Media Studies, BS

Program Description

Media is the most prevalent aspect of daily life. Very few people can live without a digital device with which they interact with others using mediated interpersonal and mass communication. Media channels are everywhere, and everyone has access. Students have grown up using various media channels; however, very few understand how to effectively use these channels. The Media Studies Department at Dixie State University teaches media production in various forms and teaches students how to be critical users of media by examining, studying, and critiquing  the most prevalent form of communication in our world. 

Program Curriculum

120 credits

DSU General Education Requirements

All DSU General Education requirements must be fulfilled. A previously earned degree may fulfill those requirements, but courses must be equivalent to DSU’s minimum General Education standards in American Institutions, English, and Mathematics.

Media Studies Core Requirements 

Media Studies General Emphasis Requirements

Media Studies Elective Requirements

Complete 21 credits from any 3000 or 4000-level MDIA course not specified as a degree requirement.

Other Elective Courses

Complete additional elective coursework to fulfill graduation requirements.

Graduation Requirements

1. Complete a minimum of 120 college-level credits (1000 and above).
2. Complete at least 40 upper-division credits (3000 and above).
3. Complete at least 30 upper-division credits at DSU for institutional residency.
4. Cumulative GPA 2.5 or higher.
5. Grade C or higher in each Core Discipline Requirement course.

Graduation Plan

BS Media Studies Program Learning Outcomes

At the successful conclusion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Apply conceptual understanding of mediated communication theories from various traditions and practical understanding of media production, management and consumption with the theories.
2. Conduct academic research and construct academic arguments using established research methods.
3. Create and promote mediated messages in compliance with technical and aesthetic principles for a variety of purposes based on in-depth analysis of the audience and situation.
4. Evaluate media production and consumption by applying critical thinking, ethics, and problem-solving skills.
5. Conduct professional research to evaluate efficacy of mediated messages by integrating media analytics and metrics into qualitative and quantitative approaches.
6. Develop global and cross-cultural perspectives in evaluation of media production, promotion, and consumption.