Online Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Sciences
Understanding our culture today means comprehending the complex technical systems that influence our everyday life. In Arizona State University’s Bachelor of Arts in media arts and sciences, you’ll learn about the latest digital systems and become immersed in the issues of lived experience in our connected world. This program prepares students to be socially aware, critically thinking global citizens who strive to bring about positive change in a society increasingly shaped by revolutions in new technologies.
Quick facts
Next start date: 01/13/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
A degree that bridges arts and engineering
Traditionally, when picking a program, students are forced to choose between creative and technical fields. However, this program was created to break the mold and fill the growing demand for employees with multiple skill sets.
This program focuses on fostering a new kind of digital fluency — not only proficiency with design, tools and code, but also the ability to adapt to the rapid change associated with 21st century culture. As a media arts major, you’ll learn about the latest digital tools and systems while immersing yourself in the issues of lived experience in our new connected world.
What you’ll learn in this media arts and sciences program
You’ll master cutting-edge tools, engage in critical reflection of these tools and discuss their impact on our lived experience. Throughout your courses, you’ll also:
- Create images, animations and interactive programs.
- Examine the effects of digital technology on the way we live, communicate, learn and create.
- Experiment with techniques for physical, digital, literary and artistic prototyping.
- Explore techniques in programming in the context of images, sounds, interaction, networking and data visualization.
- Trace our evolution, look at current examples of hybrid cultural processes and discuss possible future trends.
- Learn how to use images, movies, sound files, microphones and cameras.
This program concludes with a hands-on capstone, in which you’ll integrate, extend and apply information, principles, theories and methods learned in previous courses while supervised by your instructor.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Featured media arts and sciences courses
In this program, you’ll learn technologies and techniques to develop and support media creation. In addition to completing required courses, you’ll have the opportunity to take additional courses in a variety of topics, including augmented reality, web development and philosophy of technology. Courses may include:
Jobs in media arts and sciences
As a media arts major, you’ll gain the skills needed to become a successful entrepreneur, artist or creative professional. This program prepares you for careers in UX design, app design and web development. After completing this program, you’ll feel ready to further your education or obtain creative positions. Potential careers include, but aren’t limited to:
Audio-Visual Technician
Computer Programmer
Computer Scientist
Computer Support Specialist
Graphic Designer
Production Assistant
Software Developer
Sound Recording Engineer
Video Game Designer
Learn from an interdisciplinary group of professors from a wide range of disciplines
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is home to world-class scholars, artists and designers who inspire students to shape the future. Our faculty’s research is grounded in the transformative power of art and its ability to change the world. Faculty research areas include:
- Arts and design for social justice.
- Arts, education and arts-integrated education.
- Arts, entrepreneurship and cultural policy.
- Community engagement and public policy.
- Creative health collaborations.
- Design, arts, science and engineering.
- The study of creative work.
Learn from an interdisciplinary group of professors from a wide range of disciplines
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is home to world-class scholars, artists and designers who inspire students to shape the future. Our faculty’s research is grounded in the transformative power of art and its ability to change the world. Faculty research areas include:
- Arts and design for social justice.
- Arts, education and arts-integrated education.
- Arts, entrepreneurship and cultural policy.
- Community engagement and public policy.
- Creative health collaborations.
- Design, arts, science and engineering.
- The study of creative work.
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
The nation’s largest comprehensive design and arts school
ASU’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is the home to top-ranked programs from a variety of disciplines ranging from the arts, media and engineering to film, dance and theater. We train artists and designers to leverage their creativity and problem-solving abilities to advance culture, build community and transform society.
5,300+
students.
400
internationally recognized faculty members.
125
programs in arts, media and engineering, design, dance and theater, film and music.
Top 15
among fine arts schools in the nation, ahead of Cornell University, Parsons School of Design and the University of California.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
