Media Studies, Bachelor's
Overview
What's your story? Learn how to tell it and many, many more as a Media Studies major.
Media professionals make a significant impact in peoples' lives every day. The industry continues to evolve and grow in tech-sophistication, which is why a B.A. in Media Studies from DSU is the right choice for students who want to make a meaningful and ethical impact in media, now and for many years to come.
The program prepares you with the core theoretical and hands-on knowledge you'll need to claim your role as a critical thinker and active participant in media across channels in virtually every aspect of our ever-complex world.
Emphasizing media theory, our field-seasoned faculty will guide you onto mastering the basic skills of producing content and developing the critical thinking attributes necessary to critique that content.
You will dive into courses in media theory, journalism, digital media, and media production. DeSales faculty have an open-door policy, so in addition to classroom study there is always time to discuss current topics about the media and "connect the dots" to how it is relevant to your course work.
At DeSales you'll learn by doing. You'll have access to the same equipment used by top industry professionals.
Admissions Requirements
At DeSales, we not only look at your past academic achievement but also your potential for future growth to determine your admission.
We find that students who have demonstrated significant achievement within a demanding curriculum are best suited for academic life at DeSales. Quality of academic performance plays a critical role in the admissions decision making process. This helps indicate a student's potential for academic growth going forward. We welcome applications from all qualified students regardless of race, religion, sex, national, or ethnic origin.
Application Checklist
- Application Fee: None
- Transcripts: Official High School Transcript
- Standardized Tests: Test-optional, however, an Admissions Interview may be requested
- Recommendations: Completed Guidance Counselor Form and Teacher Recommendation Form
- Please refer to the Program Specific Requirements section for any requirements specific to this program
All materials can be mailed to:
DeSales University Admissions Office
2755 Station Ave.
Center Valley, PA
* SAT scores are highly recommended for students applying for the Nursing and Health Science programs. Please refer to the Program Specific Requirements section for any requirements specific to this program.
Additional recommendations
High School Academics - Remember, there is no single preferred high school academic program, but a college preparatory course of study is highly recommended. Here's an example:
- Four years of English
- Three or four years of college preparatory mathematics
- A minimum of two years of modern, foreign, or classical language
- At least two laboratory science courses
Visiting DeSales - A personal, on-campus interview is strongly recommended, but is not required. We encourage you to visit so that you'll have a chance to learn more about DeSales, and we'll have the opportunity to learn more about you, too.
Learn more about Undergraduate Admissions & Aid
When to Apply
We encourage you to apply early in your senior year. We use a rolling admissions system, which means you will be notified promptly about your admissions status—usually within four weeks of our receipt of your completed application.
Priority deadline for scholarship consideration is December 1 of your senior year.
Curriculum
The B.A. in Media Studies is multi-disciplinary degree combining TV/Film, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Communications.
At DeSales, we feel strongly about what it means to study media in a higher education environment. Students should have a knowledge of the technical aspects of the production process that will help inform their scholarship. In addition to production and theory studies in the classroom and course work outside the classroom, the major also helps the student develop an awareness of ethical concerns present in the contemporary world of the media industry.
The major in Media Studies comprises a vast selection of courses covering the following topics
- An Introduction to Mass Communication
- Communication Theory
- Popular Culture
- Media Law and Politics
- Professional Communication Seminar
- Television and Film: History and Appreciation
- Basic Productions and Operations
- Media Literacy
- Digital Art Story Development
- TV and Multimedia
- Digital Art I
- Modeling for Production
- Theory and Criticism
- Fundamentals of Public Relations
- History of the Documentary
- Digital Art II
- TV and Animation Production
- Journalism I and II
- Journalism Practicum
- Publishing
- Introduction to Radio
- Funding and Distribution
- Production Management
- Web Page Design
- Game Development/Interface
- 3D Animation Production II
Academic Catalog
Graduation Requirements
View the graduation requirements and example schedule for this programFacilities
DeSales has some of the best, most up-to-date technology around. And you'll be able to use it, practically from day one.
