Graduate Degree

The Master of Arts program in Media and Information prepares students for a broad range of professional positions in the fast-growing media and information sector. The flexible curriculum allows students to put together a customized program of study or to focus in one of three high-demand careers: user experience, management of media and information industries, and transmedia production (with an emphasis on film and/or games). The degree program also prepares students for further study at the doctoral level. Upon completion of this degree program graduates should possess a broad disciplinary base in the theory, methods, technology, design, and management of media and information in organizations and society.

In addition to meeting the requirements of the university and of the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, students must meet the requirements specified below.

Admission

Admission is determined by an evaluation of information regarding the applicant's academic record, goals and interests, experience, personal references, and other materials submitted as indicators of intellectual promise.

A bachelor's degree is required. As an interdisciplinary program, multiple backgrounds are suitable for admission to this program. Although evidence other than grades influences the admission decision, the department uses the following guideline: students whose grade–point averages for the third and fourth years of undergraduate study are 3.25 or better are admitted to regular status. Students whose grade–point averages are below 3.25 may be admitted to provisional status. Students whose grade–point averages are below 3.00 are rarely admitted.

Students may enter the program either during fall or the spring semester. However, it is highly recommended that students start their program in the fall. Additional current information may be obtained from the department’s general Web site (mi.msu.edu) or its dedicated Web site for the graduate program (gradstudies.mi.msu.edu) or the Director of Graduate Studies.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree in Media and Information

A minimum of 30 credits is required for the master’s degree in media and information under either Plan A (with thesis) or Plan B (without thesis).The student's program of study must be approved by the student's academic advisor and the Director of Graduate Studies.

1.	The following core course (1 credit):
	MI	810	Media and Information Seminar						1
2.	At least one of the following theories courses (3 credits):
	MI	820	Theories of Media and Information						3
	MI	831	Theories of Games and Interaction Design						3
3.	At least one of the following methods courses (3 credits):
	MI	803	Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods						3
	MI	841	Advanced Methods of Understanding Users						3
4.	At least three of the following specialization classes (9 credits):
	MI	839	Game and Project Design Studio I						3
	MI	844	Interaction Design						3
	MI	845	Interactive Usability and Accessibility: Design and Evaluation						3
	MI	846	Game and Project Design Studio II						3
	MI	847	Special Topics in Games						3
	MI	850	Media and Information Policy						3
	MI	851	Analytical Research Methods for User Generated Content						3
	MI	861	Media and Information Technologies in Organizations						3
	MI	862	Media and Information Project Management						3
	MI	875	Information and Communication Technology and Development						3
	MI	891	Special Topics in Media and Information (any section)						3
5.	Additional elective course work at the 400-level or above to meet the 30 credits required for the degree. Students may take up to three different sections of MI 891.The course work must be approved by the student’s academic advisor. Not more than 6 elective credits may be taken from outside the college. Not more than 6 credits in media and information independent study or internship courses combined may be counted toward the requirements for the Master of Arts degree in Media and Information.