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Media Arts and Studies B.S.
Honors Tutorial College Program

Media Arts and Studies Major

The Honors Tutorial College program in Media Arts and Studies offers exceptional students an individualized and immersive approach to the study of media industries. Through one-on-one and small-group tutorials with School of Media Arts and Studies faculty, students engage deeply with media theory, research, and creative practice while progressing well beyond the scope of traditional coursework.

Curriculum

Students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher, and fulfill all university and Honors Tutorial College requirements. In addition to eight honors tutorials, students complete core Media Arts and Studies coursework, writing and quantitative reasoning requirements, approved electives, and a required minor or certificate.

Internships, study abroad, and immersive industry experiences may be incorporated into the program with permission from the Director of Studies. Honors Tutorial College students enroll in a minimum of 15 credit hours per semester.

View Full Curriculum in the Academic Catalog

Honors Tutorial and Thesis

Students complete eight Media Arts and Studies tutorials, including two devoted to an original senior honors thesis or project. Tutorials may involve advanced research and analysis of media or the creation of original media works, depending on the student’s focus.

The honors thesis reflects the student’s individual interests and may be research-based or project-based. Its acceptance depends on the quality of the work and the judgment of the thesis advisor and the Director of Studies. The thesis represents sustained, high-quality work that integrates theory, research, and/or creative practice at an advanced level.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the HTC Media Arts and Studies program are well prepared for professional roles across media industries, including film and television production, digital media, animation, music and audio production, game design, media strategy, and emerging technologies. Many students gain experience through internships, student-run media organizations, and immersive programs such as semester-long study in Los Angeles or international study abroad.

Alumni also pursue graduate study in media, communication, film, digital arts, and related fields.

  • Tuition & Fees

    OHIO is committed to your lifelong success through our Guarantee+, which offers fixed tuition and fees, a graduation plan and lifelong benefits to our students. We're continuously striving to make college more affordable and accessible, while maintaining the high quality and value of an OHIO education.

  • Financial Aid & Scholarships

    All first-year Honors Tutorial College students admitted for fall semester earn the OHIO Premier Scholarship, valued at full in-state tuition and renewable for four years. Out-of-state HTC students may also earn the OHIO Trustee Award, valued at up to $7,000 annually.
     

    Our Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships also provides services to students and parents both in-person and remotely.

Admission Requirements

This is a selective admission program. Students must demonstrate:

  • Exceptional academic performance
  • Strong potential for independent study and research
  • A portfolio of creative works submitted to the director of studies
  • Submission of additional essays and high school teacher recommendations
  • An interview with the director of studies

First-year, transfer, and external applicants are held to the same high standards. More details can be found on the HTC Application Page.

Director of Studies

Beth Novak’s love of immersive storytelling began at a young age with her first visit to Walt Disney World. An eye for design and an affinity for technology led to a career in interface design. After stints with the Chicago Tribune, the Detroit Free Press, and America Online, Beth attended The Ohio State University to earn an MFA in Design. 

Beth has been recognized for her teaching with multiple awards and currently serves as associate dean of the Honors Tutorial College and is an associate professor in the School of Media Arts and Studies. 
 

ban@ohio.edu 

Learn more about Beth Novak

Beth Novak

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