The TV/Film studio at Brisson Hall
- 10 Avid and Final Cut Pro editing suites that are HD compatible
- a production office equipped with computers
- scriptwriting software
- high-speed Internet access
Computer Labs/Classrooms
- three dedicated computer labs (one programming; one digital art; one hardware)
- labs are equipped with modern technology including dual monitor computers, digital art drawing tablets, smart boards and flat screen televisions classrooms are equipped with smart board technology and have a maximum capacity of less than 30 students
Software
- up-to-date software used in our classes include Microsoft Visual Studio, Eclipse, Virtual PC, Adobe Creative Cloud, Autodesk Maya, Unreal Game Engine, Oracle, Autodesk Mudbox, Geometer’s Sketchpad and Android Studio
Classrooms across campus are equipped with video and computer projection systems.
The Air Products Theater is a 60-seat projection theater/classroom used for lecture courses as well as a venue for screening student work.
The Trexler Library collection includes a diverse range of American and international films as well as a current collection of reference materials related to film, television, and media studies.
Careers & Internships
While technology has replaced certain jobs in media, it has opened the door to many new positions as well as enhanced and redefined more traditional media jobs.
In a sense, the media industry has evolved and the DeSales course of study is right in step with these advancements, while staying rooted in essential foundational knowledge.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), media jobs are expected to stay on pace with the average growth through 2026. Emerging jobs demand among media and communication occupations is expected to arise from the need to create, edit, translate, and disseminate information through a variety of different platforms.
At DeSales you will have the opportunity for practical application of the skills gained as a Media Studies major in a variety of experiences including:
- Writing for the student newspaper
- Creating digital content for the newspaper website
- Working on research for the forthcoming web forum in the media studies major
- Producing content for the forthcoming media studies major podcast
- Assisting in event planning and promotion through public relations course work
The major incorporates these experiences both in and out of the classroom to give you valuable experience in production and theory and an awareness of the ethical concerns present in the contemporary world of the media industry.
Tuition & Fees
DeSales can help make your college expenses affordable through a combination of grants, loans, student employment, and scholarship resources.
View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and undergraduate program information sheets
Cost of attendance for undergrads for 2023-2024
Resident Students
Direct Costs
Tuition - $43,000
Room and Board - $13,800
Mandatory Fees - $1,800
One-time Orientation Fee for First-Year students and Transfers - $200
Total = $58,800 (including first-year/transfer fees)
Estimated Indirect Costs
Books/Supplies - $1,711
Personal Expenses - $4,605
Total cost for resident students: $65,116
Commuter Students
Direct Costs
Tuition - $43,000
Mandatory Fees - $1,400
One-time Orientation Fee for First-Year students and Transfers - $200
Total = $44,600 (including first-year/transfer fees)
Estimated Indirect Costs
Books/Supplies - $1,711
Personal Expenses - $4,605
Transportation Costs - $1,908
Living Expenses - $2,298
Total cost for commuter students: $55,122
Off-Campus*
Direct Costs
Tuition - $43,000
Mandatory Fees - $1,400
One-time Orientation Fee for First-Year students and Transfers - $200
Total = $44,600 (including first-year/transfer fees)
Estimated Indirect Costs
Books/Supplies - $1,711
Personal Expenses - $4,605
Transportation Costs - $1,908
Living Expenses - $9,192
Total cost for off-campus students: $62,016
*First-year students are required to reside on campus or commute from home.
Parking Fee - $100
View a comprehensive list of financial aid forms and undergraduate program information sheets
Dual Degree Undergraduate-to-Graduate Programs
If you are enrolled in an undergraduate-to-graduate degree program — for example a 5-year, 3+2, 3+3, program — the undergraduate tuition and fees apply only to the undergraduate portion of the program. As you progress into the graduate phase of your program, graduate tuition and fees apply. Please see your respective graduate program for more information.
The financial aid process may appear overwhelming at first glance, but don't worry, we'll help you through it.
Accepted students are automatically considered for scholarships upon receipt of a completed application and are awarded regardless of financial need. Funds for scholarships are limited, so we do encourage students to apply early.
Our comprehensive financial aid packages carefully explain the types and amounts of assistance —including federal, state, and institutional — that you may be eligible for to help cover education related expenses.
Total cost of attendance includes estimates for tuition, fees, room, board, books, and personal, transportation, and living expenses.
You can estimate your total cost of attendance with our Net Price Calculator
Career Preparation from Day One
We're passionate about helping our students and alumni explore major and career options, find experiential education, and achieve post-graduation success in an evolving global world.
