MA in Digital Communication and Media Arts - Media Arts Concentration

Master of Arts 2018-2019

Digital Communication and Media Arts


Media Arts Concentration

Course Legend

Curriculum Requirements

Introductory Courses
No Introductory course may be substituted for any other course at any level.

Introductory courses may be waived for any of the following conditions:
  • The student has the appropriate course work to satisfy an Introductory Course.
  • The student has appropriate and verified professional experience to satisfy an Introductory Course.
  • The student passes a Graduate Assessment Examination (GAE) in the Introductory Course area, if such an examination is available.
DMA 402
DMA 405
Foundation Courses
CMNS 570
DMA 527
DMA 525
MCS 575
Advanced Courses
DMA 535
DMA 695
DMA 698
Students should also complete 2 of the following workshop classes:
DMA 410
DC 414
DMA 415
DMA 425
DMA 475
DMA 480
DMA 490
EXP 440
EXP 442
HCD 421
Major Elective Courses
Students are required to take 4 Major Elective Courses according to the following criteria:
  • Students should choose 2 graduate level elective courses from a College of Communication program.
  • Students should choose 2 additional graduate level elective courses from a College of Communication program or another College of Computing and Digital Media program or another college/department at DePaul University.

Students do not have to follow a particular sequence for their elective course requirements. However, students may focus their electives in an Enriched Allied Field Areas of Art, Media and Design or New Media Studies. Some classes in the Enriched Allied Field Areas of Art, Media and Design and New Media Studies have been pre-approved for students and do not require the permission of an advisor. Other classes may require an advisor's permission. Pre-approved Enriched Allied Field courses are listed below.

Allied Field Area - New Media Studies
NMS 502
NMS 504
NMS 508
NMS 509
NMS 520
NMS 521

Allied Field Area - Art, Media, and Design
ART 405
ART 427
ART 460
ART 461
ART 489
ART 490
Master's Thesis Project
Students must complete a Master's Thesis Project as part of the degree requirements. Students have two options for how to complete the Master's Thesis Project:
  • Individual - The student will create an original project and a 20-30 page accompanying written research documentation and report/analysis.
  • Collaborative - Students work in teams of 2-4 students to complete an original project and a 40-60 page accompanying written research documentation and report/analysis.

Students must have completed the necessary prerequisite classes and at least 8 courses (32 credit hours) in the DCMA program toward their 52 required credits (credits earned from Introductory Courses do not count toward the required total credits). Students should discuss a meeting with a faculty member to discuss the requirements.

Thesis milestones:

  • Fall - Before the end of the fall quarter, students should submit a written proposal to advising faculty outlining their Thesis concept.
  • Winter - Enroll in DMA 695.
  • Spring - Enroll in DMA 698.
  • Spring - Participate in end of the year showcase and/or symposium.

Degree Requirements

Students in this degree program must meet the following requirements:
  • Complete a minimum of 52 graduate credit hours in addition to any required introductory courses of the designated degree program.
  • Complete all graduate courses and requirements listed in the designated degree program.
  • Earn a grade of C- or better in all courses of the designated degree program.
  • Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
  • Students pursuing a second (or more) graduate degree may not double count or retake any course that applied toward the completion of a prior graduate degree. If a required course in the second degree was already completed and applied toward a previous degree, the student must meet with a faculty advisor to discuss a new course to be completed and substituted in the new degree. This rule also applies to cross-listed courses, which are considered to be the same course but offered under different subjects.
  • Students pursuing a second master's degree must complete a minimum of 52 graduate credit hours beyond their first designated degree program in addition to any required introductory courses in their second designated degree program.

Students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher will graduate with distinction.

For DePaul's policy on repeat graduate courses and a complete list of academic policies see the DePaul Graduate Handbook in the Course Catalog.