Program Statistics
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Last Updated: August 28, 2026
Media, Technology, and Society
Overview
Degree Types: PhD
The Program in Media, Technology, and Society (MTS) offers an innovative, interdisciplinary, and flexible curriculum focusing on the impact of our dynamic media and technology environment. The program encourages students to pursue their passion by designing individualized programs that incorporate relevant classes from across the University.
The program faculty is internationally renowned for their research in areas such as children’s development, digital media use and effects, health and well-being, human-computer interaction, innovation and change, media institutions, networks and organizing, and social media. Our faculty actively pursues opportunities to make positive economic, cultural, and social impact through their research in businesses, nonprofit, and government agencies.
Additional resources:
Program Contact
Contact
Kate Haddock
Senior Program Coordinator
Degree Requirements
Degree Requirements
The following requirements are in addition to, or further elaborate upon, those requirements outlined in The Graduate School Policy Guide.
Master's
Students who enter without a master’s degree complete their MA as part of their preparation for the doctorate. In addition to the coursework requirements described below, students shall be required to prepare a conference-quality paper under the supervision of a three person committee during the fall quarter of their second year of coursework. Students are encouraged to use the first summer following coursework to begin preparation of this paper.
PhD
Total Units Required: 13
| Course | Title |
|---|---|
| Core Courses (2 units) | |
MTS 501-0 | Introduction to Grad Research in MTS |
MTS 503-0 | The Practice of Scholarship |
MTS 519-0 | Responsible Conduct of Research 1 |
| MTS Faculty Courses (4 units) | |
| 4 letter-graded courses offered by MTS faculty (400 or 500 level) | |
MTS 501, MTS 503, and MTS 519 do not count toward this requirement | |
| Elective Courses (7 units) | |
7 letter-graded graduate level courses | |
- 1
MTS 519 is Pass/Fail and does not count towards the 13 letter-graded course total.
Students are also required to develop methodological expertise appropriate to their interests as specified by their committee.
Other PhD Degree Requirements
- Examinations: upon completion of coursework, written and oral comprehensive examination
- Research/Projects: present a research paper or grant proposal by the end of the second year of coursework
- PhD Dissertation: based on original, independent research
- Final Evaluations: oral defense of dissertation