About our Graduate Programs
Our research programs focus on critical media studies, emerging media and society, media industry studies, data analytics, international media, and media and development. Students may choose to emphasize either the social science or humanities traditions, and have the opportunity to employ both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
Our production programs focus on multidisciplinary, creative endeavors and project-based research. By exploring media production within content-specific areas, our students learn how to communicate as leading-edge media professionals.
The School usually has 30-40 students enrolled at the graduate level and maintains quality through selective admissions. Admission is granted only in the fall semester of each year. Entering graduate students often have experience working in media industry positions, serving a government agency, or teaching. In any given year, students from at least a dozen countries are in residence. The school gives preference to candidates with strong professional and academic records, plus clearly articulated goals for their graduate education. Each year the School awards a limited number of graduate and teaching assistantships to qualified candidates.
Degrees
Graduate programs in the School of Media Arts & Studies stress research, theory-making, and professional development. The School offers
- Ph.D. in Mass Communication (with the school of Journalism)
- M.F.A. in Communication Media Arts (with the school of Visual Communication)
- M.A. in Media Arts & Studies
- M.A. in Communication and Development Studies (co-administered with the Center for International Studies).
Ohio University is a well-established, notable liberal arts university known for its commitment to graduate studies, and its high standards in research and in professional development in numerous communication disciplines.
Earning a graduate degree in Media Arts & Studies at Ohio University provides students with the opportunity to explore specialized areas of interest, while participating in an enriching and an internationally diverse academic community.
Graduate students beginning a research-based program in the School of Media Arts & Studies can specialize in areas that include:
- Critical media studies
- Media industry studies
- Data analytics and emerging technologies
- International media
Graduate students enrolled in the production-based MFA program must concentrate in at least two media areas. Students must also choose a Cognate Area outside of production. Production areas include:
- Audio Production / Sound Design
- Digital Games and Animation
- Documentary Video / Audio
- Graphic Design
- Information Graphics
- Interactive Media / Web Design
- Music Production
- Photojournalism
- Studio Photography
- Virtual and Augmented Reality
Although each program and emphasis area has a set of required courses, students work closely with faculty advisors and their committees when developing the full set of course work that will enable them to successfully pursue their declared areas of specialization. Graduate students can take elective or supportive courses within other schools and departments within Ohio University. Students often include courses in Journalism, Communication Studies, International Studies, Gender & Sexuality Studies, Business, History, Social Anthropology, Education, Geography, Fine Arts, and Leadership & Public Affairs. Students also have access to statewide library resources, state of the art computer labs, the Game Research and Immersive Design lab, and our new social media analytics lab.