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.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Media Arts and Sciences (BA)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

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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.

Please note: During the semesters spent completing your capstone, you’ll have access to all on-campus computing and fabrication resources, including a digital fabrication lab with 3D printers, a wood shop, laser cutters and an electronics lab.

Careers for media arts majors

As our world continues to evolve, there’s a surging demand for professionals who are both creative and technical. This program supports and fosters digital creativity, helping you stay ahead of the curve in our ever-changing digital culture.

Throughout your courses, you’ll gain computer, media, aesthetics and cultural literacy skills. With these skills and the hands-on experience gained in your capstone, you’ll have the knowledge and experience needed for a variety of jobs, including app designer, web developer, sound artist, UX designer and video game designer.

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


Growth: 4.7 %
Salary: $50,660

Computer Programmer


Growth: -11.2 %
Salary: $97,800

Computer Scientist


Growth: 22.7 %
Salary: $136,620

Computer Support Specialist


Growth: 5.0 %
Salary: $57,890

Graphic Designer


Growth: 3.3 %
Salary: $57,990

Production Assistant


Growth: 4.3 %
Salary: $65,000

Software Developer


Growth: 25.7 %
Salary: $127,260

Sound Recording Engineer


Growth: -1.2 %
Salary: $60,670

Video Game Designer


Growth: 15.2 %
Salary: $83,240

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

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

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.

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