Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State University

Michigan State University link 

Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media

Careers for the Information Age


The fusion of telecommunication, information technology, and media is creating exciting new careers in the information age. The Master of Arts program in the Department of Telecommunication, Information Studies, and Media at Michigan State University prepares you to manage information technology, to create original multimedia content, and to contribute to the ongoing debate about the proper role for communication media in society.

The TISM MA offers several courses of studies from which students may choose:

Digital Media Arts & Technology for creators of original multimedia content.

Information and Telecommunication Management for professionals who manage today's communication networks and design new information technology applications for tomorrow.

Information, Policy and Society for careers in academia and the public sector guiding the development of the information society.

Serious Game Design for those who want to specialize in the use of game technology and methodology to solve problems outside of entertainment.


Visit Our Facilities

Digital Media Arts and Technology (DMAT) Lab is a state of the art digital media technology facility for students and faculty interested in the creative side of digital media.

Comm Tech Lab creates innovative multimedia software.

Media Interface and Network Design (MIND) Lab explores issues of communication, perception, and cognition in virtual environments.

Quello Center for Telecommunication Management and Law conducts interdisciplinary research and organizes conferences to facilitate dialogue among policy-makers, scholars, industry executives, consumer interest groups, and students.

Games for Entertainment and Learning (GEL) Lab designs innovative prototypes, techniques, and complete games for entertainment and learning and to advance state-of-the-art knowledge about social and individual effects of digital games.

Experience Our Special Programs

Specialization in Management of Information Technology offers graduate students the opportunity to take a series of information system management courses.

New Media in Europe is a summer program for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students. Enrollees are based in Paris at the Telecom & Management SudParis and also visit telecommunication sites in Brussels, and Geneva.

Technology and Culture: Communication and Games in Japan is a summer program for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students. Hosted in Japan, this program offers students a unique opportunity to examine the relationship between culture and technology use in the context of Japanese communication and gaming.

Mass Media in the United Kingdom is a summer program based in London, but with trips to Wales and Scotland. Students interact with media professionals in classroom and media settings.

Apply Online

To apply, just fill out the online application form. Then send us a statement of your goals, your Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores, three personal references, your college transcripts, $50 application fee and, for international students, your scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). As soon as we receive your on-line application form, we will e-mail you your student number so that you can check the status of your file online. For more information please view our admissions page.

You can enter the program in either the fall semester, with classes starting in late August, or the spring term, starting in early January. The final deadline for all application materials is April 1 for fall semester and October 1 for spring semester.

Contact Us


Dr. Cliff Lampe
Director of MA Studies

419 Comm Arts Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1212
Tel:517.432.1334
Fax: 517.355.1292
E-mail: lampecli AT msu DOT edu

Rachel Iseler
Academic Programs Coordinator

425 Comm Arts Building
East Lansing, MI 48824-1212
Tel: 517.432.3676
Fax: 517.355.1292
E-mail: tcma@msu.edu