certificate
The objectives of the program in Interactive Cultural Technology (PICT) are to learn industry-standard practices and principles while working in a hands-on, collaborative environment with museum staff and in a museum setting. The students conceive, produce, and fabricate materials for an exhibition space. The outcomes assessment would not be unlike another production-based course.
Attendance, professionalism, comprehension, verbal skills, proficiency of necessary software, and critical thinking all come into play. Recent PICT projects include Jemez Spring Historic Site, Los Alamos National Lab “The Manhattan Project”, Coronado Historic Site, “Emergence: A New View of Life’s Origins” at the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science and “The Science of Cities” at the Santa Fe Children’s Museum. (See requirements)
Interactive Cultural Technology Certificate (PICT)
Required courses: 12 credit hours
MART 3260 Multimedia Project Management (4)
MART 4950 Exhibition Design (4)
MART 4980 Professional Internship (4)
Electives: 6 credit hours
Students will complete six elective, upper division credit hours in media arts at the 3000 – 4000 level.
Certificate total: 18 credit hours
Interdisciplinary Bachelor of Fine Arts
The fine arts and media arts BFA is designed to address a creative trend in art that combines electronic media with traditional media. This degree applies to those wishing to use multimedia for the sake of expression. The program creates a bridge between traditional and electronic media beyond the need for documentation and exhibition. For program details, see the Department of Visual and Performing Arts section of this catalog.
Graduate Programs
Master’s Degree in Software-Driven Systems Design (MA MSSD)
Upon completing the program, Software Systems Design graduate students will have developed proficiency in a variety of programming languages and hardware solutions used by professionals in the fields of software development, web development, mobile development, game development, physical computing, and microcontrollers. Students synthesize their knowledge in a final field project or thesis.
Required Core: 23 credit hours
BSSD 5340 Practicum (4)
BSSD 5410 Applied Algorithms & Architecture (3)
BSSD 6000 Principles of Software Design (3)
BSSD 6110 Embedded Systems (3)
BSSD 6340 Practicum II (4)
Choose one:
BSSD 6970 Field Project (6) or
BSSD 6990 Thesis (6)
Elective courses: 15 credit hours
Choose 5 courses from the following:
BSSD 5150 Game Development (3)
BSSD 5200 Mobile Applications (3)
BSSD 5250 Advanced Mobile Applications (3)
BSSD 5300 Advanced Web Applications (3)
BSSD 5310 Web Applications (3)
BSSD 5450 Ambient Computing (3)
BSSD 5520 JavaScript (3)
BSSD 5650 Patterns & Pattern Languages (3)
BSSD 5700 Interfaces (3)
BSSD 5540 Data Visualization (3)
BSSD 5850 Data Modeling (3)
BSSD 5560 Generative Art (3)
MART 5190 Design for Emerging Interfaces (3)
MART 5560 Physical Computing (3)
CSCI 5360 Human-Computer Interaction (3)
CSCI 5730 Artificial Neural Networks (3)
CSCI 5740 Machine Learning Algorithms (3)
Core: 23 credit hours
Electives: 15 credit hours
Program Total: 38 credit hours
Master of Fine Arts in Cultural Technology, MFA (MFACT)
The Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Media Arts Cultural Technology is a in person, 3-year terminal degree with 2 1/2 years of course work and one semester of thesis. The Department of Media Arts and Technology currently resides in the School of Business, Media and Technology where it sits among other programs with a professional focus. The MFA degree is the current standard for a terminal degree in this field for those wishing to pursue an academic or high-level professional career.
The program positions graduates to work in the constantly evolving field at the intersection of culture and technology. The MFA faculty seek to cultivate multi-talented students capable of working in all areas of interpretive media. Students will become proficient in several technological areas including design, the creation and installation of exhibitions, responsive installations, audio/video production, web/mobile application development, user experience, and the application of these skills to cultural, historical, and scientific content. The purpose of this program is to engage highly skilled, creative, ethically aware cultural technologists capable of working with the richness of diverse cultural content.
Requirements for admission to the MFA Program:
Students should submit the following by March 15 (for admission the following semester):
- A graduate application for admission (available from the Office of Graduate Studies)
- An official transcript (in a sealed envelope) from each university attended. Official electronic transcripts can be sent to graduate@nmhu.edu.
- Personal Objective Statement/essay (600 – 1,000 words) demonstrating writing capabilities, which addresses the following: purpose in seeking an MFA degree at NMHU Department of Media Arts and Technology, research interests, personal and technical strengths; what you bring to our program.
- Link to an online portfolio of best/relevant work, including detailed descriptions (2d work: 10-20 samples, video: not more than approximately 5 min. reel) which demonstrates proficiency, research, or exploration in: photography, videography, digital imaging, writing, exhibition, design, code, games, or hardware projects.
- Three (3) letters of reference from individuals familiar with the student’s abilities, work experience, and personal characteristics.
- Resume/CV
- A one-time non-refundable $60 application fee.
