If you want to learn how to develop creative competence and design thinking skills to pursue a career in media, you are in the right place! Each program track is filled with project-oriented classes that focus on creative and design projects such as literary works, films and documentaries; photography exhibits; interactive apps and websites; digital user experiences (UX); and public relations and advertising campaigns.

A total of 42 credit hours, each M.F.A. is also offered in a certificate format, making it easier for students to gain knowledge in their chosen area of interest in a smaller time commitment.

M.F.A. & Certificate Program Tracks

Three Programs Offered

As a student in the creative & strategic media program, you will learn the art of telling good stories through video, sound, text and graphic design. You will be taught which mediums work best for certain stories and will learn how to frame your messaging in order to capture the attention of the widest possible audience.

 Explore Creative & Strategic Media
Interactive design integrates human-technology interaction, design, digital media and information technology. You will learn more about the way we interact with technological devices and will explore how to build interactive media in a way that is both exciting and engaging. Explore Interactive Design

An 18-credit (six-course) certificate in media arts & technology is for professionals who want to keep current in the fast-paced, evolving field in which media, design and technology intersect. The certificate affords professionals opportunities to explore and research careers in media, design and production and technology. 

The media arts & technology certificate allows students to build a focused program of study. Certificate students may concentrate in creative & strategic media or interactive design.

Explore the Certificate in Media Arts & Technology

Assistantships

 

Graduate assistants work 20 hours per week, performing one or more of the following:

  • Faculty research assistance
  • Teaching assistance
  • Administrative assistance

Our GAs receive up to 9 credits of tuition remission and a stipend for each semester of the assistantship. Eligibility and requirements:

  • Maintain an overall GPA of 3.5
  • Not hold full-time employment elsewhere.

Note: Reappointment in subsequent semesters is based on demonstrated competence and satisfactory academic performance.

Financial Awards

 
Duquesne University offers new graduate students a 25% tuition and fee award. To qualify for this award, you must:
  • Apply & be accepted into the master's program
  • Enroll for at least 6 credits
  • Not have another tuition remission or any other form of a university scholarship or tuition break.

Application Process for M.F.A.

To apply, you must submit the following as a part of your application:

  • Duquesne application
  • Official application transcripts
  • Three letters of reference
  • Self-nomination letter
    • Indicate the track (creative & strategic media or interactive design) you intend to study and the semester (fall, spring, summer) you intend to start.
    • State reasons for pursuing a graduate degree and how you would contribute to the program.
    • Describe relevant interests, activities and work.
  • One or more of the following: Website address, portfolio or writing sample.

    • Documents (such as CDs/DVDs or other portfolios that cannot be submitted electronically) can be mailed to:

      Duquesne University
      McAnulty Graduate School of Liberal Arts
      215 College Hall
      Pittsburgh, PA 15282

  • TOEFL score submission (for international applicants only). 

    • International students may get full admission:

      TOEFL score of 80 (or an IELTS score of 7 or 6.5 depending on sub-scores)

    • International students may get provisional admission:

      IELTS scores of 5, 5.5, 6 or 6.5 depending on sub-scores.

    • Pathway Program: For those who have a TOEFL score of 60-79 (IELTS scores of 6 or 6.5 depending on sub-scores), Duquesne University offers a Pathway Program, which allows international students to take courses towards their master's degree while working on their ESL. The Pathway Program provides a smooth transition to our master's program.

    • Applicants with IELTS scores lower than 5 will not be considered for admission. We encourage students with IELTS scores lower than 5 to apply directly to the ESL Studies.

Once your application is submitted, you will be contacted by the Department of Media to set up an interview.

If admitted into the M.F.A. program, you will receive an email letting you know.

 

FAQs About M.F.A. in Media Arts & Technology

We are interested in your prior academic performance. Another important part of a student's application is the personal statement. It helps us see that the student has a clear plan and is dedicated and able to be successful in our program. Our thorough review process evaluates applicants based on their individual achievements and potential as well as their capability to succeed and contribute to Duquesne University's M.F.A. in media arts & technology program.
The program is 42 credit hours. Depending on your  timetable, it will likely take 2.5 years to complete. Most courses are 3 credits.
Yes. Previous experience in a specific field is not a requirement of the program. Our students have diverse backgrounds and experience, which enhances the program. Although students who already have experience in media, design, photography or film can certainly enhance and expand their knowledge and experience, and so we invite them to also apply. Our program is designed to accommodate students who already have experience in the media, design, photography or film fields and those who do not.

All applications are processed and reviewed on a rolling basis. Applications are accepted up to one month before the start of classes for that particular semester (fall, spring, summer).

  • Fall Start: Early Application Deadline: Jan. 30
  • Spring or Summer Start: Early Application Deadline: Nov. 1
No. The GRE is not required for admission.

For full admission to the program, we are looking for a TOEFL score of 80 (or an IELTS score of 7 or 6.5 depending on sub-scores). Students may get provisional admission with IELTS scores of 5, 5.5, 6 or 6.5 depending on sub-scores.

Students with provisional admission take ESL courses, typically for one to three semesters, depending on their performance. Once they obtain a TOEFL score of 80 or obtain clearance from ESL, they can start taking a full load of courses.

For international students who have a TOEFL score of 60-79 (IELTS scores of 6 or 6.5 depending on sub-scores), Duquesne University offers a Pathway Program, which allows international students to take courses toward their master's degree while working on their ESL. The Pathway Program provides a smooth transition to our M.F.A. program.
Students may transfer up to 6 credits from an external program or institution. Those credits should be applied to fulfill electives credits in the program track. When a student transfers credits from an external program or institution and would like to pursue the thesis option, then, in consultation with the academic adviser for the track, transfer credit may be applied to major course requirements.
Students who work full-time can certainly complete the program. Many of our students work full-time. Most courses are offered in the evening to accommodate working students. We are pretty flexible in terms of scheduling, as long as you fulfill certain program requirements.

Our graduates find careers in many diverse fields and industries, including creative writing, advertising, digital media, social media marketing, design, photography, video and sound production, interaction design, web and interface design, user experience (UX), product usability, public relations and advertising and digital media strategy and production.

Our graduates are employed with organizations such as Blattner Brunner, UPMC Healthcare, the National Football League Players Association, American Eagle Outfitters, PNC Bank, BNY-Mellon, Dick's Sporting Goods, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and several universities. Some students seek further study in Ph.D. programs.

Yes. Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis to full-time graduate students. The deadline to apply for a graduate assistantship is Jan. 30. To apply, please indicate in your application and personal statement that you are interested in applying for a graduate assistantship. If you have questions, email the graduate director, Dr.%20Zeynep%20Tanes%20Ehle.
We have multiple computer laboratories (Mac and PC) with industry standard software for creating, editing and producing media content. Several of our laboratories have 24-hour access. The department offers state-of-the-art video and still cameras and audio-recording equipment. We have television and radio studios and a user experience (UX) laboratory for product prototyping as well as eye tracking and usability studies.

Contact for more info

Media Department