About Our MA Program

School of Multimedia Communications

MA Program Learning Outcomes

School of Multimedia Communications

MA graduates of the School of Multimedia Communications will meet the following student performance criteria:

1. MA Resume Reel: Media Specialty Thesis

   • As their MA thesis project, students will produce an in-depth feature-length investigation, or series of investigations, that meets industry standards within a specific media specialty. Prior to being granted an MA degree, students are required to present their reel before a committee at Final Review.

2. Production Skills

   • Ability to produce broadcast-ready video content that adheres to professional standards
   • Ability to use and create interactive content and web designs to promote and enhance media projects
   • Depending on the student's specialization: ability to present oneself on camera professionally in various kinds of scripted, live, and impromptu settings in the studio and on location; or, the ability to direct on camera talent in the studio and on location.

3. Conceptual Thinking

   • Ability to identify, research, and evaluate relevant information for in-depth and continuous coverage of a media specialty.
   • Ability to apply creative business and technological solutions for formatting, distributing, and marketing content across all major media platforms
   • Ability to apply creative business strategies in the presentation and promotion of projects.
   • Ability to discuss, analyze, and forecast media trends, and use data and information to support media forecasts.

4. Written and Oral Communication

   • Ability to develop scripts, features, articles and other written content for in-depth and continuous coverage of a media specialty.
   • Demonstrate mastery of various types of interview techniques appropriate to a target audience or media genre.
   • Ability to develop sophisticated concepts for a media project and to professionally pitch these ideas.

5. Visual Communication

   • Ability to rapidly visualize story ideas in the pre-production stage, for individual projects and larger-scale projects or series.
   • Ability to apply advanced design principles to various types of video, print, and interactive media.

6. Professional Readiness

   • Ability to present a professional reel to acquire a job within a media industry.
   • Ability to meet deadlines and submit work according to professional presentation standards.

Academy of Art University Learning Outcomes

Graduates of the Academy of Art University will demonstrate the ability to:

1. Produce a body of work suitable for seeking professional opportunities in their chosen field of art and design.
2. Solve creative problems within their field of art and design, including research and synthesis of technical, aesthetic, and conceptual knowledge.
3. Communicate their ideas professionally and connect with their intended audience using visual, oral, and written presentation skills relevant to their field.
4. Execute technical, aesthetic, and conceptual decisions based on an understanding of art and design principles.
5. Evaluate work in their field, including their own work, using professional terminology.
6. Recognize the influence of major cultural and aesthetic trends, both historical and contemporary, on art and design products.
7. Learn the professional skills and behaviors necessary to compete in the global marketplace for art and design.

For application and portfolio requirements, please contact Graduate Admissions at 1.800.544.2787 or info@academyart.edu.

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