Emerging Media Studies Graduate Programs
The fusion of creative and critical thinking.
The MA in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication offers advanced studies in digital media studies, interactive media, and computer-based arts that emphasize the fusion of creative with critical thinking and theory with practice.
Master of Arts in ATEC: Emerging Media Studies Pathway
The Emerging Media Studies master’s program emphasizes the fusion of creative and critical thinking, of theory with practice. With faculty expertise and course offerings in media studies, interactive media, and computer-based arts, the program is suitable for those who intend to pursue a doctorate in a related field as well as for professionals who want to enhance their knowledge and skillsets. In their first year, Emerging Media Studies master’s students take courses that introduce them to the core approaches and methods in the field. Then, they move on to electives on topics that include surveillance studies, global media studies, critical making, aesthetics and techniques of interactive arts, tactical media, and many others. In their final semester, students write a master’s thesis that demonstrates their original research and thinking. Master’s students can expect small seminars, individual faculty mentoring, a vibrant graduate student community, small awards for conference travel, and many opportunities to participate in ATEC’s multiple labs, studios, and other spaces for critical and creative collaboration.
The Emerging Media Studies master’s program prepares its graduates for careers in media, law, and policy; in social justice and advocacy work; in investigative research and journalism; in broadcasting; in social media and public relations; in teaching, both at the higher ed and high school level; and in administrative work for cultural organizations. Our MA students have also gone on to prestigious PhD programs, including the University of Illinois, Texas A&M, and UT Austin.
The typical time to complete the program is two years. You can learn more about policies and procedures here: List of Graduate Degree Program Policies and Procedures. We also invite you to attend one of our online info sessions.
| Program Type | Master’s |
| Format | On campus, full- and part-time options are available |
| Estimated Time to Complete | 2-3 years |
| Semester Credit Hours | 36 |
Admission
Applications to the MA program must be started no later than January 1 and turned in no later than January 15 for priority consideration for admission. Should space remain, the Bass School will continue to accept applications in accordance with University deadlines until the “Regular Application and Documentation Deadline.” For the “Late Application and Documentation Deadline,” students must begin their new applications by August 1. Students are admitted for a fall semester start.
Meet Professors You Will Never Forget
ATEC Faculty include world-renowned artists, scholars, and creative practitioners. Their diverse areas of expertise ensure that graduate students gain knowledge of breadth and depth. Our professors publish with the nation’s leading academic presses, work with top animation studios, hold patents in design, and are recognized as pioneers by peers in their field.
Areas of Faculty Work & Exhibition
3D computer animation; 3D modeling; 3D printing and projection mapping; digital fabrication; digital media and interactive art; documentary; games; new media art; photography and contemporary art; simulations
Areas of Faculty Research & Publishing
Applied media studies and remix culture; border studies; critical ethnic and race studies; critical making; digital humanities, including digital health humanities; disability and crip studies; feminist studies; game studies; infrastructure studies; literary studies; media studies and cinema studies; mobile media; new media arts and new media arts and education
Art-Based Research & Creative Practice
We believe if you can imagine it, we can make it. Our lab and studio culture blends art, technology, design, engineering, science, and the humanities to create an incubative environment rich with possibilities. Collaboration is the heart of the Bass School. Learn how faculty, students, art-based research, and creative practice are connected.
Contact Information
Heidi Rae Cooley
Associate Professor and Area Head
Phone: 972-883-7569
Email: Heidi.Cooley@utdallas.edu
Office: ATC 2.505
Bee Yan Goh
Graduate Academic Advisor
Phone: 972-883-4814
Email: beeyan.goh@utdallas.edu
Office: ATC 1.606
Graduate Advising
Bass School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology
The University of Texas at Dallas, JO31
800 W. Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080-3021
Phone: 972-883-4706
Email: ahtgradvising@utdallas.edu
Office of Admission and Enrollment
800 W. Campbell Road
Richardson, TX 75080-3021
972-883-2270 or 1-800-889-2443
admission@utdallas.edu
utdallas.edu/enroll
MA Application Deadlines
| Jan 1 | deadline to start application1 |
| Jan 15 | deadline to turn in all application materials1 |
| May 1 | regular application deadline |
| Aug 1 | deadline to start application |
Deadline to turn in all late application materials is in accordance with University deadlines.
1 for Priority Consideration for Admission