Media Studies

Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies

Mass media, in all its forms and fashions, is one of the most relevant spheres of study to our daily experience and of the new millennium. Media studies gives students a variety of ways to research and artistically produce media such as film, television, scripts, digital and visual communication.

A B.A. in media studies fosters an appreciation, awareness and understanding of media content and messages; their origins and evolution; and systems and processes of mass media industries. Students learn the historical, cultural, and theoretical foundations of media while studying the creative and commercial contexts and the sociocultural, psychological and political impact of messages. They develop visual and cultural literacy through classes such as basic writing, design, production, and technological skills. Media studies faculty are recognized for their distinguished teaching and include an award-winning filmmaker, multi-media artist and graphic designer, television and film historian, legal scholar, professional broadcaster, writer, technology and usability authority, and culture and music critic.

Media studies majors acquire valuable professional experience and contacts—locally, regionally and nationally—via the internship program. They also have ample opportunities to participate in student radio (WEGL) and television (Eagle Eye), the Chattahoochee Heritage Project, the SEC Network, and local news stations. With a challenging curriculum and enriching experience opportunities, graduates leave able to contribute to the next generation of mass media.

Learn more about the path towards a degree and career in media studies from the Career Center’s Pathways.

For more information about Media Studies

Media Studies Program Website

Careers in Media Studies

Below are some of the successful careers of media studies alumni:

  • Actor
  • Filmmaker, 3 Penny Films
  • Writer/editor
  • Web designer
  • Film production assistant
  • Broadcast/able network programmer
  • Traffic manager & on air personality, Auburn Network
  • Product marketing manager, North American Gaming/Dell
  • Producer, The Weather Channel
  • Regional network manager, IMG Sports
  • Syndicated radio show hosts, iHeart Radio
  • Media relations director, Georgia General Assembly
  • On-air talent, Beasley Broadcast Group
  • Video editor. Diamond Studios
  • Writer, General Hospital (ABC)
  • Director of corporate communications, AT&T
  • Script coordinator
  • Radio producer, Auburn IMG Sports
  • Morning anchor, WKRN-Nashville
  • Sideline reporter, ESPN
  • Broadcast journalist/reporter
  • News director
  • Video production manager, Viacomm
  • Integrated marketing coordinator, Comedy Central
  • Creative director, Keysys Consulting
  • Morning show co-host, WIXE 1190AM
  • Online video producer, Orlando Sentinel
  • Web relations specialist, Morris Jenkins Company
  • Media & communication specialist, Point University
  • Director/producer, SnapShot Interactive
  • Creative producer & photography director, Jump Cut Collective

Curriculum Guide for BA in Media Studies

Curriculum in Media Studies Students must apply for admission to the MDIA major. Before applying, students must: 1) Have a minimum of a 2.3 GPA in ENGL 1120 and a Core Social Science course*; 2) Complete ENGL 1120, CMJN 2100 or 2103, and a Core Social Science course* with a C or better; 3) Successfully complete COMM 1000 or COMM 1003 with a B or better; 4) Successfully complete 30 hours of degree-applicable course credits (including AP and proficiency credits); and 5) Write a 300-word essay explaining how the applicant expects to contribute to the field of Media Studies and his/her career goals. See the School adviser or the associate director for Media Studies for further information.Students who transfer to Auburn University must apply to the MDIA major and complete one semester at Auburn before applying for admission. Transfer students are required to take a minimum of 24 hours in the AU MDIA program. 

*May not use a History course to fulfill the Core Social Science requirement 

Freshman
FallHoursSpringHours
COMM 1000 Public Speaking (or COMM 1003 Public Speaking)13ENGL 1120 English Composition II3
ENGL 1100 English Composition I3Core Social Science3
Core Social Science3Foreign Language II (College Core)4
Foreign Language I (College Core)4Core Mathematics3
Core History3Core Humanities3
 16 16
Sophomore
FallHoursSpringHours
CMJN 2100 Concepts in Communications and Journalism (or CMJN 2103 Concepts in Communication and Journalism)3MDIA 2350 Introduction To Film Studies3
LBAR 2010 Liberal Arts Careers Preparation2Core Science II4
Core Science I4Core History3
Core Literature3Supporting coursework26
Supporting coursework23 
 15 16
Junior
FallHoursSpringHours
CMJN 3350 Visual Communication (or CMJN 3353 Visual Communication )3MDIA 3350 Writing for Television and Film3
MDIA 2800 Multimedia Production or 2420 Introduction to Filmmaking3Course from Major Group 136
MDIA 3300 Foundation of Mass Communication or 3303 Foundations of Mass Communication3Course from Major Group 233
Core Fine Arts (Other than MDIA 2350 Introduction to Film Studies)3Supporting coursework23
Supporting coursework23 
 15 15
Senior
FallHoursSpringHours
Courses from Major Group 139MDIA 4920 Internship3
Elective courses26UNIV 4AA0 University Graduation0
 Courses from Major Group 136
 Course from Major Group 233
 15 12
Total Hours: 120
1

COMM 1000 fulfills SLO 7.

2

Students must meet with their advisers to determine appropriate electives and courses for their supporting coursework. 

3

Students must meet with their advisers to identify approved courses for Groups 1 and 2.

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Last Updated: January 18, 2018