Interactive Media (MFA)

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The Interactive Media and Games Division offers a Master of Fine Arts in Interactive Media as well as a number of courses in computer-based entertainment for non-majors. The fundamental philosophy of the division is coherent with that of the programs of the school, stressing creativity of expression, experimentation and excellence in execution.

The Interactive Entertainment track is part of the MFA in Interactive Media. This track focuses on game design and innovation and offers a list of suggested electives best suited for interests in interactive entertainment. Students in the Interactive Entertainment track are required to follow the MFA in Interactive Media curriculum.

The MFA in Interactive Media is a three-year intensive program that requires 50 units of which 32 are requirements and 18 are electives. Of these electives, a minimum of 6 units must be taken in the School of Cinematic Arts. Students are required to do an internship or professional work during the summer between their first and second year and must take at least 2 units of business oriented electives. Students are required to complete an advanced interactive project which they design and produce in CTIN 594a Master’s Thesis and CTIN 594b Master’s Thesis .

Computer and digital production facilities for the program are provided by the school. However, students should budget additional funds for incidental expenses for intermediate and advanced projects. Cost will vary depending on the scope of a student’s project. For the first year production course, approximately $1,000 will be needed for miscellaneous costs, lab and insurance fees.

The program is intended to prepare students for creative careers in the emerging field of interactive entertainment. While the program does not require advanced computer capabilities, familiarity and comfort with computer-based authoring and production/post-production tools is recommended.

The creation of interactive media requires a combination of skills from the traditional media of film and television as well as a deep understanding of the effects of interactivity upon the quality of experience. Therefore, we emphasize and encourage collaboration with students in other Cinematic Arts programs. Approximately 15 students are admitted in the fall semester (there are no spring admissions).

Applicants for the MFA in Interactive Media must submit a supplemental application and materials to the Interactive Media Program. For specific instructions contact the Cinematic Arts Office of Admission, University Park, Los Angeles, CA 90089-2211, (213) 740-8358 or online at cinema.usc.edu.

Requirements for the MFA in Interactive Media

Year One, First Semester

CTCS 505 Survey of Interactive Media Units: 2
CTIN 511 Interactive Media Seminar Units: 1
CTIN 534L Experiments in Interactivity I Units: 4
CTIN 541 Design for Interactive Media Units: 2

Total units: 9

Year One, Second Semester

CTIN 511 Interactive Media Seminar Units: 1
CTIN 544 Experiments in Interactivity II Units: 2
CTWR 518 Introduction to Interactive Writing Units: 2
Electives Units: 4

Total units: 9

Year Two, First Semester

CTIN 511 Interactive Media Seminar Units: 1
CTIN 532L Interactive Design and Production I Units: 4
CTPR 506 Visual Expression Units: 2
Electives Units: 4

Total Units: 11

Year Two, Second Semester

CTIN 511 Interactive Media Seminar Units: 1
CTIN 542 Interactive Design and Production II Units: 4
CTIN 548 Preparing the Interactive Project Units: 2
Electives Units: 4-6

Total units: 11-13

Year Three, First Semester

CTIN 594a Master’s Thesis Units: 2
Electives Units: 2

Total units: 4

Year Three, Second Semester

CTIN 594b Master’s Thesis Units: 2
Electives Units: 2

Total units: 4

Electives**

At least 2 units from the following:

CNTV 495 Internship in Cinematic Arts Units: 1, 2, or 4
CTIN 458 Business and Management of Games Units: 2
CTIN 497 Interactive Media Startup Units: 1 max 3
CTIN 510 Research Methods for Innovation, Engagement and Assessment Units: 2
CTIN 558 Business of Interactive Media Units: 2

At least 6 units from the following:

