Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions - Program Questions

What prerequisite courses are required for a Master Of Arts In Interaction Design And Interactive Arts Degree?

Requirement of a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 semester units of relevant undergraduate work, a portfolio of work reflecting the applicant’s talents and abilities in digital and interactive media, and evidence of professional experience in relevant fields.

We do also offer Pathways For Non-Major students who have compelling backgrounds in other disciplines, we also offer pathways to a Master of Arts in Interaction Design and Interactive Art that includes additional coursework. Based on review and consultation with the admission committee, we can offer a 3-year program starting in the preceding fall to students who have the passion but lack prior experience in the production and design of interactive experiences. A three-year option means that you will start in the fall semester and complete a year of preliminary courses before joining the regular cohort in the following year.

Are there potential grants, scholarships, or research/teaching assistant programs to bring the cost down?

The graduate program itself does not have any scholarships, and most financial support is restricted to resident students. California State University, East Bay does offer numerous forms of financial support for current graduate students. The Academic Programs and Graduate Studies (APGS) Student Services office coordinates the many programs which provide financial resources and educational opportunities in support of your graduate education. You can find more information at. https://www.csueastbay.edu/financialaid/grad-students1/index.html

How much does it cost?

Cost of attendance varies from student to student. For more information about tuition, fees, other costs and financial aid, please check out this link on the main university site https://www.csueastbay.edu/financialaid/prospective-students1/cost-of-attendance.html

Are there possibilities to work on campus?

Student employment and internship opportunities are offered by a variety of employers to Cal State East Bay students. Visit the AACE web site to find jobs and internships by signing into the Pioneer Jobs portal on the AACE web site to find jobs and internships.
http://www.csueastbay.edu/academic/academic-support/aace/index.html

How can I contact you?

You can reach us best by email . We are always happy to answer your questions.

Where can I learn more about you?

You can explore other sections of this website, such as the "About Us" page or our blog, to learn more about our company, mission, and team.

Is it possible to arrange an online meeting to get more administration information?

In the spring we will have one or two group zoom Q&A sessions for interested candidates. Questions should be asked via email. We get over 100 applications and so we generally do not have the staffing for one on one general meetings.

Frequently asked questions - Application Questions

Is there an application fee waiver?

Fee waivers are not available to graduate applicants.

Where can I find the entire course structure, including credits for each course each semester?

Under Curriculum, you can find the whole course structure with credits per semester. Also on the CSUEB website at Interaction Design and Interactive Art, M.A.Program , you can access a list of each required course and credits per course.

What are the application deadlines?

University Application Due Dates
International students launched by May 1
Resident students launched by May 15
Transcripts for the university application June 1
Department Application Due Dates
International students completed by May 1
Resident students completed by May 1
Transcripts for the university application June 1
*Your application will not be evaluated until all materials have been received

Q: What are the application fees for the program?

Applicants should submit their online University Application through Cal State Apply, and pay the $70 non-refundable application fee. Applicants may not apply for more than one program or term at the same time. No application fee waivers are available to graduate students. Please note that if applying for a future term, any past-due application fees are still required and must be paid before enrollment in classes. Make sure to save the application submission confirmation page for your records

When should we expect to hear about acceptance?

Admission Application decisions are typically made 2 to 8 weeks after May 1st, and all application materials have been received by the university.

What is my chance of getting admission without submitting a portfolio?

If you do not have a background in design we recommend that you apply for the 3-year option. To apply for the three-year option please share a selection of your main skills in place of a design portfolio.

When does this program start?

We are cohort-based and so all students start in the fall, we do not admit students to start in the spring.

Can this program be completed in less than 2 years?

The M.A. IxDIA is a two-year degree program. Most coursework is offered in the evening. During the first year, students develop a theoretical foundation in interactive technology, enhance their creative skills, and learn to work effectively in teams. During the second year, small teams of students with various backgrounds and talents create innovative, professional-quality interactive projects. Ideas for group projects can originate from students, faculty, or external sources. Many of CSU Eastbay's student projects have won national and international awards.

