Media X - BA

The Maker pathway is for students seeking to design, produce, and perform content across multiple platforms-ranging from digital and emerging media to the original platform-the stage.  This pathway is about much more than the finished product, stressing the importance of all facets of production. Students have the opportunity to learn both what goes on behind the scenes as well as how to create performances in front of the cameras and microphones, enabling them to become well-rounded producers, directors, performers, and designers. They will learn the arts of filmmaking, animation, directing, acting, designing, gaming, and so much more.  This pathway aims to graduate artist-entrepreneurs who understand the needs of the entire production community in one of the fastest growing job markets in the world.

The Manager pathway examines the intersection between business, creativity, and technology and provides the tools for entrepreneurs to explore methods to build, showcase, and grow by taking advantage of the opportunities that both new media and social media bring to the business world.  A focus on creative entrepreneurship enables students to navigate the complex dynamics of a global business culture that is being rapidly transformed by developments in technology and emerging cultural geographies.  Courses in social media management, marketing, consumer behavior, business communications, and analytics prompt students to explore the applications of digital media across industries as well as cultivate the skills necessary to address both the challenges and opportunities associated with evolving technology and media landscapes. 

The Analyst pathway is both innovative and eminently practical, combining the traditional strengths of the arts and sciences with digital media, cultural studies, and the twenty-first century tools of data analytics.  Students develop judicious research and interpretive habits, allowing them to cultivate an aesthetic sensibility alongside analytical skills, with the added awareness of how media and content always function within broader cultural or business contexts.  The Analyst pathway enables students to develop a holistic understanding of "big data" as well as to engage in cross-disciplinary analysis, aimed at developing a deeper, contextual understanding of digital content and cultural products.  A familiarity with data-driven decision-making puts students in this path miles ahead of other job seekers in any digital content or marketing career.