The media arts and studies (MAS) degree program prepares students for careers in the creative digital media industries. To achieve this mission, the MAS curriculum encourages a well-balanced blend of theory and practice. As our students get hands-on, skills-based instruction in the production of film, video, audio, interactive games and other digital media, they also learn to analyze the cultural, institutional and legal dimensions of media systems.
Media Arts and Studies Major
This 120 credit hour program requires the completion of all UK Core courses, B.A. or B.S. requirements, a graduation composition and communication course, 42 hours at the 300 level or above, an internship, a 2.00 cumulative GPA and a 2.00 major GPA to graduate.
Courses and internships prepare students for careers in the industry with interest in one of the following areas of study.
The MAS program prepares students for careers in the creation and production of video, film, interactive games, livestreaming and radio and music content across all digital media platforms. In MAS courses, students gain skills in producing, directing, screenwriting and technical areas of production. Students also study the narrative forms and social and cultural impact of media content.
The MAS program prepares students for careers in computer-based multimedia design and development. In MAS courses, students learn to use software applications integrating audio, graphics, video, text, animation and interactive applications for entertainment, business and education. Students also study theories of online gaming, social media and other digital media formats.
Our newest addition to the curriculum includes an emphasis on video games. Through a variety of state-of-the-art courses, students learn conceptual, practical and hands-on skills in interactive narrative storytelling, video game design, interactive game development, psychology of gaming and esports, and industrial structure and regulation.
The MAS program prepares students for careers in media management. In MAS courses, students gain knowledge of the structure and processes of major media industries – including the film, television, internet, music and game industries – as well as the operation of digital media companies, technology services and entrepreneurial ventures. Students also study the global cultural and economic influence of the media industries.
The MAS program prepares students for graduate study and law school in areas related to media and communication. In MAS courses, students learn methods and concepts for developing new knowledge about media and society and communicating these findings in public arenas. Students also study the law, policy and regulation of public communication.
MAS Major Requirements
- MAS 101—Introduction to Media and Culture
- MAS 201—Communication Technologies and Society
- STA 210—Making Sense of Uncertainty: An Introduction to Statistical Reasoning
- MAS 300—Media Studies Research Methods
- MAS 310—Media Policy and Regulation
- MAS 335—Introduction to the Media Industries
- JAM 399—Internship
Minimum six hours from social-cultural media courses
- MAS 319—World Media Systems
- MAS 323—Media Psychology
- MAS 410—Diversity and Society in Video Games
- MAS 420—Electronic Media Criticism
- MAS 430 – Psychology of Video Games and eSports
- MAS 520—Social Effects of the Mass Media
- MAS 540—Social Media Theory and Practice
- MAS 555—The Internet and Social Change
- MAS 560—Video Game Studies
- MAS 590—Special Topics in Social-Cultural Media Studies (Subtitle required)
- JAM 395—Independent Study
Minimum three hours from media industry courses
- MAS 355—Communication and Information Systems in Organizations
- MAS 425—Social Entrepreneurship for Media
- MAS 435—History of Video Games and eSports
- MAS 445—Industry of Video Games and eSports
- MAS 455—Music Industry Management
- MAS 482—Electronic Media Sales Management
- MAS 490—Special Topics in Media Industry Studies (Subtitle required)
Minimum three hours from media production courses
- MAS 312—Television Studio Production
- MAS 322—Multimedia
- MAS 332—Video Game Design
- MAS 342—Live Streaming
- MAS 362—Interactive Game Narratives and Storytelling
- MAS 390—Special Topics in Media Production (Subtitle required)
- MAS 403—TV Newscast Producing and Directing
- MAS 412—Video Field Production
- MAS 422—Interactive Game Development
- MAS 432—Audio Production
MAS students are required to complete a minor in addition to their major. Minor programs typically range between 12 and 18 credit hours, and students may choose any available minor at the University of Kentucky. For a full list of minors offered at UK, click here.
Minor in Media Arts and Studies
This 18-credit-hour minor program consists of two required courses and an additional 12 credit hours of course work with MAS prefix; six credits from the social-cultural media courses, three credits from the media industry course and three additional hours of MAS major courses (MAS 300 or higher level).
- MAS 101—Introduction To Media and Culture
- MAS 201—Communication Technologies and Society
- MAS 319 - World Media Systems
- MAS 323 - Media Psychology
- MAS 410 - Diversity and Society in Video Games
- MAS 420 - Electronic Media Criticism
- MAS 505 - Media and Popular Culture
- MAS 520 - Social Effects of the Mass Media
- MAS 540 - Social Media Theory and Practice
- MAS 555 - The Internet and Social Change
- MAS 560 - Video Game Studies
- MAS 590 - Special Topics in Socio-cultural Media Studies (Subtitle required)
- MAS 335 - Introduction to the Media Industries
- MAS 355 - Communication and Information Systems in Organizations
- MAS 425 - Social Entrepreneurship for Media
- MAS 435 - The History of Video Games and the Industry
- MAS 445 - Industry of Video Games & Esports
- MAS 482 - Electronic Media Sales Management
- MAS 490 - Special Topics in Media Industry Studies (Subtitle required)
Students should recognize that most upper-division media arts and studies courses have specific prerequisite courses that must be taken and plan their programs accordingly.
Minor in Video Game Design and Development
The minor in video game design and development offers courses that examine diverse cultural, industrial, social and technological ramifications in the context of video games and esports. It is open to all degree-seeking undergraduate students in the University of Kentucky (including MAS and JOU majors).
Admission
Any student wishing to minor in video game studies should file an application with the School of Journalism and Media after completing both MAS 101 and MAS 201 (with a C or above grade in each); and complete 30 hours of course work with a cumulative 2.0 grade-point average.
Minor Requirements
- MAS 101 - Introduction To Media and Culture
- MAS 201 - Communication Technologies and Society
One industry course (three hours) from the following list:
- MAS 435 - The History of Video Games and the Industry
- MAS 445 - Industry of Video Games & Esports
One socio-cultural course (three hours) from the following list:
- MAS 410 - Diversity and Society in Video Games
- MAS 560 - Video Game Studies
And any two electives (six hours) from the following:
- MAS 332 - Video Game Design
- MAS 342 - Live Streaming
- MAS 362 - Interactive Game Narratives and Storytelling
- MAS 410 - Diversity and Society in Video Games
- MAS 422 - Interactive Game Development
- MAS 435 - The History of Vide Games and the Industry
- MAS 445 - Industry of Video Games & Esports
- MAS 560 - Video Game Studies
MAS majors who minor in video game design and development can have MAS 101 and MAS 201 plus one upper-division course counted BOTH toward their major and minor.
For more information on which courses satisfy UK Core requirements and for course descriptions, visit the UK Undergraduate Bulletin. For questions regarding your specific coursework and program of study, please contact your academic advisor.