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M.A. in Digital Media Studies

Program Overview and Requirements

The Master of Arts degree in Digital Media Studies requires 48 hours in digital media studies and related courses. During the first two quarters of the program, all students are required to follow a sequence of foundation courses, for a total of 16 credit hours: one course in design, two courses in the technical area, and one course in the critical area. In the Fall Quarter of the second year, students are required to take one research methods course (4 hours). Students are also required to take one advanced course of their choosing in the design and critical areas (8 hours).


Students will pursue 16 unrestricted elective hours to build upon their work in digital media studies. Most graduate students take advanced courses offered by the Digital Media Studies program. Graduate students may also pursue graduate-level course work in other areas such as electronic media art and design, computer science, cultural studies, international studies, business/management, literature, mass communications, music, philosophy, and more. Students seeking this option should get the approval of the course’s instructor and the DMS Graduate Director.


Graduate students may conduct up to four credit hours of Independent Study under the direction of a DMS faculty member. Students may also devote up to four credit hours to an Internship. Finally, the master’s degree in Digital Media Studies requires an M.A. Thesis (1-8 credit hours) or Project (1-4 credit hours). The important distinctions between these two options are explained in the handbook. The normal course load for graduate students is 8 credit hours per quarter.


Admissions

DMS is currently accepting applications for the Fall quarter 2010. Priority consideration for admission and financial assistance will be given to those who submit complete applications by February 16, 2010. Applications for admission and financial assistance arriving after February 16 may also be considered as space and funds allow. At this time, DMS does not allow students to start the degree program in Winter or Spring quarters.


Students may be admitted on regular, provisional, or special status as described in the general requirements outlined in the University of Denver Graduate Bulletin.


Application Requirements

Fall Application Deadline: February 16 for priority consideration

GRE Requirements: General Test

TOEFL Requirements (Students for whom English is second language):
TOEFL-105/260/620 (IBT/CBT/PBT)

Official Sealed Transcripts: 2 Copies (Required from all institutions where more than 2 credits completed)

Letters of Recommendation: 3 Letters of Recommendation, preferably academic in nature (a form will also be sent to you to accompany letters)

Personal Statement: 2-4 page essay explaining motivation for application, personal and professional goals, and any information or perspectives that will better inform the faculty of your capability to pursue graduate-level work in digital media. You may want to include a resume or C.V. Submission of portfolios, demo reels, or other samples of work is optional.

To ensure proper and timely processing of your application, send all application materials below in ONE packet to:

University of Denver
Office of Graduate Admissions
2197 South University Boulevard
University Hall, Room 216
Denver, CO 80208

Please contact Graduate Director Chris Coleman if you have questions about the admission process for Fall 2010.

DU Domestic Graduate Admissions »
DU International Graduate Admissions »
Online Application »

Digital Media Studies Financial Aid

Application Deadline for Department Merit-based Aid: February 16
FAFSA Application Deadline for New Students: March 1
FAFSA Application Deadline for Returning Students: April 1
University of Denver Financial Aid: see Office of Financial Aid »

The University of Denver centrally processes all requests for financial aid for entering students. In order to complete your application for loans and departmental assistance, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For complete instructions, follow the link above to DU's Office of Financial Aid. To receive priority consideration, it is important that you complete this process by the March 1 FAFSA application deadline, so plan ahead.


DMS provides some scholarship hours based on merit and need. You will be sent an application form for this aid along with your packet. You can also find a copy of the application here>>


Courses

DMS Course Catalog »
DU Course Schedule »

Further Data

DMS Graduate Handbook »