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 Creative Technologies program and the Children’s Discovery Museum in nearby Uptown Normal.
Graduate Advisor
Kristen Carlson
(309) 438-2474
Center for Visual Arts - CVA 216A
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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.
Letter of Application
Write and submit a letter of application that states your interest in Creative Technologies and what you plan to explore during your Master's work, either in art, music, performance, or research.
Writing Sample
Submit a writing sample, such as poems, a short story, script or an essay.
If you do not have a writing sample, write what you think the role of an creative technologist is in the 21st century.
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
Email your portfolio directly to the graduate coordinator, Dr. Kristin Carlson.
Application Deadlines
- Fall Term — March 1, for funding opportunities
- Spring Term — October 1, for funding opportunities
- Summer Term — No Summer Admission
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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