Graduate Degrees in Critical Media Practices

Critical Media Practices

Situated at the intersection of humanities, arts and computational technologies, the Department of Critical Media Practices is renowned for its experimentation with new modes of storytelling and research. As a graduate student in the department, you will be both a scholar and a creative artist exploring media practices, theories and innovations.

CU Boulder’s graduate degrees in critical media practices take a practice-based approach to research, scholarship and creativity. Discover new and evolving creative practices in the PhD pathway, or complement your interdisciplinary research by participating in one of two certificate programs.

Use cutting-edge technology. Attend classes in the Immersive Media Lab, which includes hardware for showcasing virtual reality and 360-degree experiences.

Extend your stay in the U.S. The PhD program is a STEM-designated degree, allowing international students to remain in the U.S. for an additional 24 months after graduation.

Push the boundaries of media. The Center for Documentary and Ethnographic Media creates a forum for documentary and ethnographic art that is accessible to all.

Degree Options & Application Requirements

Interdisciplinary Documentary Media Practices


Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Documentary Media Practices

  • Can be completed in 2–3 years
  • Thesis project required
  • Terminal degree
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the MFA in interdisciplinary documentary media practices.


Graduate Certificate in Interdisciplinary Documentary Media Practices

  • Can be completed in 1–2 years
  • Requires 9 credit hours
  • Open to graduate students currently enrolled at CU Boulder
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the graduate certificate in interdisciplinary documentary media practices.

Emergent Technologies & Media Practices


Doctor of Philosophy in Emergent Technologies & Media Practices

  • Can be completed in 4 years
  • Fully funded, practice-led program
  • Written dissertation and media-based project required
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the PhD in emergent technologies and media practices.


Graduate Certificate in Emergent Technologies & Media Practices

  • Can be completed in 1–2 years
  • Requires 12 credit hours
  • Open to graduate students currently enrolled at CU Boulder
Application Deadlines & Requirements

To learn about the upcoming term application deadlines, please visit the Graduate School website.

   For program details, review the course catalog for the graduate certificate in emergent technologies and media practices.

Research Areas

  • Cinema/Video
  • Interdisciplinary Art Forms
  • Media Arts
  • Photography
  • Virtual Reality

Learn More About Research Areas at CU Boulder

Funding Opportunities

We understand funding opportunities play a major role in helping you to decide whether a program is right for you. At CU Boulder, PhD students are supported through research and teaching assistantships. Students are also encouraged to apply for their own sources of funding.

Explore General Funding   Explore Department-Specific Funding

Graduate Student Resources

Student success is best met with holistic support and resources. CU Boulder offers robust resources, programming and opportunities to help students establish meaningful connections, adjust to graduate student life and find assistance when they need it. Whether it’s academic, social, or health and wellness support, the university provides an array of resources to meet the diverse needs of our students.  

Explore ways to connect with other graduate students on campus, online and off campus, locally and internationally.

Learn about our commitment to ensuring our graduate education is accessible and welcoming for all students.

Find resources with contact and location information for a broad range of services.

Attend regular, graduate-specific workshops and seminars to hone practical and professional skills before entering the job market.

Connect with an established graduate peer mentor who serves as your guide through the graduate student experience.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Go to Admissions