Interdisciplinary Program

In Interdisciplinary studies, you develop unique programs of study that integrate practices and knowledge from a variety of traditional disciplines, both within and outside of Media, Art, and Performance. Creative Technologies, Film (Media Production or Media Studies), Interdisciplinary Studies, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts—you can combine any two of these areas, or combine any one of these with another area outside of Media, Art, and Performance.

We are dedicated to developing individualized programs of study that reflect commitment to excellence and innovation in interdisciplinary learning. Experience small classes and individual attention with supervisors and faculty members. Weekly seminars in theory, art and media criticism, group studio and production courses, and courses designed specifically for your interdisciplinary interests are the key elements of your program. Let your creative pursuits intersect between art forms and disciplines, allowing you to explore and express the full range of your interests.

 

Interdisciplinary PhD in Media and Artistic Research

The Interdisciplinary PhD in Media and Artistic Research is a 60 credit hour program of approximately 4 years, culminating in a thesis, research-creation project, or hybrid thesis/research-creation project.

The degree has three possible paths:

  1. Path A: Research on the Arts: Course/thesis-based investigations aimed at drawing valid conclusions about art practice from contemporary theoretical
  2. Path B: Research in the Arts: Multi-modal research based in course and practice-based applied research. A written thesis is not required although another means of critical reflection must be agreed upon with the supervisory committee and in
  3. Path C: Research through the Arts: Course/practicthesis-based investigations in which the artistic practice itself is an essential component of both the research process and the research results.
Students entering the PhD program must hold an MA or MFA from a recognized institution. Qualified applicants will be considered for admission to the program on the basis of academic standing and a proposal leading to a thesis (Path A), research-creation project (Path B), or hybrid research-creation/thesis project (Path C). The proposal must clearly demonstrate the need for supervision in more than one area of knowledge and must indicate the availability of resources and supervision in these areas. In addition to the proposal, applicants should submit appropriate supporting material (portfolio, sample of scholarly writing, etc.) and a proposed format for their graduation project. An audition and/or interview may be required. Once students have begun course work a more detailed, formal proposal will be submitted to the supervisors and IDS Graduate Committee for approval.

MFA in Media and Artistic Research

The MFA in Media and Artistic Research is a 42 credit hour program of approximately two and a half years, culminating in an exhibition, performance, screening, or other original work, and a critical engagement paper where you discuss your art practice and its interdisciplinary context.

Students applying to the MFA program will typically hold a BFA degree, or equivalent, in a fine arts discipline. Training in the areas of study is important but not essential with experience in the proposed field. Please feel free to contact us about your interests.

MA in Media and Artistic Research

The MA in Media and Artistic Research is a 30 credit hour program of approximately one year, culminating in a written thesis.

Students applying to the MA program will typically hold a BA degree, or equivalent, in a fine arts discipline. Training in the areas of study is important but not essential with experience in the proposed field. Please feel free to contact us about your interests.