Understanding Connective Media

We get a lot of questions about our Connective Media program. Like, what does that even mean? How is it different than the Computer Science degree? Why?

Earlier this year, Jonathan Huang, a Connective Media student, took a stab at answering some of these questions on his blog.

The Basics

In short, Jonathan described Connective Media as Computer Science/Information Systems + social theory awareness. (CS/IS + social theory = building technology to solve social/information/media problems)

Connective Media vs. Computer Science

But, Jonathan wrote, this basic definition usually receives “lukewarm responses.” The program is technically an MS in Information Systems, so people sometimes assume it is a less technical degree.

It’s true that a lot of the CM program is atypical when compared to traditional CS degrees (we have requirements—design, psychology—that a lot of CS students would cringe at). However, the degree is undoubtedly just as technical as a CS degree.

There is a lot of cross-major collaboration between CM and CS and by the end of the two year program, Connective Media students take 2x the number of CS credits. “Even with the extra year, CM has everything technical CS has and more,” Jonathan wrote.

But really, what is it?

Jonathan explained it best when he wrote:

In essence, CM aims to be about more than just technology. It’s about applying technology intelligently to the types of social, information, and media-based problems that people face every day… the faculty at CT believer CM-ers need to grasp the underlying human behavioral and psychological motivations and combine them with concrete system building skills.

Don’t forget to check out Jonathan’s blog to read the full post or learn more about our Connective Media program.