Media Studies, Bachelor of Arts

Why Study Media Studies?

Media Studies prepares students to adapt to the present and future expectations of cross-platform content development and innovation. Governors State’s Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies provides an opportunity for you to examine, practice, and prepare to enter the media industry, which has an international reach and significant impact on today’s society at both the individual and cultural levels. The Media Studies program is ranked #5 out of 24 colleges and universities for veteran friendliness in Illinois, as reviewed by College Factual. On campus, Media Studies is recognized as a model for pre-professional student development earning us one of four Signature Program designations. The program offers AIM HIGH Creative $60,000  to support talented freshmen, transfer, and continuing media students.

Choose a concentration in Media Industry and Production, or Social Networking and Participatory Culture to specialize in the professional area that you plan to pursue.

Real-World Experience

In the Media Studies program, you will have access to state-of-the-art studios and equipment and opportunities to participate in real-world broadcasting in our classroom-based current events program This Week at GovState (TWAG) and on-campus internships with our live sports broadcasting program. GovState Media Studies students also intern in Chicago as well as New York and Los Angeles with Shoulder Hill Entertainment. These opportunities have included working on the live international production of “24 Hours of Reality,” Al Gore’s climate broadcast seen in 100 countries. In a competitive internship opportunity, students work alongside professionals and earn industry credits.

Reach Your Career Goals

With a bachelor’s degree in media studies, you will be prepared to enter positions in media strategy and production. Media Studies alumni have gone on to work and intern locally and nationally at ABC Chicago, Hazel Crest Cable, FOX3, NBC5, NBC Telemundo, WSIL-TV3, Big Shoulders Digital Video Production, as well as NBC13, and Shoulder Hill Entertainment in New York, NY. Alumni have also gone on to graduate school to study strategic communication and social media.

Employment Outlook

Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook indicates that media and related arts, entertainment, and recreation employment is projected to continue to grow by 12%, from 2014 through 2024. Locally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018 Report.

Concentrations:

• Media Industry and Production
  
  
  • Media production is a fast-paced and creative field, ideal for students interested in working in hands-on and innovative positions. In this concentration, you will have the opportunity to produce, animate, render, and edit real media productions utilizing GovState’s state-of-the-art studios and equipment, including drone video and photography. 
   
• Social Networking and Participatory Culture
  
  
  • The Social Networking and Participatory Culture concentrations prepare you to become an effective and technologically savvy media leader, manager, or practitioner through the research, development, and production of social and interactive media.
  • This concentration is offered in a flexible hybrid format, ideal for students with competing life needs, such as work, family, and far commutes. During the fall semester of the junior year, you will join your cohort ‘on the ground’ for 15 credit hours to complete foundation courses, developing hands-on skills in introductory aspects of multimedia production, storytelling, and analysis. Your remaining courses can be taken online to fulfill your Core, Selective, and Elective requirements.
   

Professional Memberships

Media Studies at Governors State University in an institutional member of the Broadcast Education Association, the international organization for educators preparing college students to enter the cross-platform, radio and television business. Full-time faculty are members of the Chicago/Midwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) and have earned industry recognition including the National Association of Television Program Executives Faculty Fellowship.

Program Outcomes and Assessment

Launched in 2014, Media Studies undergoes regular course assessment to ensure the curriculum is meeting the program outcomes and connecting to the needs and expectations of the media industry.

1. Evaluate local, global, and international perspectives and implications of the changing media environment, emerging cultures, and production practices.
2. Develop exemplary media production skills, practices, and knowledge.
3. Demonstrate the ability to adapt media skills and knowledge to current and emerging opportunities
4. Understand the relationships of media history, theory, and practice.
5. Engage with a community focus on local and global media production.
6. Foster meaningful interdisciplinary relationships.
7. Participate in the ongoing development of a media praxis community through curatorial and distribution activities and civic engagement.
8. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and with integrity as informed and engaged global citizens.

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