Program in Media Arts and Sciences
The Program in Media Arts and Sciences (MAS) focuses on the invention, study, and creative use of new technologies that change how we express ourselves, how we communicate with each other, how we learn, and how we perceive and interact with the world. The field draws on a number of other disciplines, including computer science, cognitive sciences, communications, design, and the expressive arts. The program offers undergraduate and graduate subjects and a graduate program leading to master's and doctoral degrees. Its academic programs are intimately linked with the research programs of the Media Lab.
Inquiries
Additional information about the programs in Media Arts and Sciences, graduate admissions, research programs, and research assistantships may be obtained from MAS Headquarters, Room E15-435, 617-253-5114.
Undergraduate Study
Most MAS undergraduate subjects are project oriented and relate to ongoing research within the Media Lab. Certain graduate subjects are open to advanced undergraduates (see Subjects for details). Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) positions at the Media Lab are a major part of the MAS education offerings to undergraduates.
Graduate Study
Media Arts and Sciences (MAS) offers graduate programs leading to the Master of Science, the Master of Science (SM) in Media Technology, the Master of Science in Media Arts and Sciences, and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Media Arts and Sciences. Graduate students work closely with a research advisor in an apprenticeship relationship. Students enter the program from a wide variety of backgrounds, including electrical engineering, physics, computer science, cognitive science, mechanical engineering, art and design, and the learning sciences.
Students in the master's programs are required to spend at least four terms in residence (one of which may be a summer term). All SM students must meet the Institute's General Degree Requirements: a 66-unit program of study and a satisfactory research thesis. The degree is awarded upon successful completion of all program requirements.
Students wishing to pursue a PhD degree must demonstrate exemplary progress in the master's program and gain approval from a departmental committee review. Requirements for the PhD degree include successful completion of MAS general exams, and successful completion and defense of a dissertation based on original and significant research within one of the Media Lab's research groups.
Financial Support
The Program in Media Arts and Sciences offers financial assistance to all successful applicants in the form of research assistantships or fellowships within the Media Lab, which are an important part of the educational program. Students in the program also receive academic credit for part of their research activities.
Faculty and Teaching Staff
Joseph A. Paradiso, PhD
Alexander W. Dreyfoos (1954) Professor in Media Arts and Sciences
Academic Head, Media Arts and Sciences Program
Karrie Karahalios, PhD
Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Associate Academic Head, Media Arts and Sciences Program
Tod Machover, MM
Muriel R. Cooper Professor of Music and Media
Faculty Director, Media Lab
Professors
Fadel Adib, PhD
Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Edward S. Boyden III, PhD
Y. Eva Tan Professor in Neurotechnology
Professor of Brain and Cognitive Sciences
Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Professor of Biological Engineering
Cynthia Lynn Breazeal, PhD
Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Neil Gershenfeld, PhD
Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Hugh M. Herr, PhD
Thomas D. and Virginia W. Cabot Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Hiroshi Ishii, PhD
Jerome B. Wiesner Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Patricia Maes, MM, PhD
Germeshausen Professor of Media Technology
Alex Pentland, PhD
Professor Post-Tenure of Media Arts and Sciences
Member, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society
Rosalind W. Picard, ScD
Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
(On sabbatical)
Mitchel Resnick, PhD
LEGO Professor of Learning Research
Deb K. Roy, PhD
Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Member, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society
Associate Professors
Canan Dagdeviren, PhD
Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
(On sabbatical, fall)
Kevin Esvelt, PhD
Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Joseph Jacobson, PhD
Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Ramesh Raskar, PhD
Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Member, Institute for Data, Systems, and Society
Deblina Sarkar, PhD
AT&T Career Development Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Danielle Wood, PhD
Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Associate Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics
Assistant Professors
Behnaz Farahi, PhD
Morningside Academy for Design Professor
Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Paul Liang, PhD
Sony Career Development Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
Pat Pataranutaporn, PhD
Asahi Broadcasting Corporation Career Development Professor
Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Professors of the Practice
Kent Larson, BArch
Professor of the Practice of Media Arts and Sciences
Visiting Professors
Susan Blumenthal, MPA, MD
Visiting Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Robert Stickgold, PhD
Visiting Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Adjunct Associate Professors
Zachary Lieberman, MFA
Adjunct Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Lecturers
Joost Paul Bonsen, MS
Lecturer in Media Arts and Sciences
Mark Feldmeier, PhD
Lecturer in Media Arts and Sciences
Research Staff
Senior Research Scientists
Andrew B. Lippman, PhD
Senior Research Scientist of Media Arts and Sciences