Thesis Information

The Thesis Project demonstrates your research and ideas in integrated media arts, combining creative and technical skill with strong writing and analytical foundations. Students have created films, interactive works like installations, performances, sound pieces, and augmented/virtual reality projects, and social practice projects. Your Thesis Project must be publicly exhibited as part of the IMA Thesis Show.

You are also required to submit a Thesis Paper that contextualizes your project in terms of the history of your chosen medium, its artistic lineage, and the project’s creative and theoretical development.

Developing a thesis project is far from an exact science. As you shape your concept, consider the following:

• How will the thesis be seen in relation to your other work? Contextualize the project and explain why you’ve chosen this particular topic or formal approach.

• Why does the project matter to you? Your passion and curiosity will carry the project through this challenging process, so think carefully about your commitment.

• Do-ability and manageable scope. There is no prescribed size for a thesis, but it should be reasonable to complete in two semesters. While your thesis can serve as a calling card, it need not be massive in scope. A well-made twenty-minute film is more than sufficient to graduate.

• Focus on impact, not duration. Show your work whenever possible—to IMA faculty and students, visiting artists, and friends. Engage through your work with makers and audiences you hope to reach

• Attend the IMA Thesis Show each semester. By experiencing the thesis work of other IMA students, you will develop an understanding of the thesis process and the range of possible topics and approaches.

You cannot formally begin a Thesis Project until you have passed your Second Crit and completed the Thesis Prep Process outlined below. However, students sometimes work on projects that inform and/or contribute to their thesis project prior to officially entering the thesis process. While you cannot use your thesis as a project in all your IMA classes, you can take courses and explore creative work related to your planned thesis. A Thesis Project that builds on prior work or incorporates pre-existing material must include ‘substantial new work’ completed after formally entering thesis—you must specify the precise nature and scope of this substantial new work in the Thesis Concept and Thesis Plan documents.

Important: All students must first complete Thesis Prep the semester before enrolling in thesis. Both the Thesis Prep process and the thesis timeline are explained below.

Step 1: Thesis Prep Process

Thesis Prep is a required, semester-long structured process consisting of sessions designed to help students develop and refine their thesis concepts and secure their Primary Advisor before registering for thesis. Working with the IMA Thesis Committee, you will ensure you enter thesis with a viable, well-developed concept and the right advisor in place.

Why it matters: Thesis Prep is required the semester before you enroll in thesis. You cannot register for thesis until the IMA Thesis Committee approves both your Thesis Concept and Primary Advisor.

Who Must Participate

Students who will have completed approximately 42 credits by the end of a given semester must participate in Thesis Prep during that semester. You may apply to the Program Director for a one semester postponement, but no further Thesis Prep extensions will be granted.

How to Check Your Credit Count

1. Log into CUNYfirst Student Center
2. Go to: Graduation and Transcripts → Request Unofficial Transcript
3. Find your “Combined Credit” total
4. Add any credits you plan to take during winter/summer semesters
5. If your total is 41 or higher, you must participate in Thesis Prep

Example: If you are in the Spring 26 term and will have 39 credits by the end of Spring, but you plan to take a 3-credit course over the summer, you will be at 42 credits by Fall—which means you should participate in Thesis Prep during Spring 26 term.

How It Works

The IMA Thesis Committee—consisting of the Program Director, Deputy Director, and two rotating full-time faculty members—facilitates the Thesis Prep process across structured sessions. The committee reviews your thesis concept, provides feedback, and must approve both your concept and Primary Advisor before you can register for thesis.

The Thesis Prep Sessions

• Session 1 – Orientation & Workshop: An overview of the thesis process with guidance on developing strong thesis concepts, scaling project scope appropriately, planning research strategies, navigating the advisor selection process, and understanding presentation formats and venue options.

• Deadline – Concept Summary and Presentation: Prior to Session 2, submit your written thesis concept summary to the IMA Thesis Committee and Program Coordinator.

• Session 2 – Concept Presentations: Students present their thesis concepts to the committee and receive feedback. After this session, you will have time to revise and strengthen your proposal before resubmitting.

