Media Arts and Sciences, PhD

Program Overview

Students work with diverse faculty and cutting-edge technology to develop innovative and impactful media systems and explore solutions to global challenges. The program prepares students for careers as researchers, educators, and innovators in various media-related fields.

Program Outline

Students work with diverse faculty and cutting-edge technology to develop innovative and impactful media systems and explore solutions to global challenges.

The program:

• Offers a unique and transdisciplinary learning environment.
• Tailors the curriculum to individual research interests and goals.
• Offers opportunities for collaborative and embedded research.
• Allows for student-driven research paths.

Required Core (18 credits):

• Includes courses in movement and computing, philosophy of media technology, experimental media philosophy, creating interactive media, design for media arts, machine learning for media arts.

Research (33 credit hours):

• Students delve into their chosen research areas with guidance from experienced faculty.

Restricted Electives (12 credit hours):

• Students choose graduate-level courses from the School of Arts, Media and Engineering, further refining their expertise.

Electives (9 credit hours):

• Students broaden their horizons with courses from any ASU department, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

Culminating Experience (12 credit hours):

• Students undertake a dissertation project, showcasing their original research and creative development.

Assessment:

The Media Arts and Sciences Ph.D. program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate student progress and achievements:

• Continuous Evaluation:
Faculty provide ongoing feedback throughout research projects and coursework, guiding students and ensuring they meet program standards.
• Formal Reviews:
At pre-determined points, students present their work to faculty committees for in-depth analysis and constructive feedback.
• Written Comprehensive Exam:
Students demonstrate their mastery of core concepts and research methods through a comprehensive written examination.
• Dissertation Defense:
The culmination of the program, where students defend their dissertation publicly, showcasing their original research findings and creative contributions.

Teaching:

The Media Arts and Sciences Ph.D. program employs diverse teaching methods:

• Individual Mentorship:
Students work closely with faculty advisors who provide personalized guidance and support throughout their research journey.
• Collaborative Learning:
Students engage in interdisciplinary research collaborations, fostering teamwork, knowledge exchange, and innovation.
• Coursework:
The program offers specialized courses taught by renowned faculty, covering various topics related to media arts and technology.
• Research Seminars:
Students participate in research seminars, presenting their work, engaging in critical dialogues, and receiving feedback from peers and faculty.

Careers:

The Media Arts and Sciences Ph.D. program prepares students for diverse careers in various fields:

• Academia: Graduates can pursue research and teaching positions in universities and research institutions.
• Product Design: Graduates can apply their skills in designing innovative products and technologies.
• Software Engineering: Graduates can contribute to the development and advancement of software systems in various sectors.
• User Experience Design: Graduates can create user-centered experiences for interactive media and digital platforms.
• 3D Modeling: Graduates can work on creating intricate 3D models for diverse applications.

Other:

• The program is STEM-designated, allowing international students on F-1 visas to extend their OPT (Optional Practical Training) for up to 36 months, gaining valuable work experience in the U.S.
• Students have opportunities to engage with industry partners and contribute to real-world projects, enriching their learning experience and career prospects.
• The program's transdisciplinary nature fosters creativity, innovation, and critical thinking, equipping graduates to tackle complex challenges and make meaningful contributions to the world.

Note:

This program is offered in Tempe, Arizona, on a full-time basis, and applications are accepted for the Fall semester only, with deadlines varying each year.