Purpose

Students pursuing the B.A. in Media study the organization and practices of mass media in our current era with a focus on how mass media work, produce meaning and shape society. They receive integrated instruction in verbal and visual communication including the study of practices across multiple media platforms that affect and inform beliefs, attitudes, values, identities, and behaviors of individuals, groups, and the public; and practice critique and application of media design, focusing on multiple platforms of media including emergent forms. Courses teach students to interpret and evaluate the huge mass of mediated information from a critical perspective so that they can use media wisely and ethically. They learn how to participate as informed citizens in a global digital world. The streamlined and flexible design of the major incorporates foundational, theoretical, and skills coursework focused on the convergence of information technologies and the rapid evolution in the fields of cinema, advertising, telecommunications, digital media, game design and other emerging media platforms.

Requirements

Students must complete at least 36 credit hours in the Media major, including the CASE Credit Hour and Residency Requirements and the following:

1. The Media School Core. Complete both a and b below. 
   
   1. Introduction to Media. Complete the following course:
      • MSCH-C 101 Media
   2. Concept Clusters. Complete one (1) course from each of the following:
      • Managing Media
        • MSCH-C 200 The Videogame Industry: Systems and Management
        • MSCH-C 204 Behind the Prize
        • MSCH-C 206 Media Reporting in a Global World
        • MSCH-C 207 Introduction to Media Industry and Management
      • Thinking Media
        • MSCH-C 210 Introduction to Games
        • MSCH-C 211 Screening Gender and Sexuality
        • MSCH-C 212 Screening Race and Ethnicity
        • MSCH-C 213 Introduction to Media and Society
        • MSCH-C 214 Race, Prejudice, and the Media
        • MSCH-C 215 History of Videogames
        • MSCH-C 216 Social Scientific Perspectives of Gender and Media
        • MSCH-C 217 Image Cultures
        • MSCH-C 218 Sports, Media and Society
        • MSCH-C 219 Media in the Global Context
      • Making Media
        • MSCH-C 220 Game Technology
        • MSCH-C 221 Writing for Electronic Media
        • MSCH-C 223 Introduction to Design and Production
        • MSCH-C 225 Reporting, Writing, and Editing I
        • MSCH-C 226 Visual Communication
        • MSCH-C 227 Introduction to Sports Media
        • MSCH-C 228 Introduction to Production Techniques and Practices
      Students should consult the Managing/Thinking/Making Courses Based on Degree Sequence chart to determine the best concept cluster courses to take based on the concentration.
2. Media Concentration. Complete one (1) of the following concentrations:
   • Cinema and Media Arts—Studies and Production
   • Interactive and Digital Media
   • Media Advertising
   • Media Management, Industry, and Policy
   • Media Science
   • Media Technologies and Cultures
   • Sports Media
3. Media Specialization. Complete one (1) B.A. Media Specialization. Note: some concentrations may limit the specialization that may be chosen.

Students must also complete the B.A. degree requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Additional Opportunities

Additional Media Concentration and Specialization

In addition to the required concentration and specialization above, B.A. Media students may elect to pursue the following options:

• One (1) additional Media Concentration with appropriate (additional) Media Specialization (21 cr. total)
• Up to two (2) additional B.A. Media Specializations (9 or 18 cr.)

Students should consult with their Media School academic advisor about these options, as restrictions apply when combining additional concentrations and specializations with minors. There are also limits to how many credit hours may be taken in the major. 

Minor for Music Scoring for Visual Media

Students pursuing the B.A. in Media are also eligible for a special minor offered through the Jacobs School of Music. For more information, see the Minor for Music Scoring for Visual Media in the "Opportunities" section of this Bulletin.