CSCI 561 Foundations of Artificial Intelligence Units: 4
CTAN 443L Character Development for 3-D Animation and Games Units: 2 ^* max 4
CTAN 452 Introduction to 3-D Computer Animation Units: 2 ^* max 4
CTAN 462 Visual Effects Units: 2
CTAN 502L Experiments in Immersive Design Units: 2
CTAN 577a Fundamentals of Animation Units: 2
CTCS 409 Censorship in Cinema Units: 4
CTCS 478 Culture, Technology and Communications Units: 4 ^*
CTCS 482 Transmedia Entertainment Units: 4
CTCS 504 Survey of Television History Units: 2
CTCS 564 Seminar in Film and Television Genres Units: 4 ^*
CTIN 401L Interface Design for Games Units: 2 ^*
CTIN 404L Usability Testing for Games Units: 2 ^*
CTIN 405L Design and Technology for Mobile Experiences Units: 2 ^*
CTIN 406L Sound Design for Games Units: 2 ^*
CTIN 452L Themed Entertainment Design Units: 4
CTIN 459L Game Industry Workshop Units: 4 ^*
CTIN 462 Critical Theory and Analysis of Games Units: 4 ^*
CTIN 463 Anatomy of a Game Units: 4 ^*
CTIN 464 Game Studies Seminar Units: 2 ^*
CTIN 479 Documentary and Activist Games Units: 2
CTIN 482 Designing Online Multiplayer Game Environments Units: 2 ^*
CTIN 483 Introduction to Game Development Units: 4 ^*
CTIN 486 Alternative Control Workshop Units: 2 ^*
CTIN 492L Experimental Game Topics Units: 4 ^*
CTIN 497 Interactive Media Startup Units: 1 max 3
CTIN 499 Special Topics Units: 2, 3, 4 ^*
CTIN 501 Interactive Cinema Units: 2
CTIN 506 Procedural Expression Units: 2
CTIN 590 Directed Research Units: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
CTIN 591 Advanced Development Project Units: 2 max 8
CTPR 455 Survey of Production Design Units: 2
CTPR 566 Developing and Selling Your Film and TV Projects Units: 2
CTWR 410L Character Development and Storytelling for Games Units: 4 ^*
CTWR 520 Advanced Scene Writing Workshop Units: 2
IML 502 Techniques of Information Visualization Units: 4
IML 555 Digital Pedagogies Units: 4

Notes:

^*Courses suggested as part of the Interactive Entertainment track.

^**Courses not listed may satisfy this requirement with approval of the program chair.

Additional Requirements

Thesis Project

In order to begin work on the thesis/advanced project, students must first successfully propose their project to a committee of MFA interactive media program faculty. The proposal is prepared during the second year of study in CTIN 548 Preparing the Interactive Project and is submitted at the end of the second year. Throughout the three years of study, students will meet regularly with an MFA interactive media program adviser to develop and refine the proposal and discuss the progress of their work. The adviser will be a member of the thesis committee.

The proposal itself will include a written treatment of the project with a discussion of similar work in the field and its relationship to the proposed project. It will describe aesthetic issues to be explored and specific techniques to be employed in its realization. It will also include a project visualization, budget and schedule, in addition to supporting materials created by the student demonstrating his or her ability to pursue the project. The faculty committee will make comments and decide whether the student may go forward with his or her project. Upon acceptance, the student will begin work on the project, otherwise revising the proposal and meeting again with the committee.

In the third and final year, students concentrate on their thesis projects in CTIN 594a Master’s Thesis and CTIN 594b Master’s Thesis , completing production and post-production. A final review will take place in the second semester of the third year. The committee will meet and the student must show and defend the work. The student does not need to submit a thesis paper in conjunction with this project, though students interested in doing so may take CTIN 510 and prepare a paper for academic publication.

Criteria for successful completion include: 50 percent originality and 50 percent quality of execution.

Internship

Though the Internship class is not required, the division requires all MFA students to do work at an internship or in a professional context while enrolled in the program. The graduate students adviser will work with each student to find an appropriate work environment and certify the student’s completion thereof.

Grade Point Average Requirement

An overall GPA of at least 3.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained in all USC course work toward the master’s degree.

A minimum grade of C (2.0) must be earned in all required courses. Students who do not achieve a grade of C (2.0) in the core courses CTIN 532 , CTIN 534 , CTIN 542 and CTIN 544 after repeating these requirements will be disqualified from the program. The core courses as well as CTIN 594a CTIN 594b cannot be waived or substituted with transfer credits under any circumstances.

Time Limit

Students must maintain satisfactory progress toward their master’s degrees at all times. The degree must be completed three years from the first course at USC applied toward the Master of Fine Arts degree. Course work more than seven years old is invalidated and will not be applied toward the degree.

Graduate Review

One year prior to graduation, students are required to file MFA forms for a curriculum and graduation review. Contact the Interactive Media Program Office for forms.