Dec 12, 2024  
USC Catalogue 2024-2025 
    
USC Catalogue 2024-2025

Interactive Media (MFA)


The Interactive Media 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 MFA in Interactive Media is a three-year intensive program that requires 50 units of which 26 are requirements and 24 are electives chosen from a number of core area groupings. Students must take at least 6 units of expression studios, studying a breadth of skills involved in creating Interactive Media, at least 2 units of professionalization electives, 2 units of electives building technical skills and another 6 units of electives crafting a specialization in the field. Eight units of electives are totally open for exploration across the university. Two-thirds of the total units applied to the degree must be taken at the 500-level, so at least 12 500-level elective units must be taken. Students are expected to engage in an internship or professional work environment during the summer following their second semester. Students are required to complete an advanced interactive project which they design and produce in CTIN 594a  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) 740-2911 or online at cinema.usc.edu.

Requirements for the MFA in Interactive Media


Year One, First Semester


Total units: 10 - 12


Year One, Second Semester


Total units: 10 - 12


Year Two, First Semester


Total Units: 10 - 12


Year Two, Second Semester


Total units: 8 -10


Year Three, First Semester


Total units: 4 - 6


Year Three, Second Semester


Total units: 4 - 6


Note:


*Prerequisite required.

Note:


*Prerequisite required.

**Course requires an undergraduate prerequisite, which may be waived for students with appropriate experience.

Note:


*Prerequisite required.

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. 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, design macro, risk assessment and a polished piece of the experience, equivalent to the milestones associated with the end of the pre production period. 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 production 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  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 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 532L , CTIN 534L , CTIN 542  and CTIN 544  after repeating these requirements will be disqualified from the program. Two-thirds of the non thesis units applied to the degree must be taken at the 500 level or above. The core courses as well as CTIN 594a  and 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.