The MAS degree program offers coursework in the following areas:
Digital Media Production
The MAS program prepares students for careers in the creation and production of video, film, 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.
Multimedia Design and Development
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 related multimedia.
Media Management
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.
Media Studies
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.
All MAS students complete an internship for credit. The internship provides every MAS student with on-site experiential learning in his or her area of interest prior to graduation.
Media Arts and Studies is home to the Innovation Network for Entrepreneurial Thinking, or iNET – a cross-disciplinary academic program in leadership and entrepreneurship. Open to all UK students, iNET offers an array of learning opportunities that help connect students to the local entrepreneurial community, including mentoring with media professionals.
Many MAS students are involved in the student organization, Media Arts and Studies Society (MASS). The University of Kentucky also provides a wide range of campus opportunities that enrich the lives and education of MAS students. Included among these are the student-operated radio station WRFL-FM, the Media Depot at the Hub, and University Lighting & Sound.
The mission of the Media Arts and Studies program is to provide instruction and conduct scholarly research in the creation, production, dissemination and use of digital media content. Courses and internships prepare students for careers in the industry with interest in
Video and Audio Production
Including producing, directing, writing, and technical supervision – across all digital media platforms.
Multimedia Design and Development
Including computer-based interactive multimedia design and development, web applications, integrating audio, graphics, video, text, animation, and interactive applications for education, entertainment, and business purposes.
Media Management
Including network management in organizations; media distribution, sales and marketing; audience and content research; nonprofit and for-profit media entrepreneurship; and the management of various types of telecommunications and digital media companies.
Media Studies
Including advanced study in media education and scholarship, public advocacy of media-related issues, and communications law and policy.
Four Year Plans
B.A. Media Arts and Studies Four Year Plan
B.S. Media Arts and Studies Four Year Plan
Degree Requirements
120 Credit Hours (EXCLUDES: KHP service courses, EXP courses, and remedial courses)
Complete all UK Core requirements, Graduation Writing, and BA or BS requirements
42 Hours at the 300 level or above
2.00 cumulative GPA and 2.00 major GPA required to graduate
Pre-Major Requirements–9 Hours
MAS 101—Introduction to Media and Culture
MAS 201—Communication Technologies and Society
STA 210—Making Sense of Uncertainty: An Introduction to Statistical Reasoning
Major Requirements
MAS 300—Media Studies Research Methods
MAS 310—Media Policy and Regulation
MAS 335—Introduction to the Media Industries
JAM 399—Internship
24 Hours of Major Electives as Follows
Minimum 6 Hours from Social-Cultural Media Courses
MAS 319—World Media Systems
MAS 323—Media Psychology
MAS 420—Electronic Media Criticism
MAS 520—Social Effects of the Mass Media
MAS 525—Theory of Multimedia
MAS 530—Proseminar in Telecommunications
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 3 Hours from Media Industry Courses
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 482—Electronic Media Sales Management
MAS 490—Special Topics in Media Industry Studies (Subtitle required)
MAS 535—Telecommunications Network Management
Minimum 3 Hours from Media Production Courses
MAS 312—Video Production I
MAS 322—Multimedia I
MAS 390—Special Topics in Media Production (Subtitle required)
MAS 403—TV Newscast Producing and Directing
MAS 412—Video Production II
MAS 422—Multimedia II
MAS 432—Audio Production
Minor
Students must complete a minor offered through UK, with the exception of minors in Journalism Studies or Media Arts and Studies.
Printable Program Flyers
Required
MAS 101—Introduction To Media and Culture
MAS 201—Communication Technologies and Society
15 credit hours of additional course work with MAS prefix; three of the credits must be from among social-cultural media studies group of courses, and three credits must be from media industry courses.
Social-Cultural Media Courses World Media Systems; Electronic Media Criticism; Mass Communication and Social Issues; Media and Popular Culture; Social Effects of the Mass Media; Theory of Multimedia; The Internet and Social Change; and Special Topics in Social-Cultural Media Studies (Subtitle required).
Industry Courses Introduction to the Media Industries; Communication and Information Systems in Organizations; Social Entrepreurship for Media; The History of Video Games & Industry; Electronic Media Sales Management; Telecommunications Network Management
Media Production Courses Video Production I; Multimedia I; Social Topics in Media Production (Subtitle required); Video Production II; Multimedia II; and Audio Production.
Minor in Media Arts and Studies Printable PDF