Program Overview

Introduction to IMA Low Res

The IMA Low Res program is a Master's degree offered jointly by the Tisch School of the Arts and NYU Shanghai. It aims to provide an environment for makers to explore the application and implication of new technologies in art, science, engineering, design, and the humanities. The program is designed for working professionals who cannot take two full-time years away from their careers or homes.

Program Structure

The IMA Low Res program is a 1-year, 32-credit program that grants a Master of Arts (MA) degree. It requires study abroad in three different locations (Shanghai, Berlin, and NYC) as well as online semesters during the Fall and Spring terms. The program involves a unique series of contexts and environments, specifically three in-person sessions in Shanghai, Berlin, and New York City, interspersed by two online semesters.

Requirements

The following materials are required to complete an application to the IMA Low Res program:

• Online Application Form
• Personal Statement – a 1,000-word statement that describes the applicant's experiences, successes, and failures, and how they have shaped their worldview.
• Video Response – a 1-2 minute video that discusses the issues the applicant cares most about and the role of creative technology in addressing them.
• Resume / CV
• Two Letters of Recommendations
• Official Transcripts showing at least a bachelor's degree
• English Language Test Scores – required for students whose native language is not English.
• Creative Portfolio (optional, but highly encouraged)
• Financial Aid form (if applicable)

Tuition Cost & Financial Aid

The tuition cost for the IMA Low Res program is as follows: | Term | Location | Credits | Tuition (USD) | Fees (USD) | Tuition+Fees | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Summer 2025 | New York | 9 | $22,401 | $285 | $22,686 | | Fall 2025 | Online | 7 | $18,123 | $0 | $18,123 | | J-Term 2026 | Berlin | 3 | $7,767 | $0 | $7,767 | | Spring 2026 | Online | 7 | $18,123 | $0 | $18,123 | | Summer 2026 | Shanghai | 6 | $15,534 | $0 | $15,534 | | Total | | 32 Credits | | | $82,233 |

Departmental Scholarship & Financial Aid

IMA Low Res provides departmental scholarships funded by the Tisch School of the Arts on the basis of financial need, educational excellence, and professional promise. All accepted candidates are encouraged to apply for scholarship aid by filling out the CSS profile and FAFSA (for US citizens and eligible non-citizens).

What are we looking for?

The IMA Low Res program is looking for applicants from a diverse range of undergraduate educational and professional backgrounds who want a first-hand understanding of the production and implications of interactive media systems. Demonstrating an interest in real-world challenges along with a desire to investigate current aesthetic, social, political, and ethical issues is encouraged.

FAQ

• What is ITP, IMA, and IMA Low Res?: ITP is the Interactive Telecommunications Program, a two-year graduate program located inside the Institute of Emerging Media in the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. IMA is the Interactive Media Arts Program, which was inaugurated at NYU Shanghai in 2013. IMA Low Res is the newest Master's program created jointly between ITP at Tisch School of the Arts and IMA at NYU Shanghai.
• Can you be more specific about the difference between this IMA Low Res and the ITP graduate program?: ITP is a 2-year, full-time graduate program that requires 60 credits to complete the Master of Professional Studies (MPS) degree. IMA Low Res is a 1-year, 32-credit program that grants a Master of Arts (MA) degree jointly from the Tisch School of the Arts and NYU Shanghai.
• Do I need technical or design skills before applying to the IMA Low Res program?: No, both ITP and IMA Low Res do not require applicants to be a programmer or designer before applying to the program(s).
• Can I take classes at ITP or transfer into ITP after finishing IMA Low Res?: The IMA Low Res and ITP are separate standalone programs. Students will not be able to cross-enroll in classes outside of their designated program.
• Is IMA Low Res a STEM Program? As an international student, will I have work privileges (e.g., OPT, CPT) in the US after graduation?: While IMA Low Res is certified as a STEM graduate program by the NYU Institutional Research Office, international students will not be qualified for any specific work privileges due to the limited time spent in the United States during the program.