Media Arts
Program Description
The Media Arts program prepares students for transfer to a university in the major of their choosing within the field. An Associate in Arts (AA) degree in Media Arts provides students with foundational knowledge for a job in broadcasting, electronic media, advertising, photography, public relations, and media arts. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Media Arts and an Occupational Certificate in Media Arts both prepare students for a career in photography, broadcasting, graphic arts, journalism, or television production.
Graduates of these programs will successfully complete the following learning outcomes:
- Describe the history, nature, and function of the various mass media perspectives – journalism, public relations, advertising, and social media
- Describe the history, nature, and function of the various mass media formats – print, audio, visual, and interactive media
- Describe the role of the media in society as concerns ethics, theory, and politics
- Use the essential technology related to the various mass communications media such as video, audio, still photography, print, and the Internet
- Apply the fundamentals of the gathering and reporting of news
- Apply the principles and processes of writing for the various media – print, broadcast, online, and interactive
- Apply the basic theory and techniques used in the process of television production
- Apply the basic theory and techniques used in the process of audio production
- Apply the basic theory and techniques related to commercial graphics technologies
- Apply the basic theory and techniques of digital photography
- Apply the basic theory and techniques necessary for effective interpersonal communication and public speaking
- Apply the basic functions and uses of advertising
- Pursue advanced studies, specializing in one of the various media arts fields
- Exhibit skills needed for entry level employment in the field of Media Arts
- Prepare for continuing education at higher-level learning institution
Degree(s) / Certificates(s)
| Title | Local Bachelor's |
|---|---|
| Media Arts - A.A. Transfer Degree | - |
| Media Arts - A.A.S. Occupational Degree | - |
| Media Arts - CERT Occupational Certificate | - |
Career Outlook
Successful completion of this program may lead to a variety of employment opportunities, most of which require continued higher education at the university level. Below are examples of related occupations and annual mean wages in Arizona according to a May 2020 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates Report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Photographers Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists. |
$38,760 |
| Audio and Video Technicians Set up, maintain, and dismantle audio and video equipment, such as microphones, sound speakers, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, video cameras, video monitors and servers, and related electronic equipment for live or recorded events, such as concerts, meetings, conventions, presentations, podcasts, news conferences, and sporting events. |
$44,330 |
| Sound Engineering Technicians Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions. |
$51,550 |
| Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions. |
$51,690 |
| Writers and Authors Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material |
$56,070 |
| Graphic Designers Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects. |
$59,530 |
| News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists Narrate or write news stories, reviews, or commentary for print, broadcast, or other communications media such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television. May collect and analyze information through interview, investigation, or observation. |
$61,240 |
| Editors Plan, coordinate, revise, or edit written material. May review proposals and drafts for possible publication. |
$64,160 |
| Public Relations Specialists Promote or create an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media. May specialize in using social media. |
$66,420 |
| Art Directors Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design. |
$80,560 |
Contact Information
Department Contact(s)
Visual and Performing Arts
Hours of Operation
- Normal Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 7:00am - 5:00pm
Liberal Arts & Education
Hours of Operation
- Normal Hours
- Monday - Thursday: 7:00am - 5:00pm
Faculty/Staff Contact(s)
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Pease, MFA | Professor of Computer Graphics and Visual Arts | (928) 344-7707 | brad.pease@azwestern.edu |