Media Arts and Sciences

About this opportunity

Undergraduate students interested in the undergraduate Media Arts and Sciences program can opt to pursue a Bachelor of Arts, minor or certificate. Through a collaboration with five ASU schools and colleges, the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts and its School of Arts, Media and Engineering have created curriculum that will not only prepare students with tangible skills in new media, but also with skills to become thought-leaders in our increasingly digital world.

Media Arts and Sciences degree programs include the following concentration options: 

• Art
• Design
• Education
• English
• Film
• Games and Interactive Media 
•  Graphic Information Technology 
• Interdisciplinary Arts and Performance 
• Media Processing 
• Music 
• Theatre 

Thesis

The Media Arts and Sciences program explores how new media and technology can be used to impact our everyday lives.

Upon identifying a problem, students will utilize the tools of the MAS program to innovate current practices to generate positive social impact. They will complete a comprehensive review of relevant literature and past work in the field. Finally, they are required to synthesize their research, develop a project which addresses their chosen problem, and perform testing and reviews of their project.

In addition to creating a unique project, students will prepare a formal thesis document. It should clearly describe the problem, research, methodology and design process, rationale, and document the project outcome. Simply put, the thesis should tell the story of the project.

An honors thesis within the Media Arts and Sciences program may be completed in one of two ways - either via the Media Arts and Sciences Capstone or Honors Directed Study + Honors Thesis. This will be determined by the AME faculty member serving as your Honors Thesis Director. Whichever option is chosen, all students are required to complete and submit a formal thesis document (approximately 15-30 pages; consult with Thesis Director for specific details).

Option 1 - Media Arts and Sciences Capstone: In undertaking our Honors Thesis through Capstone, you will need to work on a project within the Capstone framework – this is usually a group project – you will then need to apply that project in some way – test it, get some data about its success etc and then compile all of that information within your thesis. Your Thesis Director will guide you in the development of your research and evaluations for your thesis project and document. You must develop a contract with your Thesis Director that clearly outlines the work you will complete, the methods required and the assessable outcomes. Your project will be presented in a defense at the end of the final semester. Completing Media Arts and Sciences Capstone for your Honors Thesis is much like completing an honors contract for an ASU course. This is the most common path for DC Honors students.

• Semester I - AME 485 Media Arts and Sciences Capstone I (3 credits)
• Semester II - AME 486 Media Arts and Sciences Capstone II (3 credits)

To enroll in these hours, department consent is required. Request permission from the instructor or see the AME Advisor.

Option 2 - Honors Directed Study + Honors Thesis: If an AME faculty agrees to advise you outside of the Media Arts and Sciences Capstone course, you will register for Honors Directed Study and Honors Thesis. In this case, the thesis project and document will be completed independently under the mentorship of a AME faculty member, and these courses would substitute for the Media Arts and Sciences Capstone requirement. Ie. You do not do Capstone at all.

• Semester I - AME 492: Honors Directed Study (3 credits)
• Semester II - AME 493: Honors Thesis (3 credits)

In order to comply with the Media Arts and Sciences Honors requirements you will need to

• Identify a problem or challenge that can be addressed by utilizing the tools of Media Arts and Sciences to innovate current practices to generate positive social impact.

You will complete a comprehensive review of relevant literature and past work in the field. Finally, you are required to synthesize this research, develop a project which addresses your chosen problem, and perform testing and reviews of the projects success in meeting the original objective.

In addition to creating a unique project, you will prepare a formal thesis document. It should clearly describe the problem/challenge, research, methodology and design process, rationale, and document the project outcome. Simply put, the thesis should tell the story of the project. You are required to complete and submit a formal thesis document to Barrett. 

To enroll in thesis hours contact your Herberger Academic Advisor. 

Academic Preparation

Students should have completed all requisite classes and have a strong grounding in Media Arts and Sciences. Students can ask for honors enrichment contracts in their courses, get to know the faculty  and engage in research and internship opportunities, which may all lead to thesis ideas. 

Recommended Timeline

It is highly recommended that students identify a Thesis Director and meet with them to discuss the nature of the proposed honors thesis topic the semester before they intend to start. A thesis contract between the student and Thesis Director will be created. The thesis contract should clearly outline the work you will complete, the methods required and the assessable outcomes. Your project will be presented in a defense at the end of the final semester.

Once students have identified an AME faculty member to work with, they should seek enrollment in the appropriate course (as explained above). Each student must complete 6 credits hours of Honors Thesis via Capstone, Honors Directed Study, and/or Honors Thesis credits. These 6 credits are split over two semesters, registering for 3 credits each semester. Thesis courses must be taken consecutively and cannot be taken concurrently.

Knowing what to expect 
There’s a lot you can do to find out more about the process and expectations for Honors Thesis. We recommend you do the following:

• Explore Barrett Resources: Barrett has excellent online resources for outlining the Honors Thesis project. 
• Attend a required Thesis Workshop in person or through Canvas. 
• Talk to Media Arts and Sciences Faculty: Many faculty have experience mentoring and advising students on their Honors Thesis. They can help guide you through the process and give you more information on what they might expect if you were to work with them.
• Review Past Thesis Documents: Barrett, The Honors College has a library past thesis projects in the Digital Thesis Repository. 
• Attend Thesis Defenses: Every student will publicly present their thesis outcomes as part of a defense. Attending a defense before you do your own will help you prepare. It will give you a sense of how you should present your outcomes as well as the kinds of questions you might expect. A schedule of upcoming defenses can be found online. 
• Talk to Other Media Arts and Sciences Honors Students: If you are going through the thesis process or preparing for it, talking to other students can give you helpful insight to plan your thesis and help you avoid pitfalls.
• Form a Thesis Committee: Your thesis committee will consist of your Thesis Director and an additional member. Consult with your Thesis Director before identifying your second committee member. You will need to identify the second committee member on your prospectus, which you will submit to Barrett the semester before enrolling in your first thesis course (AME 485 or 492).

Other Honors Opportunities

Honors enrichment contracts are available on a case-by-case basis, please talk to the faculty leading the class for options each semester. 

AME also contains several labs working on research projects in a wide range of areas - these labs are open to internships and this is a great way to engage directly in the research of the school and faculty

Keep in mind funding opportunities for Honors Thesis work.

• Thesis Funding: Students may apply to receive funding to complete their thesis. This funding may cover items such as materials needed for the project (check with Barrett).
• Honors Project Fund: Typically used for non-thesis related expenses such as presenting a paper at a conference or attending an annual meeting related to your major. The funds may be used to cover such costs as travel, hotel, conference registration and supplies.
• External Examiners Program: As part of the thesis defense, you can apply to bring in an outside examiner or expert from another institution as your third reader. Students may receive up to $1500 to bring in an expert in their thesis field from outside the University. 

In addition, Media Arts and Sciences has support for student thesis work.

• Project Funding: Capstone students may be eligible to apply for funding to cover costs related to their creative projects. Details will be discussed within the Capstone class.
• Hardware and Software: Media Arts and Sciences maintains an extensive pool of technology which can be accessed by students. This includes equipment such as mobile devices, electronics, digital video cameras, etc.

Please note, support is competitive, limited, and/or subject to application and approval. It is recommended that you seek support early if you plan to do so.