Within the Media Design Masters there are two pathways that students may take. You can download the curriculum pdf to see the course distribution and degree requirements for each.

2-Year path
The MDP accepts students with exceptional training and experience in the visual, spatial, interactive, and graphic design fields into the 2-year path. The condensed 2-year path is ideal for the experienced maker who wishes to expand their thinking and explore new practices within media design. The 2-year path consists of the concept year, the summer x-term, and the thesis year (see curriculum structure).

3-Year path
Applicants who are relatively new to design but who have other training and life experiences are perfect candidates for the 3-Year path. Open to all applicants–including experienced designers–the 3-year path offers the deepest engagement with the program. An additional year (called the Development Year) allows students to work with Art Center’s world-renowned programs and facilities and increase the number of core and elective studios they take within the MDP. The 3-year path consists of the development year, the concept year, the summer x-term, and the thesis year (see curriculum structure).

In Summer 2011, we will launch a new track within the Media Design Program in collaboration with Art Center's Designmatters department. The track will be called Media Design Matters and will have its own curriculum and academic calendar. Media Design Matters (MDM) will prepare graduates to work in critical, real-world situations where media & technology intersect with social issues & public policy. Visit the Media Design Matters temporary website for more information.

At the core of the student experience will be the "MDM Project." Each cohort will work on one of these year-long team-based field projects, researching and designing together with people in need. Each project is conducted in the field in partnership with: an international development agency, NGO, national level non-profit or local community organization. The first project partner, beginning Summer 2012, will be the U.S. Fund for UNICEF at a location to be announced. In subsequent years, a consortia of partner organizations will engage with MDM.

The inaugural courses for the Media Design Matters Track will be launched Summer 2012. However, we will be accepting applicants into the Development Year of the 3-year path (see above) starting in Fall 2011. The application deadline is February 1, 2011.