Masters

Creative Technologies

Overview

The Master of Science in Creative Technologies is a 33-hour STEM designated interdisciplinary program in the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts that emphasizes theory, design, and practice in the application of computer technology to traditional art, music, and theatre disciplines.

The program provides critical training and experiences that prepare graduates for careers in digital and interactive media production including: front-end web development, video production, sound design for live performance, broadcast, and multimedia, graphic design, VR/AR/XR, digital music composition and production, game design and emerging arts disciplines where basic knowledge of coding is required. Graduates work for employers of all types including small businesses, government agencies, and corporations and some are self-employed entrepreneurs.

The program is appropriate for students who have training in the arts, experience working with digital and interactive communication tools, or computer science with experience in the arts and interactive media. Many students have established careers in related fields and wish to enhance their knowledge of new technical tools and creative processes. The STEM designation allows international students additional OPT benefits.

Point of Pride

Students are learning to make interactive technology accessible to children through a new collaborative effort between the School of Creative Technologies and the Children’s Discovery Museum in nearby Uptown Normal.

Kristen Carlson
(309) 438-2474
Center for Visual Arts - CVA 216A

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Discover what life as an Illinois State graduate student is like.

How to Apply

University Admission Requirements

A student applying to a master's program must:

have earned a four-year bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a college or university that is accredited by the appropriate regional accrediting association, or do so within one academic year
present unofficial transcripts from each college or university other than Illinois State at which graduate, undergraduate, or non-degree credit was earned. The unofficial transcript should be easily readable and clearly indicate degree(s) awarded, courses and course grades for each term. If accepted, official transcripts can be emailed from the university to GraduateAdmissions@IllinoisState.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to: Illinois State University, Graduate School, 209 Hovey Hall, Campus Box 4040, Normal, IL 61790-4040.

International students can learn more about specific application requirements by visiting the Office of Admissions.

Additional Program Admission Requirements

To be considered for this program, you must meet the following requirements.

GPA

You must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for either the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or any previous work in a master's program.

Personal Statement

Write a statement of purpose that states why you are interested in Creative Technologies, including what topics you are passionate about, an outline of your goals for graduate study, and how you want to create impact while you are at ISU.

Writing Sample

Submit a proposal for a creative or research project that would be exciting for you to explore during your master’s work. Include what the project is, why you want to create it, and how you plan to develop it. Include how your current skills and background have led to this interest, and skills or knowledge you would need to develop to complete the project, and how Creative Technologies classes, faculty mentors and resources could help you obtain that.

Resume

Upload an updated resume.

Portfolio

Submit a portfolio consisting of 6-10 pieces of work, preferable as a website or online link in your resume. Your work must be viewable on a Mac or PC.

Work may include any combination of the following:

2-dimensional
3-dimensional
Video and animated art and design
Sound files of music performances and sound design projects
Video, stills, and sketches of set and costume design
Multi-media and web site design, or UI/UX layouts

Application Deadlines

Fall Term — February 1
Spring Term — September 1
Summer Term — No Summer Admission

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Graduate Assistantships

The University provides graduate assistantships as a means of financial support. They are intended as a way to facilitate a student's progress to degree while providing important professional development.

Eligibility

To be eligible for an assistantship a student must, generally,

be admitted unconditionally as a degree-seeking student into a graduate academic program, or have a minimum of 120 undergraduate hours if in an integrated degree program
be in good-standing
be enrolled full-time (typically at least 9 credit hours during the fall or spring semesters, or at least 6 hours during the summer session).

Benefits

Graduate assistants receive

monthly wages paid in the form of either a stipend or an hourly wage
a waiver for 100% of tuition during a semester of appointment
a waiver for up to 12 credit hours of tuition for the summer term immediately following a fall or spring appointment

Costs & Funding

See Student Accounts for information on tuition and fees. Funding for graduate students is available from several different sources. Students who have been admitted from contiguous states including Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, and Wisconsin will receive in-state tuition.

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