ITP is a two-year program of full-time study leading to the Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.) degree. The degree requires completion of 60 graduate credits within a three-tier structure.

First Tier – Foundation Courses (16 points)

Each foundation course will be offered at least once a year. Generally, students will be expected to complete these foundation courses before moving to Tier Two or Tier Three. In particular cases, a different sequence will make more sense and will be permitted. Sixteen credits in foundation courses are required for completion of the degree program. Due to previous studies or work experience, some students may consider themselves already proficient in a field covered by a foundation course. They may apply to a faculty advisor for permission to waive it. In deciding whether to grant the application, the faculty may require that an oral or written examination be taken. Waiver of a foundation course does not in itself reduce the 60-point requirement for graduation; usually it means a student will increase the number of elective studies, seminars, or fieldwork courses taken.

Second Tier – Workshops and Seminars (40 points)

Students can choose from a wide variety of courses from our production workshop and seminar areas. Workshop classes provide hands-on experience in such areas as design and digital media, computational media, networks, and physical computing, among many other topics. Seminar classes consider the impact of interactive media on society. Students may also arrange for independent study or internship credits.  See course listings for more details.

Third Tier – Final Thesis Project (4 points)

Students register for a final project seminar that is designed to help them define and execute their final projects. It is structured as a series of critique and presentation sessions in which various aspects of individual projects are discussed. Critique sessions are a combination of internal sessions (i.e., the class only) and reviews by external guest critics. Students are expected to complete and present a fully articulated thesis project and related documentation by the end of their last semester.

Transfer of Credits

Applications for a transfer of credits based on comparable graduate-level courses may be submitted only after three courses have been completed within the program. A maximum of 8 points may be transferred. Applications require the approval of the faculty.

Ownership Policy

The creative works produced by students at the Tisch School of the Arts in fulfillment of class assignments, or as individual study projects, whether made on Tisch School of the Arts premises or elsewhere, with or without Tisch School of the Arts equipment, and with or without extra funds, are subject to certain restrictions until the educational experience associated with such works has been completed. These restrictions are spelled out in the Ownership Policy section in the Tisch School of the Arts Bulletin.