Michigan State University: Advancing the digital future

Michigan State University: Advancing the digital future


Jesse Sanderson has lived in East Lansing his whole life. After high school, he joined Lansing Community College before transferring to Michigan State University (MSU) to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Arts, specialising in graphic design.

Upon completing the degree, he worked at the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness. In 2023, he returned to MSU to pursue a master’s programme after being inspired by his younger brother and mother, who returned to school for their master’s degrees.

“I chose MSU because I’ve been part of the community for so long,” he says. “It feels like home to me, and I know that it offers great academic opportunities and sets its graduates up well for their post-academic careers.”

When deciding on his graduate programme, Sanderson was initially torn between two strong options: the online MS in User Experience (UX) and the in-person MA in Media and Information. Both programmes offered the chance to dive deeper into UX, a field that aligned with his interests. Ultimately, he chose the MA in Media and Information. It would let him engage in a more immersive, in-person learning experience while continuing to live in the community he loves.

The MA would turn out to be the best fit for his interests and aspirations — even setting him on a path that would later win him awards. For non-local students, the online MS in User Experience remains an excellent option, offering the flexibility to gain advanced skills in UX design without relocating.

The Department of Media and Information offers diverse undergraduate and graduate programmes on media effects, digital technology design, and strategic communication. Source: Michigan State University

Skills to succeed in a digital world

MSU’s Department of Media and Information offers undergraduate and graduate programmes, including two BA degrees (Information Science and Games and Interactive Media), an MA in Media and Information, and a professional online MS in User Experience — life-changing opportunities for those passionate about technology, game design, or information science.

The curriculum stays relevant by integrating the latest research and technology emerging from its own state-of-the-art labs and centres — such as the Games for Entertainment & Learning Lab, Rural Computing Consortium, SPARTIE Lab, and Quello Center — and beyond. These are spaces that put students and staff students at the forefront of communication technology and computer-centred interaction.

They also ensure that students are well-equipped for the evolving demands of their fields — something Associate Professor  Rabindra (Robby) Ratan can attest to. “My work in VR, AR, and the Proteus effect directly informs the courses I teach, allowing students to engage with the latest developments in these fields,” he says. “Additionally, our department actively collaborates with industry leaders and conducts interdisciplinary research, equipping students with knowledge and skills aligned with the demands of the digital age.”

For example, Professor Ratan recently looked into how VR affects gender equity and the fatigue people feel in virtual meetings. Students can get involved with these exciting topics through the SPARTIE Lab, where they help with research projects, co-author papers, and get hands-on experience in experiments that are pushing boundaries.

Flexible, specialised, impactful

The MA in Media and Information programme is flexible, offering specialisations in human-computer interaction, media policy, and game design. For those seeking more qualifications, an online graduate certificate in Serious Games is also available.

Sanderson found that the MA’s courses significantly impacted his academic and professional life.

“The Understanding Users course (now called Advanced Methods of Understanding Users) was a great way for me to get started, as it teaches in-depth UX research and design methods as you work on a project from start to finish,” he says. “The Foundations of Serious Games course is another great example, as it’s what launched me into the area of serious games, and it’s where I helped make the CLEARLY.”

One of his most notable achievements at MSU was contributing to the game CLEARLY, which won Bronze at the International Serious Play Awards. CLEARLY is a speech therapy game designed for patients with Parkinson’s disease, helping them practise clear and loud speech to combat a common disease symptom. “My primary role was creating the graphic illustrations for the cards, but I also contributed to UX and playtesting,” Sanderson says.

Building on his design experience, Sanderson’s time with the Education Abroad programme in Tanzania was another transformative chapter in his life. It allowed him to work on a project in a unique location with a large user base, gaining insights into how people from different cultures interact with technology. The places he got to visit and the people he met further enriched his understanding.

The best part? It was here that he created the English learning board game “We Speak Kiingereza” as part of the “Designing Technology Solutions for Schools in Africa” Education Abroad programme through MSU. “I envisioned creating the game as a supplemental learning tool to provide students with a fun way to practise their English and hopefully help keep them enrolled in school,” he says.

Michigan State University

The Education Abroad programme in Tanzania provides valuable project work, cultural insights, career impact, and enriching international travel experiences. Source: Michigan State University

Professors who care, projects that excite

With small class sizes, students benefit from close interactions with faculty and peers, making the most of personalised learning paths. Professors serve as mentors, always ready to suggest collaborative research opportunities and give guidance. With their care and connections, they have helped many students achieve their career goals.

“I regularly involve students in my research, helping them develop their skills and build strong academic networks,” says Professor Ratan. “This close mentorship helps students achieve their professional goals, whether they pursue careers in academia, industry, or beyond.”

Sanderson, who is one of the students benefiting from this, agrees. “They’ve been fantastic so far,” he says. “The professors go beyond just the projects you do in their classes; they take an interest in you as a person and also provide excellent career guidance built into the courses.

This close-knit academic environment is further strengthened by the many real-world learning opportunities MSU offers through internships and research projects. Partnerships with leading tech companies provide students with professional experiences that give them a competitive edge in the job market. For instance, within the SPARTIE Lab, students work on research funded by organisations like the National Science Foundation, addressing challenges such as equity in virtual meetings and the psychological impacts of avatars.

For Sanderson, a consulting internship with TechSmith has been a pivotal experience. His role involves conducting accessibility analyses of the company’s website and software products and recommending improvements to UX designers and other teams. “I’m excited about the learning opportunities this internship offers,” he says. “I have a good foundation in accessibility, but this role will allow me to deepen my understanding.”

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