Master of Fine Arts in Media Arts

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 2 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Master of Fine Arts in Media Arts at Southern Illinois University is a terminal degree program designed for aspiring artists seeking to deepen their practice in photography, film, video, sound, new media, and interdisciplinary approaches. You will engage with a unique balance of hands-on media arts practices, art history and theory, and collaborative or individual projects that push creative boundaries. This program is ideal for students who aim to develop an innovative body of work and prepare for a career as a media artist, filmmaker, designer, or educator in the contemporary arts landscape.

This intensive, full-time, on-campus Master of Fine Arts program is typically completed over three years, requiring 60 credit hours. Your journey will involve studio arts practice and critique, graduate colloquiums, supervised independent studio work, and specialized media studies. You will collaborate with distinguished faculty and fellow artists, culminating in a significant creative thesis project and a scholarly research paper. Upon graduation, you will be equipped with a disciplined, professional arts-based practice and mastery in media arts, ready for diverse professional pathways in the creative industries.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Master of Fine Arts in Media Arts program offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to foster advanced artistic practice and critical inquiry. Students engage in studio arts, critique, and supervised independent study, exploring the history and theory of media arts. The program also emphasizes interdisciplinary practices and research methods, culminating in the development and completion of an MFA thesis.

1 Fall Year 1 (11 Credit Hours)

Studio Arts Practice & Critique
Supervised Independent Studio
Graduate Colloquium
History and Theory of Media Arts
Topics in Interdisciplinary Practices

2 Spring Year 1 (11 Credit Hours)

Supervised Independent Studio
Graduate Colloquium
Critical Research Methods in Media Arts
Topics in Interdisciplinary Practice

3 Fall Year 2 (12 Credit Hours)

Studio Arts Practice & Critique
Supervised Independent Studio
History and Theory of Media Arts
Topics in Interdisciplinary Practices

4 Spring Year 2 (9 Credit Hours)

Supervised Independent Studio
Critical Research Methods in Media Arts
Topics in Interdisciplinary Practices

5 Fall Year 3 (8 Credit Hours)

Studio Arts Practice & Critique
MFA Thesis

6 Spring Year 3 (9 Credit Hours)

MFA Thesis

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,170.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 28,170.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 56,340.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Accommodation
USD 1,950.00 - USD 2,250.00
Food & Groceries USD 3,000.00 - USD 4,560.00
Transport USD 600.00 - USD 1,200.00
Utilities & Bills USD 960.00 - USD 1,800.00
Estimated Total USD 4,560.00 - USD 7,560.00

Living cost estimates are based on Carbondale campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

53%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Cosmetics & BeautyCurriculum & Instructional DesignEarly Childhood & Primary EducationEconomic Research & PolicyGaming & Interactive MediaHealthcare Administration & ManagementHome Health & Long‑Term CareMuseums & Cultural HeritageSocial Media & Content StrategyVocational & Technical Training

Top Employers Hiring for this course

Art Institute of Chicago

British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)

Chicago Public Schools

Edward Jones

Northwestern Medicine

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

The Walt Disney Company

Why Study Master of Fine Arts in Media Arts at Southern Illinois University

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Very Fast Application response time

Southern Illinois University typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at Southern Illinois University in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Master of Fine Arts in Media Arts at Southern Illinois University

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during terms and full-time during breaks. On-campus work doesn't require a separate permit.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English test requirements, students can submit scores from tests like Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE. Minimum scores vary; for instance, the Duolingo overall score must be 115.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as media artists, filmmakers, designers, or educators.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Master of Fine Arts in Media Arts at Southern Illinois University is a terminal degree program designed for aspiring artists seeking to deepen their practice in photography, film, video, sound, new media, and interdisciplinary approaches. You will engage with a unique balance of hands-on media arts practices, art history and theory, and collaborative or individual projects that push creative boundaries. This program is ideal for students who aim to develop an innovative body of work and

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Master of Fine Arts in Media Arts program has intake periods in January and August. Students can apply for admission during these months.
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
 
Account
  • New student?

Search for universities & courses

ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️
ℹ️️