• Deadline – Revised Proposal Submission: Submit your revised written thesis concept summary and your proposed Primary Advisor to the IMA Thesis Committee and Program Coordinator for approval. The committee may request further revisions or ask you to select a different advisor before granting approval.

• Session 3 – Thesis Orientation: A final orientation session with Program Director to prepare approved students for the thesis year ahead.

Advisor timing: If completing thesis over two semesters (3 credits each term—the approach most students take), you only need to confirm your Primary Advisor by the Thesis Prep deadline. If completing thesis in a single semester (6 credits in one term), which requires prior approval of the Thesis Committee, you must confirm both Primary and Second Advisors with the committee prior to registering for thesis.

Step 2: Semester 1 — Thesis Preproduction (IMA 79600)

After completing the Thesis Prep Process and participating in your Second Crit , you will register for IMA 79600 Thesis Preproduction (3 credits).

During your first thesis semester, you will:

• Refine your Thesis Concept and present it to the Thesis Class (highly recommended)
• Write your Thesis Plan in consultation with your Primary Advisor
• Confirm your Second Advisor (your Primary Advisor will already be confirmed from Thesis Prep)
• Attend the biweekly Thesis Class (highly recommended)
• Begin project production and compile research for your Thesis Paper

Step 3: Semester 2 — Thesis Production (IMA 79800)

In your second thesis semester, you will register for IMA 79800 Thesis Production (3 credits). During this semester, you will:

• Complete your Thesis Project
• Complete your Thesis Paper
• Schedule and complete your Thesis Defense
• Participate in the Thesis Show
• Graduate

Thesis Extension (IMA 79900)

Important: We recommend completing your thesis in two semesters. Up to two additional extension semesters are available if needed, but extensions should be a last resort.

If it appears that more time is needed, first work with your advisors to see how to rework the project to make it achievable by the end of the second thesis semester. Thesis work can always continue post-graduation. If significant work has been achieved in the second semester and more time is still needed due to extenuating circumstances, you may request approval from your Primary and Secondary advisors and the Program Director for a Thesis Extension the following semester.

Note on advisor compensation: Extensions place additional strain on faculty thesis advisors, and only the Primary Advisor is compensated (3 additional teaching hours) during a Thesis Extension semester. Extension semesters are currently registered as 1 credit; a curriculum change to increase this to 3 credits—to ensure adjunct advisors are fairly compensated—has been approved by the IMA Graduate Committee and will be submitted to formal College, University, and State degree requirement approval process— however this will not come into effect until Fall 2027. Registration for a third or fourth thesis semester requires prior written approval from your Primary Advisor, Second Advisor, and the IMA Program Director.

The Thesis Class meets approximately every other week during each thesis semester (Spring and Fall) to provide thesis students with guidance and community during their capstone project. Led by an IMA faculty member, the class provides a forum to exchange ideas, show work, and share feedback in a supportive atmosphere. Since most thesis students have completed coursework, the class helps you stay connected to the program while gaining valuable perspective from other thesis students. The thesis class is optional but highly recommended. If you choose to participate, please attend regularly and show up on time otherwise the class can’t function well. 

You do not have to register separately for the class—it is open to all thesis students. We encourage attendance throughout your thesis process. Feedback about another student’s project, no matter how different from yours, is often valuable to your own work, so attend whether you’re sharing your work that session or not. The date and time of the class depends on the professor facilitating, often every other Monday night from 6:30–8:30pm.

Committee Requirements

Your thesis committee must include:

• Primary and Second Advisors must be from the IMA Program. Both must have taught at least one 3-credit IMA class

• 1st or 2nd Advisor must be full time IMA faculty

• Third Advisors can be from outside Hunter OR can be IMA faculty

Advisor Roles & Compensation

• Primary Advisor (1st Advisor): Provides the most feedback on the project, approves the Thesis Paper for upload, and introduces the student and project at the Thesis Show. Compensated for 9 teaching hours in Semester 1 (thesis preproduction) and 3 teaching hours per extension semester, if applicable.

• Second Advisor (2nd Advisor): Provides feedback and gives notes on the paper. Compensated for 6 teaching hours in Semester 2 (thesis production). Both the Primary and Second Advisors must read and approve the Thesis Paper.

