Media Arts students are provided a liberal arts education combined with hands-on experience utilizing similar tools used by industry professionals. The department offers two undergraduate degrees:
a Bachelor of Arts with a major in radio, television and film (RTVF), and
a Bachelor of Arts with a major in converged broadcast media (CBCM);
and two graduate degrees:
a Master of Arts in either Critical-Cultural Studies or Industry Studies, and
a Master of Fine Arts in Documentary Production and Studies. The department's faculty includes top scholars along with current and former media practitioners with many years of experience. The RTVF undergraduate major provides a comprehensive background in media production, along with courses devoted to writing, industry studies, history, and critical/cultural studies. The CBCM undergraduate major provides a comprehensive background in media convergence, web-based production of news and information, as well as courses devoted to covering sports, entertainment, and political events. For the graduate degrees, Critical-Cultural Studies aims to help students wishing to develop critical thinking and writing skills with a goal of proceeding to a PhD or increasing professional skills. Industry Studies prepares students for PhD programs or advanced media industry positions. The Master of Arts is designed as a two-year program while the Master of Fine Arts is a three-year terminal degree program. Located within the thriving Dallas–Fort Worth market (currently ranked number 5 in the U.S.) the department frequently hosts professionals who serve as guest speakers and adjunct professors. The department also has an executive board made up of professionals and alumni who provide guidance on curricular development and industry trends. The location within the DFW market offers numerous internship and part-time employment opportunities while students are pursuing their degrees.
