Media Studies B.A.

Degree Overview

Give yourself options with this versatile and accredited bachelor’s degree in media studies from the University of Sioux Falls.

Whether you want to study journalism or graphic design, radio and TV or multimedia, a degree in media studies from USF is for you. Careers in media require accuracy, flexibility, creativity and technology. At USF, you’ll learn all that plus the best ways to present yourself and your ideas – all with the values of a Christian university behind you.

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.

Courses

In addition to meeting the liberal arts core requirements of the University, you must complete 40-43 semester hours of media studies courses. All students must take the core media studies courses consisting of 25 semester hours. In addition, each student must select one of five concentrations within the major consisting of 18 semester hours each.

Required Major Core Courses

Complete the following courses.

MED304

Advanced Media and Visual Arts

(3.0 s.h)

MED300

Comm Arts Colloquium

(1.0 s.h)

ART181

Digital Photography

(3.0 s.h)

ART120

Introduction to Design

(3.0 s.h)

MED204

Introduction to Media and Visual Arts

(3.0 s.h)

MED208

Media Graphics

(3.0 s.h)
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Multi-Media Production Concentration

Required Multi-Media Production Concentration Courses

Complete the following courses.

ART372

2D/3D Motion Graphics

(3.0 s.h)

MED326

Digital Audio

(3.0 s.h)

MED336

Dsktp Video & Non-linear Editing

(3.0 s.h)

MED415

Live Studio Prod & Videography

(3.0 s.h)

MED329

Web Design

(3.0 s.h)

Required Multi-Media Production Concentration Production Labs

Complete at least 1 credit in each of the following required production labs. Alternatives for the following courses: MED121 or MED221 or MED321 or MED421, MED131 or MED231 or MED331 or MED431, MED132 or MED232 or MED332 or MED432.

MED121

Print Production Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED221

Print Production Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED321

Print Production Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED421

Print Production Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED131

Radio Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED231

Radio Lab

(1.0 s.h)
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Journalism Concentration

Required Journalism Concentration Courses

Complete the following courses.

MED410

Advanced Reporting

(3.0 s.h)

MED324

Media Performance

(3.0 s.h)

MED290

Photojournalism

(3.0 s.h)

MED307

Reporting

(3.0 s.h)

MED329

Web Design

(3.0 s.h)

Required Journalism Concentration Production Labs

Complete at least 1 credit in each of the following required production labs. Alternatives for the following courses: MED121 or MED221 or MED321 or MED421, MED131 or MED231 or MED331 or MED431, MED132 or MED232 or MED332 or MED432.

MED121

Print Production Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED221

Print Production Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED321

Print Production Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED421

Print Production Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED131

Radio Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED231

Radio Lab

(1.0 s.h)
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Event Management & Promotions Concentration Courses

Required Event Management & Promotions Concentration Courses

Complete the following courses.

ENT225

Entrepreneurial Mindset

(3.0 s.h)

ENT340

Entrepreneurial Sales and Marketing

(3.0 s.h)

SPM313

Event & Facilities Management

(3.0 s.h)

MED125

Introduction to Social Media Management

(3.0 s.h)

BUS351

Organizational Theory & Behavior

(3.0 s.h)

CST325

Winning Presentations

(3.0 s.h)

Required Event Management & Promotions Concentration Production Labs

Complete at least 1 credit in each of the following required production labs. Alternatives for the following courses: MED121 or MED221 or MED321 or MED421, MED131 or MED231 or MED331 or MED431.

MED121

Print Production Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED221

Print Production Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED321

Print Production Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED421

Print Production Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED131

Radio Lab

(1.0 s.h)

MED231

Radio Lab

(1.0 s.h)
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Media Research Concentration Courses

Media Research Concentration Courses

Complete the following courses. Alternatives for the following courses: PSY250 or SOC250.

PHI341

Ethics

(3.0 s.h)

PHI207

Intro to Philosophy

(3.0 s.h)

BUS306

Management

(3.0 s.h)

PSY250

Methods of Research

(3.0 s.h)

SOC250

Methods of Research

(3.0 s.h)

BUS351

Organizational Theory & Behavior

(3.0 s.h)
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Social Media Marketing Concentration Courses

Social Media Marketing Concentration Courses

Complete the following courses.

MED235

Digital Strategy & Web Analytics

(3.0 s.h)

MED335

Email Marketing

(3.0 s.h)

MED125

Introduction to Social Media Management

(3.0 s.h)

BUS307

Marketing

(3.0 s.h)

MED225

Social Media for Public Relations and Marketing

(3.0 s.h)

MED329

Web Design

(3.0 s.h)

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