• Third Advisor (3rd Advisor): Least involved but may give notes on specific aspects of the project. Does not have to read the paper or officially approve the paper. Not compensated. The 3rd Advisor does not have to be a faculty member or connected to Hunter or academia. Students often choose artists/makers in NYC or abroad, or IMA alumni. 

All three advisors must attend the Thesis Defense, which can be in-person or on Zoom and takes place 1–2 weeks prior to the Thesis Show. All three advisors must approve the Thesis Project at the defense. The Thesis Paper is approved by the Primary and Second Advisors only.

A note on compensation calculations: Advisor compensation is based on the credits students register for each semester. Adjunct compensation and full-time faculty workload credit are calculated the same way: 1 thesis credit equals 3 teaching hours. In Semester 2 (thesis production), the Thesis Class instructor receives 3 teaching hours (1 credit) of the 3 credits students register for that term, with the remaining 6 hours (2 credits) credited to the Second Advisor. The third advisor does not receive compensation or workload credit under any circumstances.

Assembling Your Committee

Think about creating a balanced panel when assembling your advisors. Your project will benefit from advisors with varied analytical approaches, creative methods, and technical skills. When selecting your Second and Third Advisors, consider the committee as a whole and approach potential advisors who will complement, rather than duplicate, aspects addressed by your other advisors. You don’t have to have taken a class with them to ask professor to be your advisor.

When approaching potential advisors, include your Thesis Concept Summary and explain why you want to work with them in connection with your planned project. Keep in mind that potential advisors must weigh their existing and anticipated advising commitments, so give them time to consider your request. If they decline, don’t take it personally.

If you have difficulty securing an advisor on your own or would like advisor recommendations, the IMA Director will connect you with potential advisors and facilitate the process.

Important: As the thesis student, it’s your responsibility to communicate, send works-in-progress, and schedule meetings with advisors. Advisors (including the Primary Advisor) are not responsible for checking in with you.

Thesis Concept Summary (2 pages)

The Thesis Concept Summary is a two-page document that includes a one-page summary of your proposed thesis and one page of additional information. You will complete and submit this document during your Thesis Prep semester, incorporating feedback from your mid-semester presentation to the IMA Thesis Committee as well as subsequent guidance from committee members. Once you begin your first thesis semester, you will resubmit it with any revisions to prepare to present your concept during the first or second Thesis Class.

• Page 1: Explain your project’s proposed subject, scope, and design.
• Page 2: Provide additional information: secured advisors, anticipated semester of graduation (e.g., Fall 2026, Spring 2027), and sources referenced in research.

If the thesis builds on prior work or pre-existing material, articulate precisely the nature and scope of the new work. If you worked on the thesis in IMA classes, list the work completed in each corresponding course.

If collaborating with another IMA student, write briefly about the collaborators’ respective roles and responsibilities. Any subsequent changes must be approved by your Thesis Advisors.

Thesis Plan (5 pages)

The Thesis Plan is approximately 5 pages and is created during the first semester of thesis. You complete it in consultation with your Primary Advisor. When your Primary Advisor approves it, email the Thesis Plan to the Program Coordinator and Thesis Class instructor, copying your advisor who will confirm approval via email. 

The Thesis Plan should include:

• Project description: Revised 1-page Thesis Concept, incorporating feedback from advisors and Thesis Class. Articulate your conceptual and creative approaches.
• Personal component: Explanation of your relationship with the project and how it connects with and builds on your media-making practice and other IMA projects. This can serve as a foundation for your thesis paper.
• Research plan: Description of your planned research, including the kinds of sources you will use and how the project relates to an existing body of media work and/or literature.
• Audience: Identification of your Thesis Project’s intended audiences. If your project aims to promote public awareness and discussion, describe your plans for achieving this objective.
• Timeline: A research and production schedule that accounts for your project’s scope, available resources, and IMA Program requirements.
• Initial bibliography: At least 10 research references (books, articles, websites, films, videos, etc.) using Chicago Manual of Style or MLA Style Sheet formats.

Thesis Paper (15–25 pages)

While the Thesis Paper serves as a supporting corollary to the Thesis Project, it is a requirement of the MFA and should be written with the understanding that it may be read by people who do not have the opportunity to experience your Thesis Project. Thesis Papers are housed in an online repository managed by the Hunter library, searchable and viewable through any web browser—your Thesis Paper becomes a public document, so take it seriously.

