MFA in Intermedia+Digital Arts

The Intermedia + Digital Arts (IMDA) program welcomes interdisciplinary artists seeking to expand or reinvent their practice to apply for an MFA. IMDA is committed to art that poses unique conceptual and social challenges while providing artists with renovated studios; teaching opportunities; emerging methods; art theory; engaged faculty; and high-end research centers typical of a research university. Graduate students take advantage of Baltimore’s vibrant art scene in their downtown Lion Brother’s Studios and mount their thesis exhibitions in the prestigious Center for Art, Design, and Visual Culture (CADVC). Building on our historic foundation of extending technological capacities (since our founding Chair, Stan van der Beek), graduate students produce a unique body of work where form follows their individual values. They learn to use and synthesize various approaches to artmaking that help to intellectually discern their place in the ever-evolving world of art and culture.

As a state research university, graduate students pursue a range of creative options from identity politics to sound sculpture, medical and bio-art, human-centered computing, interactive art, video installation, maker-labs, stop motion, data-veillance, surveillance and networking, social practice, and technology in both intellectual and formal terms. Our graduates are committed to a lifetime of creative productivity, with the skills, focus, and professional development that will propel their adventurous artistic practices to a new level. IMDA alumni present their work at distinguished museums, galleries, and festivals around the world and have garnered support from significant granting sources. Many have become academic leaders at some of the most rigorous art academies and universities in the U.S. and abroad.

Prominent visiting artists present their work regularly and give one-on-one feedback to graduate students. Past lecturers include Karen Finley, Janine Antoni, @rtMark, The Yes Men, Paul DeMarinis, Hasan Elahi, e-team, Nina Katchaourian, Paul Rucker, Mark Tribe, Michael Rakowitz, Karen Yasinsky, Fred Wilson, Guillermo Gómez Peña, Barbara Hammer, Lalo Alcaraz, David Rokeby, Zoe Beloff, Tony Dove, Martha Wilson, Brandon Morse, Cara Ober, David Hess, Alison Knowles, Larry Miller, Johanna Drucker, Tony Dove, Matmos, Elissa Blount Moorehead, Paul Chan, Ted Victoria and (upcoming) Krzysztof Wodiczko.

Merit-based financial assistance is available for those who qualify, including full Research Assistantships that offer tuition, health care, and a stipend in exchange for teaching or work at our research centers and labs. Other internal awards are also available on a competitive basis. Applications received by February 1 will receive full consideration towards admission and financing.

Contact our Graduate Program Director, Prof. Lisa Moren for more information or to receive a tour, lmoren [​at​] umbc.edu, or imda [​at​] umbc.edu.