Frequently Asked Questions for the Digital Arts and New Media MFA Program

Question: Is there anything that is important for prospective students to understand about your program that may assist them in choosing this program of study?
Answer: This program is for students who wish to redefine art using the possibilities of 21st century technology. It is not a course in using software to realize old forms of art, it is about inventing new forms and the processes needed to realize them.

Question: Can you describe the type of studio work that your digital media students are primarily engaged in? Is theory and writing an important component of your program?
Answer: The work of the inaugural class included Internet connected bi-coastal performance art, algorithmically generated music and images, holocaust documentation, art installations with concrete computers and much more. More thesis projects can be found at http://digitalarts.ucsc.edu/showcase/. Theory and writing make up approximately 1/3rd of the workload, as students learn and extend concepts from classic and current theorists.

Question: How does the program run, what is it like, what is being done?
Answer:The website danm.ucsc.edu is used by DANM faculty, students and staff as a working website of all the goings on of the program. To learn a bit more about DANM please feel free to take a look at the DANM Portal.

Question: What type of background is expected of students that apply?
Answer: Students should have enough of a background and experience in both art and technology so they feel confident that they can succeed in each of these areas. Their art background will be reflected in the portfolio of work that is submitted. They should speak to their technology background and how it relates to their art in their personal statement and goals.

Question: What should my portfolio consist of?
Answer: Your portfolio should provide representative examples of your projects reflecting your interests, art and research experience, and scholarship. The portfolio may include one or more of the following:
* 10-15 still images maximum
* 10 minutes of video maximum
* 2-3 links to interactive pieces maximum

Question: How long should the statement of purpose be?
Answer: Your statement of purpose is limited to 500-1000 words. It addresses your reason and goals for pursuing research and scholarship in the field of Digital Arts and New Media. There is more information about this statement on this site under the menu item "Apply." Your personal history essay is limited to 500 words and addresses your background and its relevance to digital arts.

Question: Why do I need to choose my project group now?
It is important to give serious thought to your choice (first and second) of research interests -- Participatory Culture, Performative Technologies, Mechatronics or Playable Media -- in your application. You will be accepted into a project group in one of these areas as part of the admissions process and the project group leader will agree to serve as your advisor. Upon entering the program you will be working with specific faculty (as well as fulfilling the requirements of the core curriculum) and that faculty member will be making a definite commitment to work with you. You will be only allowed to switch groups (or advisors) through a process of appeal.

Question: When are applications accepted and when will students know if they have been accepted into the program?
Answer: Applications will be accepted between October 1st and February 15th for the following academic year, beginning in the Fall quarter. Applicants will receive notice as to whether they have been accepted into the program in March. There will be a visiting day for accepted students in early April. Applications are only accepted once a year for admission in Fall of the following academic year.

Question: Can I meet with someone before I apply?
Answer: If you want to meet with someone about the program before you apply, pick one or two faculty members that have an area of scholarship that interests you. Then contact them via email to set up an appointment with them. Felicia Rice, program manager, is also available to answer your questions about the program via phone, email or appointment. An open house for potential applicants is held in the fall.

Question: Are GRE scores required?
Answer: No, GRE scores are not required.

Question: Is a background in computer programming required?
Answer: No, there is no computer programming requirement.

Question: Do foreign students who have completed a degree in the United States need to submit TOEFL scores?
Answer: No. Students who have completed a degree in the United States do not have to submit TOEFL scores. All other students coming from outside the United States, however, do need to submit TOEFL scores.

Question: Can I be a part-time student?
Answer: No. The rigorous schedule of the program prevents part-time students from being involved in the project groups to a necessary degree. However, it is certainly possible to work part-time and be a full-time student in the program. Also see the answer to the following question.

Question: Are Teaching Assistantships and Financial Aid available for students?
Answer: Yes. Up to three quarters of TAship support each year may be available for qualified applicants. Some partial fellowship awards will be available to applicants at the time of their acceptance into the program. Several other fellowships and grants are available for application throughout the year. Loans may also be available. Please take the time to learn more about the Financial Support Guidelines from the Division of Graduate Studies.

Question: Is there any equipment that I must have to participate in the program?
Answer: Yes, you are required to have a laptop computer with wireless support (WiFI 801.11b/g). You will be expected to view web pages, open Post Script Documents (pdf) and be able to edit text with a word processing type application. There is no operating system requirement. The UCSC Arts Division is almost entirely Apple Macintosh-based. DANM students may be eligible for special pricing from Apple; information available through the Bay Tree Bookstore.

Question: How does your program engage with and relate to the traditional institutional artworld of museums and other art institutions?
Answer: Works produced by DANM artists have recently been shown in venues from Australia to Singapore to Berlin. Although the media we work in sometimes challenges more conservative institutions, most recognize the value of cutting edge concepts and are expanding their formats to accommodate them.

Question: Do you receive industry support or maintain relationships with companies who are interested in your graduates?
Answer: This is an ongoing effort. Although we are a new program, negotiations are being pursued with some of the best known Silicon Valley corporations.