Media Studies
An Associate of Arts in Media Studies is designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of media, including its history, theory and production techniques.
Media Studies
Outcomes
A degree in media studies offers graduates various career opportunities. They can work in journalism, reporting news stories for newspapers, magazines or online publications. Others pursue roles in broadcasting as radio or television hosts, producers or reporters. Some graduates enter the field of public relations, crafting communication strategies for businesses, nonprofits or government agencies to shape public perception.
Opportunities also exist in advertising, where graduates can work as account executives, creative directors or media planners, developing campaigns to promote products or services. Additionally, graduates may pursue careers in digital media, content creation, social media management or media research. With their skills in communication, critical thinking, and creativity, graduates are well-prepared for diverse professions in the ever-evolving field of media.
Career Outlook
- Average Salary: $60,925
- Job Postings: 488
Average salary is based on a 2024 NACE Salary Survey. Job posting data is for social media specialists positions and is provided by Lightcast. This number represents unique job postings from companies looking to hire in the last 30 days as of May 2024.
Media Studies Degree Options
Major in media studies at USF, and you’ll build a foundation for your future. It all starts when you customize your bachelor’s degree program to your talents and career goals. Your media studies degree options include:
Media Studies
A Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies offers a comprehensive exploration of media forms, their histories and their cultural impacts.
Media Studies
A media studies minor provides students with a focused yet comprehensive understanding of media, its history, production and cultural impact.
Sports Marketing and Media
A Bachelor of Arts in Sports Marketing and Media is an interdisciplinary program that combines principles of marketing, communication and media with a focus on the sports industry.
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Internships
Internship opportunities abound for USF Media Studies students at numerous Sioux Falls business and media outlets:
- Sanford Marketing
- Sanford Pentagon Video Production
- Dakota Video and Post
- Fresh Produce
- Key Media Solutions
- Insight Marketing Design
- 605 Magazine
- Sioux Falls television stations (KELO, KDLT and KSFY)
- Results Radio
- Lawrence & Schiller
- Sioux Falls Design Center
- Vision Video LLC
- South Dakota Public Radio
- DTSF – Downtown Sioux Falls
*In addition to industry, USF Media Studies students have found rewarding careers in law and academics.
Learning Outcomes
Careful study of the theory and practice of various media, including both text-based and electronic formats are incorporated into the major for the purposes of generation awareness about the power and limitations of those media, so that the next generation can better develop as a community of citizens rather than an amorphous mass of consumers.
Students will be able to think critically about issues, work and ideas in media studies. Students will be able to write for the media studies discipline, understand the major theoretical perspectives in their discipline and produce appropriate media material for their concentrations. Media studies graduates will have developed a philosophical position on the place for communication in culture.
Scholarships
- High school seniors and those looking to enroll in the coming year as media studies majors and minors are eligible to submit a media portfolio for a media studies scholarship.
- Successful portfolios can be housed on a website and include videos, graphics, PowerPoint presentations, Google Slides or PDFs. All submissions must be accessible digitally, either on a website or in a Google Drive or Dropbox folder.
- Please send your portfolio link to FineArtsRecruiter@usiouxfalls.edu
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