Image Text
The Image Text Master of Arts program at Cornell University offers a uniquely interdisciplinary and creatively rigorous environment for students who want to explore the complex relationship between language, visual media, and conceptual art. The curriculum integrates creative writing, photography, visual culture studies, media theory, and interdisciplinary art practices, allowing learners to examine how text and image can interact to shape narrative structures, artistic expression, and critical inquiry. With a strong emphasis on creative experimentation, the program encourages students to challenge traditional boundaries of genre, explore multimodal forms of storytelling, and develop sophisticated conceptual frameworks that connect theory and artistic practice. This structure supports nuanced exploration of how visual and written communication function in contemporary artistic and cultural contexts.
Delivered in a part time blended format, the 25 month program combines intensive summer residencies with online coursework, enabling students to maintain professional commitments while advancing their artistic development. Throughout the program, learners work closely with faculty who specialize in writing, photography, media theory, and interdisciplinary art, engaging in workshops, critiques, collaborative projects, and guided independent study. Students develop strong skills in conceptual development, editorial refinement, and project based research that prepare them to create polished, meaningful, and critically grounded work. This combination of flexible learning, artistic immersion, and critical dialogue provides a rich environment for generating complex creative projects rooted in both visual and textual forms.
Key information
Key Facts
- Program Title: Image Text
- Degree Type: Master of Arts
- Duration: 25 months
- Mode of Study: Part-time, Blended
- Application Deadline: 01 February 2026
- Location: Cornell University, United States
- Field of Study: Design
- Language of Instruction: English
Program Structure
Semester 1
• Foundations of Image Text Studies
• Writing and Visual Narrative Techniques
• Research Methods for Interdisciplinary Art
• Elective in Creative Writing, Photography, or Media Studies
Semester 2
• Advanced Studio Practice in Image and Text
• Conceptual Frameworks in Contemporary Art
• Editing, Critique, and Project Development
• Elective in Visual Theory, Digital Imaging, or Narrative Design
Semester 3
• Interdisciplinary Project Workshop
• Media Experimentation and Hybrid Forms
• Seminar in Cultural and Artistic Analysis
• Elective in Documentary Practice, Experimental Writing, or Visual Culture
Semester 4
• Master’s Creative Thesis Project
• Professional Development for Creative Practitioners
• Presentation and Portfolio Preparation
• Elective in Advanced Studio Work, Publication Practices, or Art Criticism
Career Opportunities
Graduates of this program pursue creative and scholarly roles across writing, visual arts, media, and cultural production, frequently joining creative studios, publishing houses, art and media organizations, and independent artistic practice communities. Their strong preparation in conceptual development, interdisciplinary project creation, and critical analysis enables them to contribute to editorial work, visual storytelling, art production, cultural commentary, and hybrid creative projects that bridge textual and visual forms. With advanced artistic and analytical capabilities, they support innovative work across contemporary art, media, design, and creative education sectors.
Why Choose This Program
This program is an excellent option for students who want to explore the intersection of writing and visual art, offering opportunities to develop advanced creative insight and strong conceptual capability supported by Cornell’s interdisciplinary artistic environment. Through blended learning, immersive workshops, and project based exploration, learners gain the tools to craft sophisticated creative works, articulate critical perspectives, and experiment confidently across multiple mediums. Its structured 25 month format provides depth, flexibility, and professional development, preparing graduates for impactful roles in creative writing, visual art, media production, and interdisciplinary artistic practice.
Contact Information
For further information, please contact the admissions office at:
Phone: +1 607 255 2000
Email: admissions@cornell.edu
Address: Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, United States