The Thesis Paper builds on the Thesis Plan’s foundation. Your Thesis Plan reflects your understanding at a project’s inception—a creative, intellectual, and practical plan for undertaking your thesis. You write your Thesis Paper from the opposite perspective, so it should reflect what you learned throughout the thesis process. The distinctions between your Thesis Plan (project conception) and Thesis Paper (project execution) illuminate fundamental lessons about media-making and your thesis journey.

In your Thesis Paper, present your conclusions about the central question you sought to investigate, detail the artistic and theoretical methodologies you employed, and explain how this experience might influence your future projects. The paper should be well-written and meticulously revised, with as much care as you devote to preparing your Thesis Project for exhibition. Do not treat the Thesis Paper as an afterthought—it is an integral component of the IMA Program’s graduation requirements.

The Thesis Paper should generally include these sections, and any other elements your Primary Advisor recommends adding based on the specifics of your project and approach:

• Abstract: Summarize your Thesis Project in one or two paragraphs.
• Project Description: Provide a detailed description of your finished Thesis Project—essentially a treatment that allows readers who haven’t experienced your work to visualize it. Describe what the project is, what happens in it, what it looks like or sounds like, and how audiences will encounter it.
• Project Background: Explain your relationship to your thesis subject, including what led you to it and why this project matters to you. How did you approach the representation of the subject? Why did you choose this particular media or media mix? This section serves as a bridge between describing what your project is and analyzing the research and context that informed it.
• Research Analysis: Detail your Thesis Project research and explain how it influenced your approach. This includes research into your subject (the ideas, histories, or communities you engaged with) as well as research into your medium (the formal, technical, and artistic traditions of the media in which you are working). Situate your thesis within the critical and historical context of both. Delineate how your thesis relates to an existing body of media work and literature, and how it contributes to the particular artistic trajectory with which you engaged.
• Thesis Production Process: Reflect on the production and post-production phases. Describe how your stylistic, structural, intellectual, and aesthetic decisions were realized during production. Evaluate what you intended to do, what you actually accomplished, the obstacles you encountered and how you responded to them, what beneficial ‘mistakes’ occurred, and what you ultimately learned—about this particular project, about your artistic sensibility, and about how you will approach future projects.
• Audience and Exhibition: Identify the audience you want your Thesis Project to reach. If you intend that your project promote public awareness and discussion, describe how you will achieve this objective. What is your plan for exhibiting, distributing, and publicizing your thesis? Elaborate on any legal issues that might impact your ability to exhibit your Thesis Project outside the IMA Program. If your project includes unlicensed copyrighted material, articulate your fair use rationale. Describe your plan to clear music, archival footage, photographs, and other proprietary materials.
• Bibliography: Include a bibliography of approximately 25 books, articles, websites, films, videos, and other research sources using Chicago Manual of Style or MLA Style Sheet formats. The majority of your bibliographical entries should be referenced and contextualized in the body of your paper.

For complete thesis paper guidelines and specifications, visit the Dean’s website.

New federal accessibility requirements mean your Thesis Paper PDF must be accessible to people using screen readers and other assistive technology. Following these guidelines protects your submission from being sent back for corrections.

Step-by-Step: Making Your Document Accessible

1. Use Proper Heading Structure

• Apply Word’s or Google Doc’s built-in heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) throughout your document—don’t just bold or enlarge text to create visual headings.
• When you export to PDF, heading structure creates navigational bookmarks and tags automatically.

2. Add Alt Text to All Images, Tables, and Visuals

• Right-click any image or table in Word or Google Docs → “Edit Alt Text” → write a brief, descriptive caption.
• Do not use screenshots to display text-based information—use actual typed text instead.

3. Check Color Contrast

• Any text or graphic that relies on color to convey meaning must have sufficient contrast against its background.
• Use a contrast checker (see Resources below) to verify figures and infographics meet the 4.5:1 ratio for normal text.

4. Write Descriptive Hyperlinks

• Links in the body of your paper should describe their destination, e.g. “Read the IMA Thesis Guidelines” not “Click here.”

