Master of Arts in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication

The Master of Arts in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication (ATEC) degree program cultivates creative practitioners, scholars, and interdisciplinary researchers and is designed for students who wish to pursue advanced study of technology and media or take an initial step toward a PhD in related fields.

Taught by internationally recognized faculty in the Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, and Technology, students learn foundational theories and methodologies that underpin technology and media studies and develop an in-depth understanding of contemporary debates in these fields. Throughout their coursework and as students develop research questions and work on their theses they benefit from faculty members wide-ranging expertise in fields such as global media studies, feminist media studies, critical play studies, games and learning, cultural studies of media, digital health humanities, disability media studies, digital journalism, remix studies, public humanities, science and technology studies, art science, and animation studies. The program is designed both for individuals engaged in professional practice who wish to enhance their knowledge and skills and for full-time students intending to pursue a doctorate in a related field.

Students are admitted to one of two pathways in the ATEC master's program:

Emerging Media Studies: Students use media and cultural studies methods to explore the histories and social, cultural, and political implications of digital media and technologies.
Interaction Design: Students use design research and media studies methods in the analysis and design of emerging technologies.

Degree requirements: Previous academic degree (BA or BS, MA or MFA) in an appropriate field (i.e., Art, Computer Science).

GPA: A grade point average of 3.3 (especially in upper-division undergraduate and graduate work).

English proficiency requirements

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT (Internet-based test) Minimum score: 80

TOEFL PBT (paper-based test) Minimum score: 550

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Minimum score: 6.5

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE) Minimum score: 67

Completion of Level 112 at an ELS Language Center

Duolingo English Test Minimum score: 105

Deadlines: For priority consideration for admission and funding, completed applications to the MA program must be received on or before January 15. If space remains, we will continue to accept applications in accordance with university deadlines. Students are accepted for the fall semester only.

ATEC is not currently accepting applications to the Interaction Design pathway. Applicants with an interest in Interaction Design are encouraged to review the other pathways to evaluate how they might intersect with their interests.