MFA in Integrated Media Arts

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

City University of New York

Program Overview

Hunter College's Master of Fine Arts in Integrated Media Arts is a multidisciplinary graduate programme designed for creative professionals who want to produce socially engaged documentary and emerging media projects. Combining filmmaking, journalism, visual communication, digital storytelling and experimental media, the programme helps students develop the creative, technical and critical skills needed to communicate important social and political issues through contemporary media platforms.

Curriculum Structure

The MFA requires 48 credits, comprising 42 credits of coursework and six credits of thesis work. Students combine analytical seminars, creative production workshops and interdisciplinary research, with opportunities to explore documentary filmmaking and emerging media before developing an original thesis project. The programme also includes collaborative production activities, critique sessions and a final public exhibition.

Year 1: Students establish their creative and theoretical foundation through courses such as Visual Culture Seminar (IMA 700), History and Theory of Emerging Media (IMA 702), History and Theory of the Documentary (IMA 709), Emerging Media I (IMA 750) and Documentary I (IMA 751). These courses introduce visual analysis, documentary storytelling, contemporary media practices, digital production and the historical relationship between technology and creative expression.

Year 2: Students advance their production and storytelling abilities through Emerging Media II (IMA 752) and Documentary II (IMA 753), developing more sophisticated multimedia projects and exploring different approaches to nonfiction storytelling. They then undertake Thesis Preproduction (IMA 796) and Thesis Production (IMA 798), progressing from project research and conceptual development to the creation of an original media work. Students complete formal critique sessions, present their thesis before an advisory panel and exhibit their final project at the programme's Thesis Show.

Note: The year-wise descriptions are an indicative progression based on the required courses, not a fixed semester-by-semester schedule. Students should follow the programme's current course offerings and advising requirements.

Focus Areas

Documentary Filmmaking, Emerging Media, Multimedia Storytelling, Digital Media Production, Visual Communication, Film and Video Production, Journalism, Interactive Media, Animation, Digital Imaging, Sound Production, Experimental Media, Socially Engaged Media and Transmedia Narratives.

Learning Outcomes

Develop a strong understanding of historical and contemporary documentary and emerging media practices, critically analyse media through theoretical frameworks, demonstrate proficiency in contemporary media production tools and techniques, create original multimedia projects for different platforms, communicate effectively with intended audiences, evaluate creative work through constructive critique, and establish an independent artistic practice supported by professional media production skills.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MFA is a practice-based fine arts degree that prepares students for professional work in documentary filmmaking, digital media production, journalism, visual storytelling and multimedia arts. Its emphasis on original creative projects, collaborative production, technical workshops and thesis exhibitions supports the development of a professional portfolio. The university does not identify a specific external professional accreditation for this programme.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The programme distinguishes itself through its interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on politically and socially engaged media production. Students learn from faculty members with backgrounds in film, video, emerging media and journalism. The programme also showcases graduate creative work through its Thesis Show and public exhibitions. Hunter College does not publish a specific programme-level employability ranking, graduate employment rate or average salary for the MFA in Integrated Media Arts.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Hunter College's MFA in Integrated Media Arts emphasizes hands-on creative production, collaborative projects and experimental storytelling. Students gain practical experience through documentary production, emerging media workshops, collaborative production labs and intensive technical sessions. The programme provides dedicated media production spaces, editing facilities, a television studio and screening environments where students can develop, present and evaluate their creative work.

Students can benefit from the following programme-specific facilities and opportunities:

Collaborative Production Labs: Students participate in collaborative media-making activities, developing projects with other filmmakers, documentary creators, journalists and emerging media practitioners.
Documentary Production Workshops: Students gain practical experience in documentary storytelling, visual research, filming, editing and developing nonfiction media projects.
Emerging Media Workshops: Students explore digital graphics, illustration, visual design, animation, interactive media and contemporary digital production techniques.
Autodesk Maya: The 3D Animation and Modeling course (IMA 76400) introduces students to Autodesk Maya for 3D modelling, animation and integrating 3D content into creative projects.
Interactive Media Lab (HN 432): Equipped with computers and software including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Dreamweaver and Max/MSP, alongside scanners and printing facilities.
TV Studio (HN 436): Provides a dedicated environment for television production, studio-based creative projects and broadcast-related activities.
Video Editing Lab (HN 470): Provides a dedicated space for video editing and post-production activities.
Film Editing Lab (HN 503A): Supports film editing and the development of completed audiovisual projects.
Physical Computing Lab (HN 478): Supports students working on physical computing, interactive installations and related creative projects.
Black Box Theatre (HN 543): Used for classes, creative performances, screenings, exhibitions and programme events.
Screening Rooms: Dedicated screening spaces allow students to present and review audiovisual projects and participate in media-related events.
Collaborative Residency: Students complete an in-house project or external creative residency involving collaboration among different media makers.
Thesis Show and Exhibition: Students present their completed creative thesis project through the programme's Thesis Show, providing an opportunity to showcase their work to faculty members, peers and the wider creative community.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MFA in Integrated Media Arts can pursue professional opportunities across documentary filmmaking, digital media production, journalism, film and television, interactive media and creative industries. The programme's emphasis on original media production, technical proficiency, critical analysis and collaborative storytelling helps graduates develop professional portfolios and establish careers as independent media creators, filmmakers and multimedia professionals.

Potential Career Opportunities: Documentary Filmmaker, Multimedia Producer, Digital Media Producer, Film Editor, Video Editor, Media Artist, Interactive Media Designer, Multimedia Journalist, Video Producer, Creative Director, Animation Artist, Digital Content Creator.

Students can strengthen their professional development through the following university resources and opportunities:

Career Development and Industry Connections: Hunter College provides career development resources through its Career Development and Internship programmes, helping students explore employment opportunities, professional networks and industry connections.
Internship Opportunities: The Film and Media Studies Department provides internship resources and advising support to help students explore opportunities with media organizations, production companies, publishers, advertising agencies and other creative institutions.
Office of the Arts: Hunter's Office of the Arts shares internship and employment opportunities, provides application guidance and offers potential funding for eligible unpaid internships in disciplines including Film and Media Arts.
Professional Portfolio Development: Students graduate with an original creative thesis project, a thesis paper and a body of media work that can demonstrate their production capabilities to prospective employers, collaborators and funding organizations.
Collaborative Industry Experience: The programme's collaborative residency and production activities help students develop teamwork, project development and creative problem-solving skills relevant to professional media environments.
Public Exhibitions and Screenings: The IMA Thesis Show and other programme events allow students to present their work, receive feedback and build connections with other media professionals.
Graduate Employment and Salary Information: Hunter College does not publish a verified programme-specific graduate employment rate, average salary or employer placement report for the MFA in Integrated Media Arts. Employment and salary figures therefore cannot be confirmed using official programme information.
Professional Recognition: The MFA provides an advanced fine arts qualification and a portfolio of original creative work. The university does not specify a separate professional accreditation for this degree.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MFA, graduates interested in developing advanced research expertise can explore doctoral programmes in Film Studies, Media Studies, Communication, Digital Media, Visual Culture or related interdisciplinary fields. Those interested in academic careers can use their MFA thesis, documentary research and creative production experience as a foundation for further scholarly work. Graduates may also pursue independent creative research, artist residencies, fellowships and specialized professional development opportunities in documentary and emerging media.