What Is Media Studies?

In today’s digital age, it can often feel like just about everything relates back to the media. Whether you’re scrolling through Instagram to check on a friend or reading the latest news, different forms of media seem to surround us at any given moment. 

The increasing prevalence of modern mass media is also the reason why it’s so important for passionate and critical thinking students to pursue degrees in this growing field.

Media studies is an umbrella term that encompasses nearly every aspect of modern life. From creating video games, to analyzing journalism,  to answering the question, “What is interactive media?”, the scope of modern media studies is nearly limitless. If you’re interested in a career in media, read on to learn more about what a media studies program will entail, as well as the many opportunities for graduates in this field.

Media Studies Degree Overview

First and foremost, let’s answer the question that most readers are probably asking: “What is media studies? “

The term “media studies” refers to the history, content and impact of various forms of widespread communication. The vast range of media that we encounter in our world  can be generally broken up into two categories:

• Contemporary media – This category incorporates more modern forms of media and visual communication, such as social media, digital journalism and video games.

• Traditional media – This category refers to older forms of media practice such as the written word, radio and broadcast television. 

Within a media studies course, students will learn the following key concepts:

• Media language and communication techniques
• Representation and interpretation of media
• Audience and consumption of media
• The institutions that uphold the media and how they are evolving

Core Coursework

Media studies is a broad term that covers a number of different academic subjects. At North Central College, for example, media studies majors can choose from four different degree paths: a bachelor of arts degree in convergent-media, a bachelor of arts degree  in interactive media technology, or a bachelor of arts degree in journalism and media communication.

Core classes for a media studies major at North Central College will include:

• Digital Media Writing – This introductory course teaches students the fundamentals of an assortment of digital media platforms, including websites, mobile applications and social media. In this class, students will spend much of their time practicing writing styles for each type of media content and platform. 

• Media Law and Ethics – Legal concepts play an important role in the ethical production of media, especially in the modern world where information is more accessible. This core class focuses on the legal restraints and ethical issues regarding media in all its forms. Students who take this course will learn constitutional, copyright and broadcasting laws and how they apply to different types of media and communication.

• Digital Art and Design – This introductory course specializes in the more artistic elements of media production. Students will learn the basic elements of—and gain hands-on experience in—artistic digital media, such as computer graphics, graphic design and digital imaging. 

• Global Media in a Digital Age – This course will emphasize the global perspective of media. Students will learn fundamentals related to worldwide mass communication, economics and politics in media, and the impact of the U.S. media on the world. 

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Convergent Media-Specific Courses

Each specialization within the media studies department will also incorporate a unique set of core courses and electives. Students who pursue a bachelor of arts degree in convergent-media can expect to take classes such as:

• Web Design
• Writing, Rhetoric and Digital Studies: Text/Technologies
• Screenwriting
• Social Media
• Introduction to Professional Writing

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interactive Media Technology-Specific Courses

The field of interactive media technology places a greater emphasis on user-input-based communication. This means that students who opt for the interactive media technology track will take on a slightly different course load:

• Graphic Design I: Typography
• Introduction to Computer Programming
• Introduction to Website Development
• Mobile Applications Development
• Motion Graphics

B.A. in Journalism and Media Communication-Specific Courses

Finally, some media studies students may choose the more traditional and reporting-based track of journalism and media communication. This field leans more toward expository writing, as well as local and national news. 

Journalism and media communication majors will take a unique set of courses, including:

• Newsgathering I
• Multimedia Production Capstone
• Introduction to Broadcasting
• Video Storytelling

Concentrations

In addition to specific degrees, media studies majors may also pursue a broader educational path related to their preferred concentration. At North Central College, media studies majors can personalize their college experience by selecting one of three concentrations within the field:

• Journalism – A concentration in journalism will place a heavy focus on written and photographic journalism. The journalism path will also incorporate more modern and nuanced forms of communication, such as social media, narrative writing and persuasive writing. 

• Broadcast media – Broadcast media has long been an essential form of communication. This concentration will focus mainly on television and radio programming, as well as more specific crafts, such as editing, screenwriting and broadcast news. 

Interactive media studies – Interactive media studies is by far the most contemporary and technology-based concentration within this department. Students who pursue an education in interactive media studies will learn the fundamentals of a wide variety of media forms, such as: web design, 3D graphics, audio and video production, and virtual reality.