Media Arts and Studies

About the Major: A major in media arts and studies provides a background for students wishing to enter the broadcasting, cable or corporate video fields. Students utilize studios and post-production facilities created exclusively for the Department of Communication.

Mission Statement: The major in Media Arts and Studies prepares students to think critically and creatively about media and teaches hands-on skills in media production and content creation. The program integrates the history, theory, and analysis of media culture, practices, and technology with production experience and internship opportunities in the areas of radio, television, film, and interactive media. Media Arts and Studies graduates are skilled communicators who are socially, ethically, and aesthetically astute; prepared for careers in a wide range of media industries, for graduate programs in production and media studies, and to compete in a rapidly changing technological world.

Learning Outcomes:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of media history.
  2. Apply media theory to the analysis and production of media content.
  3. Process information from various sources through research, evaluation, and synthesis.
  4. Communicate effectively in various forms of media (ex: print, film, digital media)
  5. Produce creative and innovative media content.

Career Opportunities: Media Arts and Studies majors use studios and post production facilities created exclusively for the Department of Communication. They have access to a wide range of courses in the department. Wayne State University is located in the heart of a large metropolitan area, there are outstanding opportunities for students to know and work with communication professionals. Internships are possible with Detroit radio stations, television stations, cable and industrial video production companies. The combination of studies and practice is a unique feature of WSU's program, which best prepares students as both practitioners and critical citizens.

The faculty of the media arts and studies program are skilled professionals who teach students how to become producers of mass media (film, video, broadcast TV, radio, online programming, media writing). Faculty connections and internships in the industry help place students into work opportunities. In addition, students interested in pursuing graduate degrees will find the undergraduate program in media studies to be rigorous, including opportunities for research and writing that will prepare him or her well for pursuing a master's degree.

Student Experience: A media lab in Old Main offers MAS students a variety of production facilities for editing and studio production. The equipment includes high definition cameras, computers for non-linear editing, sound, light and other associated equipment. Students will utilize the equipment throughout their careers at WSU, becoming proficient and comfortable with the technology. Audio labs are available in Manoogian Hall as well.

Since the university is located in the heart of a large metropolitan area, there are great opportunities for students to know and work with communication professionals. Internships are possible with Detroit radio stations, television stations, cable and industrial video production companies.

Find out what our students are doing:

Minor in media arts and studies