Media Arts
Master of Arts

Overview of our master's in media arts degree

Step into a media landscape that's constantly evolving. Our master's in media arts program equips you to work, teach and create in today’s fast-moving world of mass media. You’ll gain hands-on experience in one of three focused tracks: electronic media studies or media management. Here, it's about more than just learning the tools—it's about mastering them to tell powerful stories, lead creative teams and shape the future of media.

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Master of Art (M.A.)
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
30 Credit Hours
Go To Why This Program Program HighlightsAccelerated Program Careers & Outcomes

How our master's in media arts degree grows digital storytelling expertise

Take your understanding of mass media to the next level with CMU’s master's in media program. Whether you’re looking to create, manage or analyze media, you’ll learn how to shape content that resonates in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Choose one of three specialized tracks—electronic media studies, electronic media management, or film theory and criticism—that blend theory and hands-on practice. Your coursework won’t just end in the classroom. You'll actively apply what you’ve learned through projects that directly enhance your expertise, such as contributing to campus media outlets like Moore Hall Television, WMHW radio, Moore Media Records or the CMU Film Society.

Faculty here aren’t just teachers—they’re active media professionals who bring real-world insights from fields like broadcasting, online media and film. Through close mentorship and small class sizes, you’ll gain both the technical skills and critical thinking needed to thrive in a media career.

Courses What Will Transfer Department Information

Highlights of our master's in media arts program

With a master's in media arts degree, you will:

  • Specialize in your field: Choose from three focused tracks: electronic media studies, electronic media management, or film theory and criticism.
  • Apply for a graduate assistantship: Gain teaching experience in media labs while receiving a stipend and full tuition waiver.
  • Gain hands-on experience: Work at award-winning outlets like MHTV, WMHW radio, or Moore Media Records.
  • Build research expertise: Prepare for leading Ph.D. programs or professional roles in the media industry.

Accelerated master's in media arts

Accelerated graduate degrees help you build a stronger résumé in less time, for less money. You could double-count up to 12 credits toward both your bachelor's and master's degree with the accelerated M.A. in media arts.

By double-counting all 12 credits, domestic students save up to $3,324 and international students save up to $1,248.

    • Minimum GPA at time of application: 3.0 GPA of at least 15 credits at CMU.
    • Requirements to maintain eligibility: average of 3.0 and no E's in double-counted courses .

    If your GPA is lower than a 3.0 or you have fewer than 15 credits at CMU, you can still be considered for admission if you demonstrate why you are prepared to be successful in graduate coursework.

    You must have a minimum of 60 undergraduate credit hours completed before starting coursework in the accelerated master's in media arts. To take full advantage of the program, make sure you apply for admission before taking any of the double-counted courses listed below.

    • Up to 12 credits of the following courses can be double-counted:
      • Up to 12 credits of the following: o Core courses: MCA 600, MCA 601. Media management track: MCA 513, MCA 516; and up to 3 credits of MCA 533, MCA 534, MCA 540WI, MCA 571. Film theory and criticism track: MCA 575; and up to 6 credits of MCA 525, MCA 527, MCA 528. Media Studies track: 500 or 600-level courses in the School of Communication, Journalism, and Media, approved by program coordinator.
    • You'll select your double-counted courses with an advisor. Then, you'll count them towards both your undergraduate degree and your graduate degree – either for your major or as electives.

    The M.A. in media arts requires 30 credits. You may double-count 12 credits before finishing your bachelor's degree, leaving 18 credits remaining to complete your master's degree. If you don't complete all 12 double-counted credits before you finish your bachelor's degree, you'll need to take more than 18 credits to reach the 30 credits required for the M.A. in media arts.

    Careers and opportunities in media arts

    A master’s in media arts can prepare you for graduate study at the doctorate level as well as for careers in media, business, broadcasting, teaching, film and more.

    Career Projected Salary
    Advertising Account Executive $61,460
    Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism $90,950
    Writer/Author $72,270
    Video Editor $70,570
    Communications Consultant $69,780
    A woman smiling in front of a television delivering news.

    Become an expert with student-led media

    As a master's in media arts student, you have the opportunity to build real-world experience by volunteering at some of CMU's leading student media outlets. Whether you're passionate about radio, TV or music production, you'll get hands-on experience that directly enhances your technical and creative skills.

    WMHW-FM: Get on the air or work behind the scenes at one of CMU’s two student-run radio stations. Whether you're shaping music playlists, producing shows or managing promotions, you'll develop broadcast expertise in a fast-paced environment.

    MHTV: Dive into live television production with student-led news programs. Cover local stories, forecast weather or report on campus trends—all while honing your on-camera presence and teamwork skills in a professional studio setting.

    Moore Media Records: Collaborate with local artists to produce, mix and promote their music. From recording to event management, you’ll gain a wide range of industry-relevant skills that can set you apart in the music business.

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