The only program of its kind tied to a cinematic arts school, the Interactive Media & Games Division offers unprecedented opportunities for students to explore media convergence in an environment that leverages the natural advantages of its Los Angeles setting. Presenting a broad and deep curriculum, the division explores the methods and technologies that are shaping art and entertainment today, and provides leading edge research and a hotbed of ideas for future professional storytellers.

The Master of Arts degree program in Cinematic Arts (Media Arts, Games and Health) with emphasis on designing and evaluating interactive entertainment-based applications in neuroscience, public health and medicine is designed to be combined with other programs (e.g., social work, neuroscience, physical therapy, public health) of the student's interest. Advisement with program director is highly encouraged prior to application to the program.

Besides meeting USC's requirements for graduate admission, students must also meet the following requirements for admission to the degree:

1. Recipient of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university by anticipated enrollment date (special requirements apply for Progressive Master's option).
2. Academic promise, as evidenced by a minimum GPA of 3.00; higher grades in coursework relevant to the degree are desired.
3. Evidence of interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and/or transdisciplinary skills and collaborations, through coursework, research, and/or work experience; letters of recommendation may be used as evidence.

The faculty admissions committee evaluates applications for originality, clarity, personal insight and artistic excellence. Considerable importance is placed on the Cinematic Arts personal statement, writing samples, portfolio list, creative work sample and letters of recommendation. Some applicants may be contacted for an interview in order for the admissions committee to learn more information or gain clarification of submitted materials. By limiting the evaluation to the items listed, the committee ensures that all applicants are judged by the same criteria.

You must access the SlideRoom Application via the "Go to SlideRoom" link in the SlideRoom tab in the Program Materials quadrant of the Graduate Application for Admission. The SlideRoom Application should only be accessed via this button in order for your applications to be linked and successfully submitted.

1. Autobiographical Summary (Must be uploaded in PDF format only):

   The Autobiographical Summary should describe personal background, motivation for pursuing degree, future goals, artistic or philosophical approach to work, major interests, and prior collaboration experience. We are looking for a sense of you as a unique individual and how your distinctive experiences, identities, values, and/or views of the world have shaped who you are. (1,000-2,000 words)

2. 3-5 Writing Samples (Must be uploaded in PDF format only)

   The 3-5 writing samples should showcase different skills (e.g., research papers, technical reports, design documents, published work, blog posts, essays, poems, scripts)

3. Portfolio List or website link or download link that demonstrates: (Must be uploaded in PDF format only)

   The Portfolio List should include links and/or coursework that demonstrates competence in:

   • At least one major areas of cinematic or fine arts expression (e.g., writing, interactive design, animation, production, music, drawing, illustration)
   • Some research methods experience (qualitative and/or quantitative, e.g., interviews, surveys, literature reviews)
   • Some digital media literacy (e.g., digital art and design tools, visualization, media curation, website)
   • Basic procedural literacy (e.g., programming, wireframing, pseudocode, flowcharting)

4. Curriculum Vitae or Resume (Must be uploaded in PDF format only)

   The CV/resume should provide a record of the applicant's background and experience, including both professional and academic settings. Formal recognition - such as awards, publications, presentations, and jobs- should be noted. Please indicate languages of competency, which may broaden and deepen the division's commitments to global film and/or media.

As part of the Interactive Media and Games Division applicant review process, applicants may be selected to have a remote video interview with faculty or staff. Not every applicant will be interviewed, and an interview is not required for admission. The window for the interview time may vary, so please keep an eye on the inbox of the email address used in your application for a request to schedule one (emails may go to your junk folder). Please respond to such requests within 72 hours.