This is the 2026-2027 catalog. If you began in another year, you may need a different catalog.

2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

(Bachelor of Arts)

The Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Production is a forward-thinking degree prepares students to be skilled media professionals with both technical expertise and creative vision.

Hands-On Learning, Cross-Disciplinary Training
The Media Arts and Production (MAP) program blends hands-on experience with critical media analysis, offering courses in filmmaking, digital storytelling, video and audio editing, web-based media, acting and performance, media ethics, and audience engagement. The interdisciplinary nature of the program—drawing from Communication, Film, Theatre, Public Administration, History, Music, Writing and Applied Arts, and Arts Management—ensures students gain a well-rounded education that prepares them for careers in digital content creation, broadcasting, and multimedia production.

Media Production and Industry
MAP students develop highly transferable skills in storytelling, visual communication, media analysis, and project management—qualities that are highly sought after in today’s digital landscape. In their final year, students engage in capstone experience, applying their skills to video production, podcasting, marketing, digital journalism, and social media strategy. This degree equips graduates to enter the growing creative industries of Northeast Wisconsin and beyond, ensuring they are prepared for dynamic careers in digital and media arts.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Digital Media Literacy: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the foundational principles of media production, including digital storytelling, editing, and basic production workflows across audio, video, and web-based platforms.
  • Creative Expression & Collaboration: Students will create digital artifacts (such as short films, audio recordings, or web content) that demonstrate creativity and effective collaboration with peers, incorporating different mediums like sound, video, and live performance.
  • Performance Techniques: Students will develop basic acting and performance skills, including voice modulation, body language, and improvisation, and apply these techniques to digital media contexts (e.g., podcasting, short films, and performance art).
  • Critical Media Analysis: Students will analyze and critique media artifacts (such as films, TV shows, podcasts, and digital performances) using fundamental concepts in film and media studies, such as narrative structure, representation, and genre conventions.
  • Technical Skills in Media Production: Students will gain proficiency with essential digital tools and technologies for media production, such as editing software (audio/video), sound recording equipment, and basic lighting and camera work.
  • Understanding of Media Ethics & Impact: Students will identify and analyze ethical considerations in digital media production, such as representation, copyright, and the social impact of media.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Application: Students will be able to apply digital media production techniques and performance skills to their major or professional interests, demonstrating the flexibility of these tools across disciplines.
  • Project Management & Reflection: Students will plan, execute, and reflect on media production projects, demonstrating skills in time management, workflow organization, and self-assessment of their creative process and technical proficiency.

Major 

Supporting-Level Courses:13
Required:
Introduction to Media Production
Elements of Media
Introduction to Film
Acting for the Camera
Writing Competency0-3
Required:
Research and Rhetoric 1
Upper-Level Courses18
Required:
Production
Choose five courses:
Radio Broadcasting
Video Production
How to Create Great Social Media Content
Documentary Video Production
Live Video Streaming Practicum
Game Design
Audio Synthesis
Capstone or Internship
All students must complete a capstone project or internship in their final year.
Electives:18
Electives should draw from at least three of these five categories: Production, Performance, Writing, Surveys, Arts Entrepneurship.
9 credits (3 courses) must have an upper-level designation (300-400)
Production:
Social Media Video Production
Fundamentals of Recording Technology
Basic Studio Practices
Video Game Music
Stagecraft
Costume Technology
Performance:
Beginning Acting
Improvisation for Business
Voice for the Actor I
Writing Courses:
Ethics in Writing
Introduction to Creative Writing
Screenwriting
Topics in Game Writing
Playwriting I
Surveys:
Communication Law
Information, Media and Society
Social Media Strategies
Film and Society
Introduction to Film History and Theory
International Cinema
Survey of Gaming and Interactive Media
Arts Entrepreneurship:
Professional Perspectives in the Arts
Arts in the Community
Social Entrepreneurship
Public History Methods
Public and Non-Profit Management
Leadership in Organizations
Total Credits49-52

Minor  

Supporting Core6
Required:
Introduction to Media Production
Choose one course:
Elements of Media
Social Media Video Production
Introduction to Film
Acting for the Camera
Upper-Level Courses:12
Production:
Select three courses:
Video Production
Documentary Video Production
Radio Broadcasting
How to Create Great Social Media Content
Live Video Streaming Practicum
Game Design
Audio Synthesis
Elective:3
Choose one course:
Communication Law
Information, Media and Society
Social Media Strategies
Screenwriting
Topics in Game Writing
Social Entrepreneurship
Public History Methods
Introduction to Film History and Theory
International Cinema
Survey of Gaming and Interactive Media
Public and Non-Profit Management
Leadership in Organizations
Playwriting I
Total Credits21