• Media Studies (MA)

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  • The master's program in Media Studies offers a flexible interdisciplinary curriculum organized around a theory-practice architecture that supports an integrative critical approach to studying media. Develop necessary skills in media research, analysis, and production under the guidance of a dynamic faculty that includes internationally ranked scholars and award-winning creative professionals with years of practical experience in their field.

    Program Highlights

    • Meaning + Making

      Gain practical experience and understand the value of reflecting on the concepts, tools, and methods used to shape and communicate ideas that bear on our communities, society, and the planet. 

    • International Community

      More than 30 percent of our students come from outside of the United States, creating a classroom community of diverse global perspectives.

    • Global Media Capital

      Study in New York City and access world-class media internships, career opportunities, cultural events, and industry networks.

    • Flexibility for Working Students

      Enjoy the freedom to study full-time or part-time, on our campus in New York or online from anywhere in the world.

       

    • Degree Master of Arts
    • Format Full-time or part-time, on campus or online
    • Credits 39
    • Duration 2 years (full-time)
    • Start Term Fall or Spring
    • Other Program Status STEM-designated

  • Interdisciplinary Curriculum

    Our flexible curriculum and limited number of required courses let you design your own path through the program. You can plan in-depth study in one or more subject areas, sample a variety of subjects and approaches, or both. The program can be completed on campus, online, or a combination of both. Students pursuing the MA in Media Studies also have the option of completing the graduate certificate in Media Management or a graduate minor for their course of study. They may also choose to complete the Graduate Certificate in Documentary Studies. 

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    Career Paths

    Graduates of the Media Studies program work throughout the world in diverse fields including media programming, producing, research, writing, communications, education, media/film production, and multiplatform storytelling. Some continue to PhDs and academic careers while others produce innovative work as artists and designers. Our graduates have been recognized with festival awards and accolades for scholarly contributions and media industry innovations.

    Artists-in-Residence

    Once a year, a distinguished film and media professional is invited to serve as our Hirshon Artist-in-Residence, a position in which they conduct master classes and special screenings. Past Hirshon guests have included Ernest Dickerson, Christine Vachon, Raoul Peck, Laurie Anderson, and D.A. Pennebaker and Chris Hegedus.



  • Students in the Media Studies MA program benefit from personalized mentorship from a faculty that includes noted media scholars, artists, critics, curators, thought leaders, and field-defining researchers from around the globe.

  • Beyond the Classroom

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      Research Labs

      Research is integral to the Parsons learning experience, and students and faculty work together to challenge existing paradigms and advance emerging scholarship and practice. Explore the thematic research laboratories housed at Parsons and throughout The New School.

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      Industry Engagement

      Connect to the organizations, businesses, and entrepreneurs driving global creativity and commerce. In classes, internships, and extracurricular projects, you gain marketable problem-solving skills in sectors ranging from government and nonprofits to tech and creative industries.

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      Internships

      New York City’s thriving creative industry and cultural institutions are part of your Parsons education. Our Career Services Office is enmeshed in the art and design industries and can help you advance your career with industry-oriented internships. 

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      Funded Opportunities

      Funds are earmarked for graduate travel, research, and work to support your study. Opportunities include paid teaching assistantships, research fellowships and assistantships (including ones offered throughout The New School), ample student employment, and other grants available to U.S. domestic and international students alike.

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      Making & Academic Resources

      Enjoy access to extensive resources including New School libraries, computer labs, archives, and studios, along with Parsons’ state-of-the-art Making Center, facilities offering a broad array of tools to support your creative and academic growth.

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Undergraduates

To apply to any of our undergraduate programs (except the Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs) complete and submit the Common App online.

Undergraduate Adult Learners

To apply to any of our Bachelor's Program for Adults and Transfer Students and Parsons Associate of Applied Science programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.

Graduates

To apply to any of our Master's, Doctoral, Professional Studies Diploma, and Graduate Certificate programs, complete and submit the New School Online Application.