Program Overview

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Media Arts and Sciences (Graphic Information Technology), BA

The Bachelor of Arts program in media arts and sciences with a concentration in graphic information technology offers students technical skills to develop computational media, and cultural skills to apply them meaningfully. Students immerse themselves in hands-on projects; explore the intertwined evolution of culture, society and tech; and create computational media systems with sound, video, objects, space and immersive media. This fusion of arts, humanities and engineering foundations enables students not only to craft innovative digital media but also to think critically about how technology and society are coproductive.

Program Description

Digital media has revolutionized how we live, learn, create and communicate. Learn how to use, misuse and reimagine digital technology, computational systems and interactive media. You'll learn not just the how of tech, but also the why, using your artistic vision and a human-centric perspective to shape a vibrant digital future.

At a Glance

• College/school: Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
• Location: Tempe
• Second language requirement: No
• STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes
• First required math course: MAT 117 - College Algebra
• Math intensity: Moderate

Curriculum

View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.

Concurrent Program Options

Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Admission Requirements

• General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

Tuition Information

When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.

Change of Major Requirements

An ASU student who would like to change majors to this program and would be new to this major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.25 and understand that their GPA must be brought up to a 2.50 or higher within one semester to remain in good standing. An ASU student who is returning to this major must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.

Transfer Options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

Global Opportunities

• Global experience: Exploring programs around the globe furthers students' ability to apply their studies to a global spectrum. With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, media arts and sciences students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets.

Career Opportunities

Armed with skills and sound judgment, graduates work in cultural communication, marketing, design, social media, health, education, entertainment and creative arts, and all areas in which culture is shaped by technology and computational media. All graduates have learned techniques to change the world and communicate using contemporary computational media --- a vital power in today's world. Some go on to invent fresh techniques.

Graduates of the media arts and sciences program have a wide array of career opportunities in new media involving the fields of:

• communications (Cisco, Google, Facebook)
• computing (Apple, Microsoft)
• gaming and entertainment (Industrial Light & Magic, Electronic Arts, Pixar)
• media arts (engineering multimedia shows, video and sound production)

Graduates are also prepared for roles in the development of modern media systems that address complex sociotechnical problems, such as:

• diagnostic, monitoring and assistive cyber-physical tools and systems that can be used by healthcare providers
• new systems for collaborative, participatory content creation and sharing
• social networking and reflection tools for promoting sustainability
• systems for interactive, adaptive learning and computational assessment in educational organizations

Graduates who are interested in continuing their higher education are well prepared to apply for admission to the top transdisciplinary new media programs in the nation, including graduate programs in the School of Arts, Media and Engineering at ASU.

Media arts and sciences alumni have received job opportunities in:

• audio and video
• engineering
• graphic design
• illustration
• iOS development
• journalism
• programming
• software engineering
• special effects
• 3D modeling and fabrication
• visual media

Example job titles and salaries:

• Animator: $99,800
• Audio-Visual Technician: $54,830
• Computer Network Analyst: $130,390
• Corporate Web Developer: $108,970
• Geographic Information Systems Technician (GIS Technician): $108,970
• IT Project Manager: $108,970
• Information Technology Manager (IT Manager): $171,200
• Sound Recording Engineer: $66,430
• Video Game Designer: $98,090

STEM-OPT for International Students on F-1 Visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 24 months. This OPT work authorization period may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing a degree through ASU Online.