- A phone or video interview may be requested before final acceptance.
Required Core: 51 credit hours + Elective Courses: 9 credit hours
Total credit hours: 60
Year 1 Fall
MART 6180 History of Media Seminar (3)
MART 6210 Studio I (3)
Elective course (3)
Year 1 Spring
MART 6220 Studio II (3)
MART 6310 Media Theory (3)
MART 6550 Critical Practice I (3)
Year 1 Summer
MART 6980 Cultural Technology Internship I (3)
Year 2 Fall
MART 6230 Studio III (3)
MART 6560 Critical Practice II (3)
MART 6920 Thesis Research & Writing I (3)
Year 2 Spring
MART 5260 Multimedia Project Management (3)
MART 5950 Exhibition Design (3)
MART 6240 Studio IV (3)
Year 2 Summer
MART 6980 Cultural Technology Internship II (3)
Year 3 Fall
MART 6920 Thesis Research & Writing II (3)
Elective course (3)
Elective course (3)
Year 3 Spring
MART 6920 Thesis Research & Writing III (3)
MART 6990 Thesis (6)
Core: 51 credit hours
Electives: 9 credit hours
Program Total: 60 credit hours
Requirements for MFA
Degree Timeline
Students are eligible to graduate after completion of 60 graduate credit hours and have passed a final oral defense in conjunction with a written thesis document, and a public exhibition of the final body of work. Reviews each semester for the first two years are required; passing the end-of-second year review will qualify a student to continue on the MFA Cultural Technology path or alternatively, be dismissed from the program.
MFA students must successfully complete at least 12 credits of qualifying cultural technology exhibit design and internship (regular and intermediate) with a museum, business, or institution and 24 credits of required seminar/writing/critical thinking courses.
The remaining courses consist of studio and elective credits. Well prepared students may complete the program in 5 semesters while others may elect to extend behind that time. Students wishing to become instructors in higher education should actively apply for the available teaching assistantship positions and/or take pedagogy-related classes as electives.
Advisement
The graduate student coordinator will provide course advisement, a program of study and assist with scheduling until the student has chosen a faculty mentor from Media Arts who will serve as their primary academic advisor and the chairperson of their committee (by end of semester).
By the end of the fourth semester, graduates must have secured their final advisory committee of three members (two Media Arts and Technology academic faculty and one qualified expert outside the department or university). A fourth, optional advisor will be allowed. This committee can be formed earlier but should be in place no later than the fourth semester.
Review, Thesis and Defense Requirements
Practice Review (First semester)
Submit and present initial projects and concepts to the Media Arts & Technology faculty for review feedback. This required review is considered practice and designed to make improvements for future reviews and critiques. A written evaluation, signed by the graduate coordinator and department chair, will be provided to the student and kept in the student’s file.
First Year Review (Second Semester)
Submit and present further developed projects and concepts to the Media Arts & Technology faculty for review and feedback. The student should inquire/indicate the potential advisory committee, or one will be assigned by the graduate coordinator and department chair. This review indicates whether the student has begun to find a focus. A written evaluation signed by the graduate coordinator, department chair and current advisory committee will be provided to the student and kept in the student’s file.
MFA Evaluation/Review (Third Semester)
Submit and present project concept and accompanying written draft document to the Media Arts & Technology advisors/faculty for feedback. The student should indicate their choice of advisory committee. This review will assess the student’s performance at the present time and should indicate what improvements are needed and necessary to qualify for the MFA work into the next semester. If the student presents poorly at this juncture, further measures will be addressed for continuance towards the MFA degree. If the student shows promise, the committee will promote the student to the suggested MFA path for semester four and present the formalized thesis concept. A written evaluation, signed by the advisory committee, graduate coordinator and/or department chair will be provided to the student and kept in the student’s file.
Qualifying MFA Thesis Project Review/Oral Presentation (Fourth semester)
Deliver a qualifying oral presentation and refined body of work to the advisory committee and faculty. Successful completion of the qualifying MFA thesis oral exam enables regular continuation towards the third year of the program. Students who do not pass this review shall be required to continue working and present once again the following semester. Note: If a student fails two reviews in a row, dismissal from the program will occur. A written evaluation, signed by the advisory committee, graduate coordinator and/or the department chair will be provided to the student and kept in the student’s file.
The following should be adequately addressed in the qualifying visual/oral presentation:
- What is the scope of the project/thesis?
- List references for other projects that inspire or inform the work proposed.
- What skills are utilized within the project?
- What materials (hardware/software) are needed to achieve the project?
- What learning occurs from the project that’s new/relevant to the field in general?
- Who is the best advisory team (two faculty in Media Arts and one person outside of the department) to help achieve the goals?
- What is the proposed timeline for completion?
Thesis Defense/Review (Fifth and Sixth semesters)
Note: If the advisory committee determines the work does not satisfy MFA defense requirements, the student is evaluated and advised to continue taking courses and/or working on areas of weakness until defense requirements are satisfied.