Program Overview

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Media Arts and Sciences (Media Processing), BS

The Bachelor of Science program in media arts and sciences with a concentration in media processing 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.

Program Description

The School of Arts, Media and Engineering educates the next generation of learners and empowers them with technofluency --- its development, application and implications. The concentration program in media processing is offered in partnership with the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. Students complement their knowledge of media arts and sciences with computer science coursework, which offers a more advanced understanding of programming, data structures, signal processing and system architecture.

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 210 - Brief Calculus
• Math intensity: Substantial

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Media Arts and Sciences (Media Processing), BS program can be viewed in the university's course catalog.

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.
  • First-year
  • Transfer
  • International
  • Readmission

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 their major 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 Education programs allow media arts and sciences students to think critically about how computation impacts lives and how culture makes a difference in how people experience computational media --- critical skills in this dynamic age. With more than 300 options available, Global Education programs enable students to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities include positions in graphic design, design, audio, visual media, computer science, technology, technical writing, creative writing and comparative literature. Media arts and sciences alumni have obtained careers as graphic designers, 3D modelers, special effects artists, visual media artists, programmers, engineers and software specialists with Apple, Microsoft, Cisco, Industrial Light & Sound, Pixar and other techno-centric companies.

• Career | Growth | Median salary
  • Animator | 1.6% | $99,800
  • Audio-Visual Technician | 3.3% | $54,830
  • Computer Programmer | -6.0% | $98,670
  • Computer Scientist | 19.7% | $140,910
  • IT Project Manager | 8.2% | $108,970
  • Performance Artist | 0.8% | $72,760
  • Production Assistant | 2.7% | $71,770
  • Software Developer | 15.8% | $133,080
  • Video Game Designer | 7.0% | $98,090

STEM-OPT Extension

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.