Media Arts + Practice (MA+P) is an interdisciplinary storytelling program combining the study of contemporary digital media with hands-on production and research. Students learn to create experiences across several different platforms: still images, text, audio, video, interactivity, web-based interfaces, social media, mobile environments and physical computing. The curriculum focuses heavily on the exploration of emerging genres such as virtual reality, stereoscopy, transmedia storytelling and interactive performance. Core critical themes include data visualization, social change, remix, public interactivity, design fiction and worldbuilding. View the Media Arts + Practice website here.
The faculty admissions committee seeks students who share an excitement about the creative potential of emerging technologies, especially with regard to storytelling and narrative design. Applicants do not need extensive digital media experience — instead, their academic records and application materials should demonstrate strong critical thinking and writing skills; a creative and socially aware mindset; and a desire to experiment with new tools and platforms. There are no admission interviews. By limiting the evaluation to the items listed, the committee ensures that all applicants are judged by the same criteria.
We're looking for people who are critically aware, creatively curious, and connected to the values of MA+P. These values include combining theory and practice, using media for ethical social change, and exploring new ways to tell stories beyond traditional filmmaking.
*Note: All admitted MA+P transfer students are automatically placed on a 3-year course plan. This means that transfer students will enter the sophomore cohort.
- Cinematic Arts Personal Statement
Our program loves creative, inquisitive, and thoughtful media projects and empowers students to become creative, critical, and ethical makers of media.
Tell us about a creative project you've done (like a photo, poster, sculpture, song, video, or anything else) that challenges a dominant narrative in your life, your community, or society at large. What narrative are you challenging, and how did you intend for your audience to receive that message? (300 words maximum; PDF format only)
Optional: Include a link in your PDF to the project you are discussing.
- Aspirational Portfolio
Please curate a collection of three media projects (not made by you) that inspire your creative work. You may find these projects by perusing online media archives, digital magazines or journals, news sites and culture publications, streaming platforms, museum catalogues, etc. This collection should represent what you hope your own portfolio will look like in 5-10 years.
For each selection, include the direct link to where you found the project and a few sentences about why you consider the piece to be inspirational. Then write a paragraph synthesizing the connections between the three works; for example, what unites them thematically, aesthetically, or ideologically? How do they speak to the kind of work you hope to make and the values you hold as an artist and thinker? (300 words maximum; PDF format only)
- Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation (no particular format) are required and at least one letter must be from an academic reference. All letters of recommendation must be submitted via the SlideRoom Application only. **Please note: we will not accept letters of recommendation from USC Media Arts + Practice staff or faculty members.**