Media Arts

A.A.S. - Occupational Degree


This program is designed not only to provide a foundation in basic media arts course work, but also to allow students to select an area of emphasis: photography, broadcasting, graphic arts, journalism, or television production.

Program Purpose


Graduates will demonstrate (1) basic knowledge in media arts that will prepare them to obtain an entry-level position within the field and (2) critical thinking skills in AWC’s General Education focus areas.

Learning Outcomes


  • Describe the history, nature, and function of the various mass media perspectives – journalism, public relations, advertising, and social media.
  • Describe the history, nature, and function of the various mass media formats – print, audio, visual, and interactive media.
  • Describe the role of the media in society as concerns ethics, theory, and politics.
  • Use the essential technology related to the various mass communications media such as video, audio, still photography, print, and the Internet.
  • Apply the fundamentals of the gathering and reporting of news.
  • Apply the principles and processes of writing for the various media – print, broadcast, online, and interactive.
  • Apply the basic theory and techniques used in the process of television production.
  • Apply the basic theory and techniques used in the process of audio production.
  • Apply the basic theory and techniques related to commercial graphics technologies.
  • Apply the basic theory and techniques of digital photography.
  • Apply the basic theory and techniques necessary for effective interpersonal communication and public speaking.
  • Apply the basic functions and uses of advertising.
  • Pursue advanced studies, specializing in one of the various media arts fields.
  • Exhibit skills needed for entry level employment in the field of Media Arts.

Program Map


Recommended Program Map / Program Requirements

The recommended plan below meets the requirements to complete this program.  For official requirements, visit the AWC Catalog. If the recommended classes listed below don’t fit your schedule or interests, you can take alternate classes. 

Visit Academic Planning to get started on your personalized Academic Plan, or schedule an appointment with the Advising Office or with a Faculty Advisor.

Program Requirements Based on Fall/Spring rotation

First Semester: Fall

Course Course Title Credits Area
ENG 101
or
ENG 107
Freshman Composition I 3 GE-Composition
MAT 105  Math for Applied Sciences (or higher) 3 GE-Mathematics
BDC 100 Introduction to Broadcasting 3 Major Requirement
JRN 100 Introduction to Mass Communications 3 Major Requirement
ART or HUM Choose one course from Arts or Humanities GE-Arts/Humanities
    15  

Milestones:

  • Meet professors one-on-one
  • Plan with your advisor after midterm grades posted

Co-Curricular Requirements:

Second Semester: Spring

Course Course Title Credits Area
ENG 102
or
ENG 108
Freshman Composition II 3 GE-Composition
JRN 125 News Writing 3 Major Requirement
SPC 215 Public Speaking 3 Major Requirement
ART 177 Digital Photography 1 3 Departmental Requirement
Departmental Requirement Choose an approved course from ART, BDC, GRA, JRN, or TVP  3 Departmental Requirement
    15  

Milestones:

Co-Curricular Requirements:

Third Semester: Fall

Course Course Title Credits Area
GRA 101 Graphic Communications 1 4 Major Requirement
MKT 100
or
MKT 110
Salesmanship
or
Principles of Marketing
3 Major Requirement
ART 178 Digital Photography 2 3 Departmental Requirement
Departmental Requirement Choose an approved course from ART, BDC, GRA, JRN, or TVP  3 Departmental Requirement
Social & Behavioral Choose one course from Social & Behavioral Sciences 3 GE-Social & Behavioral Sciences
    16  

Milestones:

  • If transferring, apply to universities

Co-Curricular Requirements:

Fourth Semester: Spring

Course Course Title Credits Area
TVP 125 Television Production 1 4 Major Requirement
Independent Study/Internship Complete ART, BDC, GRA, JRN, or TVP 299 3 Major Requirement
Departmental Requirement Choose an approved course from ART, BDC, GRA, JRN, or TVP  3 Departmental Requirement
Physical & Biological Choose a course from Physical & Biological Sciences 4 GE-Physical & Biological Sciences
CIS 120 Introduction to Computer Information Systems (recommended) 3 GE-Additional Courses
    17  

Milestones:

Co-Curricular Requirements:

  • Attend Etiquette Lunch
  • Meet with Career Services
  • Apply for university scholarship opportunities  
Open the program map above to view the recommended classes to complete the program. You can also print the program map using the button above.