New York University

Overview

The Interactive Media Arts program at New York University offers a unique, maker-driven, project-based graduate experience. This innovative course is designed for students who are passionate about designing, building, and critically reflecting on interactive media. Delivered through an international low-residency format, the program spans across vibrant cities such as New York, Berlin, and Shanghai, effectively blending creative practice with computing and human-centered inquiry. Over the course of one year, students will engage in a combination of online coursework and intensive in-person sessions.

What you'll study

The curriculum is structured around making, critique, and iterative development of interactive projects. The program includes:

In-person intensives (site-based)

• New York (Summer): Engage in studio immersion, prototyping sprints, and cohort critiques.
• Berlin (January): Participate in focused workshops and collaborative project development.
• Shanghai (Summer): Work on the production and presentation of final projects.

Online semesters

• Fall: Focus on foundational studio work, creative coding, and interface exploration.
• Spring: Advance your project development with research-informed making and finalization.

Core courses (examples)

• Concepts, Culture & Critique
• Creative Coding
• Exploratory Making
• Interface Lab
• Conversations New York
• Design for Communication

Capstone / final project

Students will conclude their studies with a culminating body of interactive work, often presented as a final project or portfolio that demonstrates technical execution and critical reflection on design choices and context.

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from an accredited institution. Specific GRE/GMAT requirements are not indicated for this program. Additionally, applicants must submit a personal statement, video response, CV/resume, recommendations, transcripts, and, if desired, an optional portfolio.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Interactive Media Arts program are well-equipped to pursue a variety of career paths in the dynamic field of interactive media. Potential roles include interactive designer, user experience (UX) researcher, digital media artist, and creative technologist, among others. The program's emphasis on hands-on learning and collaboration fosters skills that are highly valued in today’s technology-driven creative industries.