Media Arts and Sciences (Graphic Information Technology)
Program Overview
The program emphasizes the interconnected evolution of culture, society, and technology, allowing students to design innovative digital media and critically analyze the relationship between technology and society. The Graphic Information Technology concentration provides discipline-specific knowledge in entrepreneurship, legal and ethical issues for technology, and skills in graphic communication, digital illustration, and design methodology. Graduates are prepared for diverse career paths in new media, including communications, computing, gaming and entertainment, and graphic design.
Program Outline
The program emphasizes the interconnected evolution of culture, society, and technology, allowing students to design innovative digital media and critically analyze the relationship between technology and society. The curriculum focuses on hands-on projects, immersing students in sound, video, objects, space, and immersive media. It includes the following:
General Education Requirements
- First-Year Composition
- Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning
- Humanities
- Social Sciences
- History/Civic Engagement
- Global Studies
- Fine Arts
- FSE 100: Introduction to Engineering
- FSE 210: Engineering Graphics and Design
- FSE 221: Engineering Analysis
- CSE 100: Introduction to Computer Science
- COM 200: Media Literacy and Communication
- ART 101: Introduction to Media and Technology
- MED 210: Introduction to Digital Media
- MED 301: Computational Media I
- MED 450: Portfolio Development
- GRA 111: Introduction to Graphic Design
- GRA 221: Typography
- GRA 222: Graphic Design I
- GRA 231: Illustration and Design
- GRA 331: Illustration II
- GRA 341: Publication Design
- GRA 342: Web Design
- GRA 351: Motion Graphics I
Additional requirements:
- 12 credit hours of upper-division electives in Design and/or Media Arts and Sciences
- 12 credit hours of upper-division free electives
- 3 credit hours of Global Education
Sample Semester Schedule:
- Freshman Year: First-Year Composition, Mathematical and Quantitative Reasoning, Introduction to Media and Technology
- Sophomore Year: Introduction to Computer Science, Media Literacy and Communication, Graphic Design I
- Junior Year: Computational Media I, Typography, Illustration II
Assessment:
The program utilizes various assessment methods to evaluate students' understanding and progress, including:
- Formative assessments: Frequent quizzes, assignments, and class discussions to provide feedback and guide student learning.
- Summative assessments: Exams, projects, and presentations that demonstrate mastery of course content and skills.
- Portfolio development: Students build a digital portfolio showcasing their work throughout the program.
Teaching:
The program employs diverse teaching methods, including:
- Lectures: Instructors present information and concepts through interactive lectures.
- Seminars: Smaller, discussion-based sessions for in-depth exploration of topics.
- Studio work: Hands-on projects allowing students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world applications.
- Guest lectures: Industry professionals share their experiences and insights.
- Communications
- Computing
- Gaming and entertainment
- Media arts
- Graphic design
- Web development
- Digital illustration
- 3D modeling and fabrication
- Visual media The program's curriculum also prepares students for roles in developing modern media systems that address complex sociotechnical problems, such as:
- Diagnostic, monitoring, and assistive cyber-physical tools
- Collaborative, participatory content creation
- Social networking
- Interactive learning
- Educational assessment
