BA in Media Arts

Media Arts is an innovative program that combines the study of communications theory and media production with the educational tradition of the liberal arts.

Why Earn Your BA in Media Arts at Sacred Heart?

Students majoring in media arts at Sacred Heart University examine the theories and concepts behind contemporary communications and media; learning to analyze films, genres, directors and hone critical writing skills. The production of both magazines and newspapers are integral parts of the program.

Benefits

• Experienced faculty with industry connections
• Courses in media history, theory and production are complemented by real-world internships
• Curricular design that regularly brings media professionals together with students
• Capstone experience that offers our majors the opportunity to showcase their skills and talents in a culmination of their work
• Ideal location on a campus situated in the heart of Connecticut’s Creative Media Corridor

Concentrations

Media Arts majors can choose from 3 concentrations:

Film & Television

Media arts majors concentrating in film, television and media take courses in this area of study with a particular emphasis on the moving image. This academic path is meant to be enriching rather than confining. The department of Communication and Media Arts understands that our field engages with a constantly changing media landscape, and we are committed to giving our students ample room within the major to choose their own path.

Journalism

The concentration in journalism combines traditional print-focused work with multimedia production, providing students the opportunity to develop the writing and media skills required in contemporary journalism. Students will take classes in the history, theory and production of journalism, and will graduate prepared to be active and engaged citizens working as communication professionals. 

Performing Arts

The performing arts track is designed to give students the opportunity to combine their love of performance with the theory and practice of media studies. Majors who choose this concentration will take courses in communication and media studies as well as music, theater and dance. Students will produce in-depth presentations, performances and written work and will acquire the knowledge and technical skills to pursue careers in the media and arts as they develop a theoretical, aesthetic and historical understanding of the professional fields.

Combined BA/MA Program

Incoming freshmen with a strong high school academic performance and an expressed interest in communication are eligible to join our combined five-year program, which leads to the completion of both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Master of Arts (MA) degree in five years.

Dual Degree Program Options for Media Arts Major

Sacred Heart University’s dual degree programs provide a defined pathway for incoming freshmen to move seamlessly from an undergraduate to a graduate degree.

While some of our dual degree programs require specific undergraduate majors, others are open to almost all undergraduate disciplines. Apply to a dual degree program as an incoming freshman and you’ll have the opportunity to be admitted directly into the graduate program of your choice at the same time as your admission as an undergraduate student. Students are encouraged to reach out to your admissions counselor to discuss dual degree options.

Minors

Students from across the university can take advantage of the eight different minors offered by the School of Communication, Media & the Arts:

• Advertising & public relations
• Dance
• Esports 
• Film & television
• Journalism
• Sports communication & media
• Theatre arts

These minors allow non-majors to explore an area of focus within the fields of Communication, Media & the Arts while developing an understanding of media theory, history and technical skills.

Learning Outcomes

Students are offered the opportunity to pursue their passion while receiving all the tools to forge successful careers. Students gain the critical skills to understand the work of the geniuses of the past, and the practical skills to put this knowledge to work for the future. Our curriculum focuses on the construction of compelling stories that make full use of the power of the media. Students have abundant access to the latest technology to help them realize their creative vision. Graduates are prepared to enter the fields of journalism, film, television and the performing arts with a wide breadth of skill and knowledge. They have the critical and technical skills necessary to succeed in today’s job market as ethically and socially-aware professional communicators.

Careers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports projected growth for employment in media and communication occupations between 2019 to 2029 will result in about 46,200 new jobs. Demand for media and communication occupations is expected to rise from the need to create, edit, translate and disseminate information through a variety of different platforms. SHU’s close proximity to the New York City/Tri-State Region gives students the opportunity to work at high-profile companies such as ABC News, NBC, CBS and MTV in addition to many other impressive corporations that conveniently neighbor Sacred Heart University.

Facilities

The SCMA program is housed in the Frank & Marisa Martire Center for the Liberal Arts, a $50 million, 120,000-square-foot world-class facility offering unparalleled resources. Students have access to media production studios and interactive laboratories designed to advance the skills and knowledge students need for the global marketplace. Media arts facilities also include a studio for beginning and advanced HD television production courses and the state-of-the-art Hubert J. Schlafley, Jr. Digital Media Lab equipped with high-end multimedia production workstations.

Activities

Media arts students have the opportunity to participate in a number of extracurricular activities on campus including media organizations that allow them to apply their coursework outside the classroom and gain valuable hands-on experience in their field of study. The SCMA student organizations produce news stories, publicity campaigns, magazines and movies in addition to hosting events, taking field trips and networking with industry professionals.