Lead digital change, applying innovation and agile thinking to transform how media organizations operate.
Media Arts & Studies Graduate Programs
Media Arts & Studies Graduate Programs
Our Media Arts & Studies 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 they 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.
Graduate Programs
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Mass Communication Ph.D.The Mass Communication Ph.D. is a joint program with the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism and the School of Media Arts and Studies, and our doctoral graduates hold key positions at universities around the world.
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Media Transformation and Innovation M.A.The Media Transformation & Innovation Master of Arts degree prepares students for leadership in a media landscape reshaped by digital disruption, emerging technologies, and shifting audience expectations.
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Communication Media Arts M.F.A.The M.F.A., offered with the school of Visual Communication, provides seasoned media professionals with production skills and contextual knowledge with state-of-the-art facilities, preparing you to navigate and lead in the evolving media landscape.
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Communication and Development Studies M.A.The Communication & Development Studies M.A., offered with the Center for International Studies, focuses on using communication to promote social change, emphasizing topics related to communication for development, strategic communications, and participatory research methods.
Media Arts & Studies Research Areas
Graduate students in the Media Transformation & Innovation program tailor the program to their goals through one of three areas of study.
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Leadership and Innovation in Digital Media
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Data Analytics, AI, and Visual Data Storytelling
Master data-driven research and storytelling, using analytics and AI to inform decisions and engage audiences.
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Media Production and Digital Content Creation
Create across platforms, gaining practical skills in audio-visual production and digital content design.
M.F.A. Production-Based Areas
Graduate students enrolled in the production-based M.F.A. program must concentrate in at least two media areas. Students must also choose a Cognate Area outside of production.
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Production Areas
- 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
Game Research and Immersive Design (GRID) Lab
The GRID Lab was developed by the School of Media Arts and Studies faculty and staff to provide the Appalachian Ohio region with training, education, and an opportunity to develop technical and creative skills with digital game technology.
LED Wall Lets Students Create Photorealistic Cinematic Worlds
The LED Wall expands virtual production at OHIO and allows students to experience some of the newest technologies being used in Hollywood and beyond.
About the School of Media Arts & Studies
The School of Media Arts & Studies usually has 30 to 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.
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 coursework 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.
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.