Professional Science Masters in Biotechnology
The PSM in Biotechnology at Saint Mary's is a two-year, 40-credit hybrid program de...
B.A. in Media Production
Moraga, California
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The B.A. in Media Production at Saint Mary's College launched in Fall 2024, aiming to prepare students for careers as dynamic multimedia creators across any discipline or field. The program emphasizes technical skill building, ethics-based media literacy and criticism, and storytelling across various mediums. A key feature is its focus on client-based and community-focused projects, providing practical, real-world experience. Students are required to complete an on-campus media production internship, further enhancing their practical skills and understanding of the industry. The program offers significant flexibility, allowing students to tailor their degree pathways through a wide selection of elective courses from numerous other majors and programs within the college.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Media Production is structured to provide both foundational knowledge and specialized skills. Required core courses include "Introduction to Media & Cultural Studies," "Media Production Tools & Techniques," "Media Ethics and Ecologies," and "Multimedia Writing." Students must also complete core production courses such as "Video Production," "Audio Production," and the culminating "Media Production Capstone." A distinctive aspect of the curriculum is its interdisciplinary nature, allowing students to select elective production and studies courses from over fifteen different majors and programs, including offerings from Art, Communication, Computer Science, Data Science, English, Marketing, and Theatre. This flexibility enables students to develop specialized knowledge in areas like animation, web design, digital drawing, experimental film, journalism, digital marketing, or professional writing, tailoring their education to specific career interests.
Research Focus: While the B.A. in Media Production is heavily focused on practical application and skill development, Saint Mary's College integrates a strong emphasis on media literacy, criticism, and ethical considerations, which can be seen as a form of critical inquiry or research. Courses like "Introduction to Media & Cultural Studies" and "Media Ethics and Ecologies" require students to analyze the meaning and effects of sounds and images using established media theories. The program aims for students to "grasp the ethical considerations of applying formal creative choices upon non-fiction content" and to "assess the meaning and effects of sounds and images using established theories of media." This critical and analytical approach enables graduates to understand the broader societal impact of media, preparing them to engage with media creation and consumption in an informed and responsible manner.
Industry Engagement: Saint Mary's College actively fosters industry engagement for its Media Production students. A mandatory on-campus media production internship in their first or second year provides early, hands-on experience. The program emphasizes "collaborative team-building and client-based communication skills for thriving in media industries," directly aligning student learning with professional expectations. With its location in the San Francisco Bay Area, students have access to a vibrant media and tech ecosystem, likely offering numerous informal and formal networking opportunities. The curriculum's flexibility allows students to take electives that can lead to specialized minors (e.g., Cinematic Arts, Community Media, Sports Media), further connecting their studies to specific industry niches. Faculty members with professional experience in media production also bring invaluable real-world insights and connections to the classroom.
Global Perspective: The B.A. in Media Production at Saint Mary's College integrates a global perspective by encouraging students to consider the far-reaching impact of media in an interconnected world. The program's emphasis on ethics-based media literacy and criticism inherently involves examining diverse cultural contexts and the global flow of information. By engaging in storytelling across various mediums, students are encouraged to create content that resonates with broad audiences and addresses issues of global relevance. While direct "global study" options within the major may not be explicitly highlighted, the broader liberal arts foundation of Saint Mary's College, combined with its diverse student body, fosters an environment where students gain an appreciation for different cultures and global issues, preparing them to contribute to a media landscape that is increasingly international.
Location
Moraga, California
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 59251
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Saint Mary's College of California is dedicated to making high-quality education accessible and affordable for students from around the world. To support this commitment, the college offers a range of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically for international students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and a desire to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Merit-Based Scholarships: All international undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships at the time of admission no separate application is required. These scholarships are awarded based on academic achievements, standardized test scores (if submitted), extracurricular involvement, and personal accomplishments.
International Excellence Scholarship: This competitive award recognizes exceptional international students who exhibit outstanding academic performance and global leadership. Students selected for the International Excellence Scholarship may receive additional financial support beyond standard merit scholarships. Selection is based on a holistic review of the application, essays, and achievements.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While financial aid for international students is limited, some need-based assistance may be available on a case-by-case basis. Students are encouraged to communicate directly with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid to explore all available options.
External Scholarships and Sponsorships: International students are also encouraged to apply for external scholarships from global organizations, private foundations, and government-sponsored programs. The college provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for third-party funding opportunities that can supplement institutional aid.
Graduates of Saint Mary's College of California's B.A. in Media Production are versatile and skilled professionals. Their comprehensive training in video, audio, and multimedia production, combined with a strong emphasis on media ethics and critical analysis, prepares them to be effective storytellers and content creators.
Video Editor: Manipulates and arranges raw video footage into polished, coherent productions for film, television, web series, advertisements, or corporate videos.
Videographer: Operates video cameras and related equipment to capture high-quality footage for various projects, ranging from documentaries and news segments to events and online content.
Social Media Content Creator: Develops engaging visual and audio content (videos, graphics, short-form narratives) specifically for social media platforms to build brand presence, engage audiences, and drive online interaction.
Multimedia Producer: Oversees the creation and integration of various media elements (audio, video, graphics, text) to develop comprehensive multimedia projects for websites, presentations, or interactive experiences.
Podcaster/Audio Producer: Records, edits, and produces audio content for podcasts, radio broadcasts, or other audio-driven platforms, handling sound design, mixing, and mastering.
Broadcast Technician/Engineer: Operates, maintains, and sets up equipment for radio, television, or online broadcasting, ensuring the smooth transmission of audio and video signals.
Digital Marketing Specialist: Utilizes multimedia content creation skills to develop and implement digital marketing campaigns, including video ads, social media visuals, and website content to promote products or services.
Corporate Communications Specialist: Creates internal and external multimedia content (e.g., training videos, promotional films, company announcements) for businesses to inform, engage, and persuade stakeholders.
Documentarian/Freelance Filmmaker: Produces non-fiction films or short-form video content, often independently, from conception and research to filming and post-production, telling compelling real-world stories.
Web Content Manager (Visual/Interactive Focus): Manages and updates visual and interactive content on websites, ensuring it is engaging, user-friendly, and aligns with organizational goals, often involving knowledge of web design principles.
