Integrated, Interdisciplinary, Invaluable
Media Studies is an integrated, interdisciplinary field of study intended for students with a traditional undergraduate education and some experience in communications and digital media.
Students in the Master of Arts in Media Studies program, unique in West Virginia, are ideally suited to take advantage of the expanding job possibilities in graphic design, digital video production, interactive media and multimedia production, electronic publishing, health communications, and on-line information services.
About the Master of Arts Degree in Media Studies
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers as communication experts in such venues as commerce and industry, education, entertainment, health care, government and the not-for-profit sector. Students will graduate with design, technical, and critical skills and will be well-equipped to address the many challenges faced by corporations, small businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations and educational institutions as they venture into the digital millennium. Graduates are also prepared to continue their graduate work toward a doctoral degree.
The Media Studies program offers three tracks: Theory & Criticism, Digital Media, and Public Health Communications. The Public Health Communications Track is 100% online.
Program Impact
Information technology has already begun to create demand for highly skilled workers. As electronic commerce becomes more widespread, it will drive further changes in the labor market. States and countries that have an insufficient supply of skilled workers will see high-skilled, high-paying jobs migrate to states and countries that can supply the needed talent. As the information technology and media infrastructure continue to expand, there will be a need for managers, entrepreneurs, and leaders to direct this developing sector of our economy.
The Media Studies M.A. program is intended to have a significant impact on the future economic growth of West Virginia. In order for the state to meet the challenges of the emerging digital economy, we must work hard to create new human resources that can prepare us for these challenges. Programs such as this one which are directly related to new technologies and economic growth – will help West Virginia move from an economy based upon heavy industry (coal, chemicals and manufacturing) to one that focuses on media and information technology.
