Design Media Arts

The Design Media Arts program at the University of California offers an interdisciplinary and innovative curriculum that explores the intersection of art, design, technology, and media. This program is dedicated to fostering experimental, critical, and creative thinking, empowering students to engage with contemporary issues through the lens of visual arts and new media. Students are encouraged to develop their own unique artistic voices while acquiring a solid foundation in traditional techniques as well as cutting-edge digital tools. The curriculum encompasses a broad range of disciplines including graphic design, interaction design, digital fabrication, animation, video production, sound arts, installation art, and computational media.

Throughout their studies, students participate in hands-on projects, collaborative endeavors, and theoretical investigations that challenge conventional notions of communication and representation. The program emphasizes both practical skills and conceptual understanding, preparing graduates for diverse careers in media arts, design, technology, and the creative industries. Faculty members are recognized leaders in their fields, mentoring students through studio work, research projects, and exhibitions. The program also fosters engagement with the broader artistic community and encourages students to participate in exhibitions, conferences, and collaborations with industry professionals.

Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including electronic laboratories, digital fabrication workshops, and multimedia studios, creating an ideal environment for innovation and experimentation. The program culminates in a comprehensive senior project or thesis, showcasing students' ability to synthesize their technological skills with artistic inquiry. Graduates of the Design Media Arts program are well-equipped to contribute to the evolving landscape of contemporary art and media, with opportunities spanning artistic practice, technology development, education, and entrepreneurship. By blending creativity with critical inquiry and technical expertise, the program aims to prepare students to become thoughtful, inventive, and socially engaged media artists and designers.

• 10 - Design Culture
• 21 - Drawing and Color
• 22 - Form
• 25 - Typography
• 28 - Interactivity
• 99 - Student Research Program
• 101 - Media Arts: Introduction
• 153 - Video
• 154 - Word + Image
• 157 - Game Design
• 161 - Network Media
• 163 - Narrative
• 171 - Topics in Interactivity and Games: Programming Interactive Tools
• 172 - Topics in Video and Animation
• 173 - Topics in Visual Communication and Image: Visual Design Methodology and Practice
• 195A - Community or Corporate Internships in Design | Media Arts
• 195B - Community or Corporate Internships in Design | Media Arts
• 199 - Directed Research in Design | Media Arts
• 200 - Design | Media Arts Faculty Seminar
• 252A - Programming Media 1
• 375 - Teaching Apprentice Practicum
• 403 - Graduate Critique
• 404 - Graduate Tutorial
• 495 - Teaching Assistant Training Practicum
• 596 - Directed Individual Study or Research

Requirements

• To be considered for admission to UCLA, international students must have completed secondary school with a superior average in academic subjects and have earned a certificate of completion which enables the student to be admitted to a university in the home country.
• All freshman applicants are expected to take the following tests: The ACT Assessment plus the ACT Writing Test. - or - The SAT Reasoning Test. Note: you must complete the essay portion of the SAT. We will not accept your scores if you opt not to write the essay.
• UCLA requires records from all secondary schools attended, showing subjects taken and grades received as well as any national or government certificates earned. Documents of all college or university coursework must also be sent in the original language, along with English translations. Do not send these documents now. If you apply and are admitted to UCLA, your admission packet will contain instructions on how to send your original records to us.
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
• A competitive score is above 100 (with sub-scores above 22).
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• A competitive score is 7 or higher.

Scholarships

UCLA does not award scholarships or financial aid to undergraduate students who are not citizens or permanent residents of the United States. International students must prove that they have sufficient funds available to them to pay for their educational and living expenses. For example, students admitted to Fall Quarter 2016 will need a minimum of about $60,000 (with an additional $5,000 recommended for additional personal expenses, contingencies and summer expenses). This minimum amount usually grows each year.

UCLA also requires that all international students on non-immigrant visas have adequate medical insurance during all periods of enrollment. More information about these requirements will be sent to students when they are admitted.

The Program in Design Media Arts at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), offers students a comprehensive education in the interdisciplinary fields of design, media arts, and digital technologies. The program emphasizes creativity, innovation, and technical proficiency, preparing students for diverse careers in the evolving landscape of media and design industries. Students engage in a broad spectrum of coursework that covers visual communication, interactive media, animation, experimental media, and emerging technological platforms. The curriculum encourages exploration of new media forms, critical thinking, and the development of a personal artistic voice, fostering both practical skills and conceptual understanding.

The faculty members are experts in their fields, providing mentorship and facilitating hands-on learning experiences through state-of-the-art labs and facilities. The program's integration of arts and technology encourages collaboration across disciplines, with students working in teams on projects that simulate real-world industry challenges. Students have access to advanced equipment, including digital fabrication tools, virtual reality systems, and media production studios, enabling them to bring their ideas to fruition in innovative ways. The program also offers opportunities for public showcases, exhibitions, and industry partnerships, helping students to build professional networks and gain exposure.

Graduates of the Design Media Arts program are well-equipped to pursue careers in a variety of sectors, including multimedia design, interactive installations, game design, visual effects, digital art, and new media research. The program aims to cultivate adaptable, forward-thinking creators capable of shaping the future of communication and media technologies. Given the university's strong emphasis on research, innovation, and community engagement, students are encouraged to develop projects that address social and cultural issues, applying their skills to make meaningful contributions to society. The program promotes an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives, fostering a vibrant creative community dedicated to exploring and expanding the boundaries of media arts.