Exception: URLs in your References/Notes sections should remain as plain inactive URLs per the Dean’s formatting guidelines.

5. Preserve Accessibility When Saving as PDF

• In Word: File → Save As → PDF → click “Options” → check “Document structure tags for accessibility.”
• Open the PDF and add Title and Language under File → Properties → Description.

6. Consider Accessibility for Digital/Multimedia Projects

• Audio and video components should include captions or transcripts where possible.
• Web-based components should follow WCAG 2.1 AA standards for interactive elements.

Run the built-in checker before converting to PDF: In Microsoft Word, go to Review → Check Accessibility. Or download the Google Docs Accessibility Checker. Fix all errors before exporting—this is the most efficient way to catch issues early.

On-campus resource: Students who wish to use Adobe Acrobat Pro to run a PDF accessibility check may do so onsite at the Graduate Center Library at any public computer.

Accessibility Resources & Tools

• CUNY: IT Accessibility – Creating PDFs & Microsoft Office Documents
• CUNY: IT Accessibility – Developing Webpages
• Ohio State University: Digital Accessibility Guide for Dissertations and Theses
• Michigan State University: Creating Accessible LaTeX Documents
• Accessibility Checker built into MS Word (Review → Check Accessibility), Google Docs (Download Accessibility Checker extension)
• WAVE Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools – browser extension for Firefox and Chrome
• Color contrast tools: ADA Compliance Contrast Checker, WebAIM Contrast Checker

This process can be finicky, so please review these instructions carefully.

Before You Begin: Formatting Checklist

Follow the paper guidelines at the Dean’s website, which include specifications for font, page setup, and bibliography style. Make sure you’re using the correct font size, spacing, and page numbers as detailed on the Dean’s page. In terms of formatting, the School of Arts and Sciences Master’s Thesis requirements prevail in any instances where there is a conflict with the IMA’s paper requirements.

CRITICAL – Title Page: You must download and use the exact MFA title page template linked on the Dean’s website. Do not create your own title page or modify the template’s formatting or spacing in any way. Any edits to the template will cause your paper to bounce. On the title page, only list your Primary and Second Advisors and type their names on the line—no handwritten signatures. Look at the title page examples from past thesis papers for reference.

Accessibility: Before uploading, complete all accessibility steps in Section 6 of this guide. Run Word or Google Doc’s Accessibility Checker and fix all errors before converting to PDF.

Complete your thesis paper using the section headers outlined on our website. Both your Second and Primary Advisors must read and approve your Thesis Paper in Academic Works after you upload it. Do not upload to Academic Works unless you have your Primary Advisor’s approval.

Preparing for Upload

Before you start the Academic Works upload process, prepare the following:

• A paragraph description of your thesis (often the first paragraph of your paper works well, possibly with some edits)
• Metadata keywords to help people find your paper online (words that describe your paper and project)
• Your advisors’ email addresses: Primary Advisor’s email (using whatever email they use with you most), Second Advisor’s email, and Andrew Lund as program director. Do not include your Third Advisor.

Do not include your 3rd Advisor: We don’t involve the Third Advisor in the thesis paper process—many aren’t connected to Hunter, and it complicates the approval process in Academic Works. Primary and Second Advisors only.

Uploading

Follow the step-by-step guide to upload your paper to Academic Works.

After Uploading

Email the Program Coordinator to let them know. The coordinator will then email the Dean’s office to initiate the review. Check your email often—both the email you use most and your MyHunter email. Sometimes the Dean sends a paper back for formatting issues (usually small changes), and you need to respond quickly, revise the paper, and then resubmit it.

Example Thesis Papers

Here are a few sample thesis papers. We can share more with you upon request or you can access any of the IMA thesis papers through the library.

• The Collaborative Urban Resilience Banquet by Candace Thompson
• Shared Resources (Contractual Obligations) by Jordan Lord
• Better Than Before by Makia Harper
• Luncheon by Tomasz Gubernat
• The Market by Claudia Zamora Valencia
• Revolutionary Women by Fredgy Noël

Required: You must pass the Thesis Defense to participate in the Thesis Show and meet the degree requirements for graduation

Once you receive approval from your Primary Advisor by the ‘Go/No Go’ deadline (the deadline for confirming if you are on track to complete your thesis or not in the current semester), you will schedule your Thesis Defense with your three advisors during Thesis Defense week. This typically occurs during the first week in December or May.