Can students from other majors apply for the program?

Our students are a diverse group of individuals from many disciplines including fashion design and Business. For students who have compelling backgrounds in other disciplines, we also offer pathways to a Master of Arts in Interaction Design and Interactive Art that includes additional coursework.
Based on review and consultation with the admission committee, we can offer a 3-year program starting in the preceding fall to students who have the passion but lack prior experience in the production and design of interactive experiences. A three-year option means that you will start in the fall semester and complete a year of preliminary courses before joining the regular cohort in the following year.

If my GPA does not meet 3.0, are there any other scores I can make up for it?

The GPA is one of several measures we consider when accepting students. If you show exceptional promise in your portfolio, your work experience, or your statement we can consider how much weight your GPA would carry.

Is the program valid for S.T.E.M O.P.T extension?

Master of Arts in Interaction Design and Interactive Art is a STEM Designated (CIP 09.0702) program and qualifies for the STEM OPT extension. Interaction Design is a STEM field, which means it integrates elements of four disciplines: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Where do I apply?

You must complete the University and the Department applications at Cal State Apply.

Does the program require GRE score submission

We do not require GRE score submissions.

Frequently asked questions - International Student Questions

What are the application deadlines for International students?

Applications are accepted from October 1 - May 15.
We only admit students to start in the Fall Semester.
DEPARTMENT Applications are due by May 1
UNIVERSITY Application must be submitted by May 1
Transcripts and supporting documents for the university application must be received by June Your application will not be evaluated until all materials have been received.

Can I apply with a 3-year Bachelor's degree?

We will consider highly qualified candidates with 3-year bachelor’s degrees that have been evaluated by WES. The department will look at the portfolio and CV to see if you qualify.

How much does it cost?

The tuition is calculated as Graduate Base Fee for 6.1 + units plus Non-resident tuition of $420.00/unit plus Student Involvement and Representation Fee. For the I-20 requirements you also need to account for Health Insurance and Living Expenses. More information is posted here:
https://www.csueastbay.edu/iao/future-students/fees-payments.html

Estimated tuition for an International Students for Fall 2024 at 10 units
$4,553.5 -- Base Flat Fee for 6.1 + units
$2.0 -- SIRF Fee
$4,200.0 -- Non-resident tuition ($420.00/unit x 10 u)
$8,755.5 -- Total

Is the program valid for S.T.E.M O.P.T extension for international students?

Yes, this designation makes it possible for international students (with F-1 status) to apply for the 24-month Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT). The program allows students that have completed their degrees to obtain practical training through jobs that directly pertain to their fields of study.

If I have a master's degree in the UK, can I use this to waive the English test?

If you have a degree from a university whose primary language of instruction was English you should not need to prove English proficiency, but for all questions regarding international admission you should also check with International Admissions Office- Email iao@csueastbay.edu

Can I get a waiver on my English proficiency test?

CSU minimum standards for Graduate Students are at https://catalog.csueastbay.edu/content under Graduate and Post Baccalaureate English Language Requirement.
If still in doubt we advise you to contact the International Admissions Office at iao@csueastbay.edu regarding English proficiency.

Does The University Application accept unofficial transcripts and test scores?

The University Application process will accept unofficial transcripts and test scores for evaluation purposes to get an admission decision. If you are admitted, you will be required to submit final official documents before you will be able to enroll in classes.

Links to additional resources

International Admissions Office

Provides service to prospective students from overseas, students currently residing in the U.S. on a student visa, as well as any applicant with transcripts from a non-U.S. institution. More...

Office of Admissions

We are excited to review your application and the prospect of you joining our diverse and dynamic community. As a top-rated university, we are committed to your success. More...

University Housing & Residence Life

University Housing and Residence Life works to engage all residential students in their holistic development and academic success towards retention, graduation, and future endeavors. More...

Financial Aid

Provides service to prospective students from overseas, students currently residing in the U.S. on a student visa, as well as any applicant with transcripts from a non-U.S. institution. More...