Associate in Arts Degree

Media Studies Concentration

Overview

The Media Studies concentration provides flexibility by providing fundamental courses that result in a solid foundation for transfer to a your-year institution. Alternatively, it is a skills oriented degree designed to improve the student's skill and ability to operate broadcast technology in a professional setting.

Students who place into developmental math and/or English should begin the course sequence in the first semester. Please see an advisor with questions.

First Semester Credits
ENL101 M 3
  M Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning 3/4
COM103   3
PSY101   3
    Elective 3
Second Semester Credits
ENL102 M 3
  M Natural or Physical Science 4
COM113 M 3
COM105 M 3
ART101 (or)
ART130
 
Design I (or)
You Can Design!

ART101 Design I

Basic design elements including line, shape, color, texture, value, and composition and their integration on a two-dimensional surface are studied and applied. Students examine the nature and effect of color in its full utilization as a design element in conjunction with the interaction of positive and negative space, optical phenomena, and theories of harmony and visual dynamics. Cultural, ethical, and environmental influences on design from a global perspective will be understood.

Prerequisite: ENL010 and ENL040 or satisfactory basic skills assessment score

Offered: Fall, Spring

Note: Satisfies a Humanities and Fine Arts general education requirement.

ART130 You Can Design!

An online introduction to understanding and interpreting the world around you for the purpose of creating art work. Recognizing and identifying elements of visual language like Line, Shape, Color, Texture, and Tone will lead to applying these elements in the creation of art and design work. Critically evaluating art work and the work of other artists and designers will help nurture confidence in the use of visual language and provide a basis for exploring all forms of visual expression, including drawing, painting, life drawing, sculpture, design, graphic art, website design and printmaking.

Prerequisite: ENL010 and ENL040 or satisfactory basic skills assessment score

Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer

3/1
Third Semester Credits
    Natural or Physical Science 4
    Behavioral & Social Science 3
    Humanities & Fine Arts 3
    Elective 3
COM114 (or)
COM131
M
Radio Production (or)
Introduction to Video Production

COM114 Radio Production

Designed to instruct the student in radio production. Audio production, equipment, engineering, audio editing software, copywriting, broadcast delivery, and production techniques are considered as they relate to specific assignments and duties at a radio station. Students learn digital audio techniques that can be applied to a variety of communications settings such as: podcasting, commercial production, public relations, and audio for the web. Students apply knowledge to individual and collective work projects. Students in this course are expected to be proficient in computer file management skills. (60 contact hours per semester)

Prerequisite: None

Offered: Fall, Spring

Note: Satisfies a Humanities and Fine Arts general education requirement.

COM131 Introduction to Video Production

Students learn video production through lectures and hands-on projects. Specific skills covered include concept development, storyboarding, proper video camera operation, framing, and camera angles. While learning about the equipment and techniques used in video production and post production, students write and produce two projects that are edited on a non-linear system and screened in class for review. Students in this course are expected to be proficient in computer file management skills.

Prerequisite: None

Offered: Fall, Spring

3
Fourth Semester Credits
    Behavioral & Social Science 3
  M
Concentration Elective
  • ART137 History of Graphic Design
  • ART170 Introduction to Computer Graphics (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • ART205 Illustration I (Adobe Illustrator)
  • ART207 Graphic Design I
  • ART208 Graphic Design II
  • COM100 Voice & Diction
  • COM120 Introduction to Film
  • COM203 Public Speaking
  • COM204 Persuasive Communication
  • COM207 Argumentation & Debate
  • COM208 Broadcast Writing & Presentation
  • COM216 Event Planning & Management
  • COM221 American Film
  • COM222 International Film
  • COM224 Documentary Film
  • COM231 Advanced Radio Production
  • COM262 Mass Communication Cooperative Work Experience
  • ENL161 Journalism I
  • THR117 Introduction to Theater Design
  • THR120 Stagecraft & Theater Technologies
  • THR125 Stage Movement
  • THR205 Directing for Theater
  • THR207 Acting on Camera
  • THR208 Acting on Camera II
3
  M
Concentration Elective
  • ART137 History of Graphic Design
  • ART170 Introduction to Computer Graphics (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
  • ART205 Illustration I (Adobe Illustrator)
  • ART207 Graphic Design I
  • ART208 Graphic Design II
  • COM100 Voice & Diction
  • COM120 Introduction to Film
  • COM203 Public Speaking
  • COM204 Persuasive Communication
  • COM207 Argumentation & Debate
  • COM208 Broadcast Writing & Presentation
  • COM216 Event Planning & Management
  • COM221 American Film
  • COM222 International Film
  • COM224 Documentary Film
  • COM231 Advanced Radio Production
  • COM262 Mass Communication Cooperative Work Experience
  • ENL161 Journalism I
  • THR117 Introduction to Theater Design
  • THR120 Stagecraft & Theater Technologies
  • THR125 Stage Movement
  • THR205 Directing for Theater
  • THR207 Acting on Camera
  • THR208 Acting on Camera II
3
    Elective 3
    Elective 1-3
Total Credits 60

M Designates a Milestone course. A milestone course must be completed in the semester indicated to ensure that you remain on track to continue on in your program and graduate on time.

The Associate in Arts degree does not indicate a specialized degree in a concentration. Students who complete this concentration will satisfy the requirements of MassTransfer. For additional information pertaining to degree requirements, please refer to Degree Requirements.

Career Outlook

This program introduces the student to career-oriented fields such as radio broadcasting, radio production, and broadcast journalism. Job growth in the industry is based on strong demand from the public for media. Employment is constantly changing based on new technologies and includes film/video/television editors, camera operators, directors and producers, film critics and script writers, as well as teachers, set designers, production assistants, and props or location managers. Students may complete their degree and transfer to a four-year degree or they may immediately enter the field.

This occupational profile is provided by O*NET.