Defenses are usually scheduled in 90-minute or two-hour slots, depending on your Thesis Project’s running or presentation time—typically the amount of time needed to review the entire project plus approximately 30–45 minutes of feedback and discussion afterward.

At the defense, you will present your Thesis Project. Your advisors will then discuss the project and paper with you. After the discussion, you will leave the room (or Zoom) and the panel will confer to determine whether you have passed.

Although the panel can vote not to pass you, once your Primary Advisor gives approval to schedule the defense, we expect you will pass and move on to the Thesis Show and graduation (provided you have completed all the College’s required filings). Advisors sometimes provisionally pass a student provided the student makes specific changes to the Thesis Project or Thesis Paper before the panel gives final approval for graduation. Ultimately there should be minimal changes needed for both the project and paper after the defense. If significant changes are needed and the Primary Advisor determines a student is not ready to defend, the student would enter a thesis extension semester.

Required: Participation in the Thesis Show is mandatory for graduation and thesis credit.

The Thesis Show is scheduled towards the end of Spring and Fall semesters. Leading up to the show, you need to be proactive about deadlines, and responsive to emails from the Program Coordinator, Thesis Class Instructor, and Program Director. You will need to provide important details to help the IMA Program plan and promote the show, including your project’s format, running time, technical specifications and requirements, description, and artwork. Graduating thesis students will receive a form about your technical needs following the Go/No Go deadline.

Technical Requirements

Deadline: All projects must be delivered no later than Tuesday at 5:00pm the week before the Thesis Show weekend. Arrangements will be made to make the spaces available prior to the thesis show so you can test your projects before then. Plan ahead!

• For Videos: Files should be 1920 x 1080, uncompressed (same settings as your timeline), with stereo audio. Apple ProRes 422 or 422HQ is recommended. Files should be delivered to Peter Jackson in 435HN—email peter.jackson@hunter.cuny.edu with any questions.

For Linear Films – Credits Addition: If your thesis project is a linear film, the preferred addition to the credits sequence is:

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Fine Arts in Integrated Media Arts, Hunter College, The City University of New York

• For Installations & Performances: Tech needs should be relayed to the support office no later than one week before your defense in the form of a diagram and rider. This ensures that requested equipment can be set aside and tested well in advance. We will make every effort to provide the requested equipment if available.

Note: Anyone creating an installation, website, or performance will be scheduled to give a short presentation about the project at some point during the thesis show weekend at the site of the installation or in the Lang during the screening. Presentations are usually 5–10 minutes and can be pre-recorded or presented live.

• For Websites: Links should be sent one week before presentations to ensure we can test them on the presentation computers well in advance. We also recommend bringing a local copy in case there are internet issues at Hunter.

At the start of the semester you plan to graduate, you must file for graduation with Degree Audit. There is a hard deadline to do this, which is posted online each term.

To file, log into CUNYfirst and indicate that you would like to apply for graduation. Directions are available on the Hunter website.

Be sure to continue checking your MyHunter email for updates from Degree Audit. Forward any emails from Degree Audit to the IMA Program Coordinator at imamfacoordinator@gmail.com.

Important: If you miss the deadline to apply for graduation, Hunter will not allow you to graduate that semester. You can continue to complete your Thesis paper and project (and we encourage you to do so), but you would need to reapply for graduation the following semester to have your degree conferred.

If you already applied to graduate during a previous semester, email Degree Audit to cancel: dgraudt@hunter.cuny.edu (include your full name and EMPLID number).

If you previously enrolled in IMA 78800 (our previous thesis system, available before Fall 2019, when thesis consisted of a single 3-credit class, with no extension classes), OR if you are graduating during a term when you are not otherwise enrolled in a class, the college requires you to pay the Maintenance of Matriculation fee.

More information about the MAM fee is available on the Hunter website (scroll to Maintenance of Matriculation).

Contact the IMA Program Director or Coordinator for clarification on any of the above.