Interactive Media Division Graduate Requirements

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 Interactive Entertainment track is part of the M.F.A. in Interactive Media. This track focuses on game design and innovation and offers a list of suggested electives best suited for interests in interactive entertainment. Students in the Interactive Entertainment track are required to follow the M.F.A. in Interactive Media curriculum.

The M.F.A. in Interactive Media is a three-year intensive program that requires 50 units of which 36 are requirements and 14 are electives. Of these electives, a minimum of 6 units must be taken in the School of Cinematic Arts. Students are required to complete an advanced interactive project which they design and produce.

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 USC School of Cinematic Arts programs.

Approximately 12 students are admitted in the fall semester (there are no spring admissions).

Requirements for the M.F.A. in Interactive Media

Year One	First Semester	Units
CTIN 511	Interactive Media Seminar	1
CTIN 541	Design for Interactive Media	4
CTIN 534	Experiments in Interactivity I	2
CTCS 505	Survey of Interactive Media	2

Year One	Second Semester	Units
CTIN 511	Interactive Media Seminar	1
CTWR 518	Interactive Writing	2
CTIN 544	Experiments in Interactivity II	2
	Electives	4
	(note CTIN 488 for game track, other – mobile stereo/immersive, interactive cinema

Year Two	First Semester	Units
CTIN 532	Interactive Experience and World Design	4
CTPR 506	Visual Expression (CTIN 534 is a prerequisite for CTPR 506)	2
CTIN 511	Interactive Media Seminar	1
	Electives (focused)
	(Game) CTIN 484 Intermediate	2
	(Game) CTIN 489 Intermediate Workshop	2
	Other	4

Year Two	Second Semester	Units
CTIN 542	Interactive Design and Production	4
CTIN 548	Preparing the Interactive Project	2
CTIN 558	Business of Interactive Media	2
CTIN 511	Interactive Media Seminar	1
	Electives
CTIN 491	Advanced Game Project

Year Three	First Semester	Units
CTIN 594a	Master’s Thesis	2
	Electives

Year Three	Second Semester	Units
CTIN 594b	Master’s Thesis	2
	Electives*	2

(Please note that CTIN 495 is a required course. It is recommended that students take this in the summer before their third year)

Thesis/Advanced Project

In order to begin work on the thesis/advanced project, students must first successfully propose their project to a committee of M.F.A. 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. Throughout the three years of study, students will meet regularly with an M.F.A. interactive media program advisor to develop and refine the proposal and discuss the progress of their work. The advisor will be a member of the thesis committee.

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, budget and schedule, in addition to supporting materials created by the student demonstrating his or her ability to pursue the project. 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 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, 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.

Criteria for successful completion include: 50 percent originality and 50 percent quality of execution.

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 532, CTIN 534, CTIN 542 and CTIN 544 after repeating these requirements will be disqualified from the program. The core courses as well as CTIN 555ab 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 M.F.A. forms for a curriculum and graduation review. Contact the Interactive Media Program Office for forms.