A master's degree may be earned in each of the three areas of emphasis according to two plans: by thesis or by project.
Plan 1: Thesis
In accordance with Academic Senate regulations, a master's thesis committee consists of three ladder-faculty members. Two of the committee members must be from MAT. The chair of this committee advises the student on a course of study and directs the thesis research. The committee is nominated by the program chair in consultation with the student and is approved by the graduate deans. All committee members must accept the thesis. The thesis must be presented in a form acceptable to the UCSB Library and meet the filing requirements of the Graduate Division.
Plan 2: Project
Master's degree project committees consist of three ladder-faculty members, at least two of which must be from MAT. This plan will consist of a digital media project resulting in a product, installation, or performance. A 30-page academic paper will accompany the project and the student will make a public presentation. The project, paper, and presentation will be evaluated by the student's master's committee.