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Media Arts and Sciences (Media Processing) ,BS

Media Arts and Sciences (Media Processing), BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Media Arts and Sciences (Media Processing)

Art, Computer Science, Culture, Digital Media, Engineering, Interactive Systems, Media Arts, Technology, approved for STEM-OPT extension, computing, electronic arts

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.

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 BS program in media arts and sciences 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 allows students not only to craft innovative digital media but also to think critically about how technology and society are coproductive. The program's overarching goal is to develop socially conscious global citizens who are ready to navigate and shape a more connected and creative digital world.

Media Arts and Sciences -- Media Processing concentration
This concentration program 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 them a more advanced understanding of programming, data structures, signal processing and system architecture.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term 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 the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 210 - Brief Calculus
  • Math intensity: Moderateprogram math intensity moderate

Required courses (Major Map)
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

Students must have a GPA of 3.00 to transfer into the media arts and sciences program.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

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.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

Global Education programs allow digital culture 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 over 300 options available, Global Education programs enable students to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether it's in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in media arts and sciences can be exposed to diverse cultural environments and differences worldwide and take in the broad uses of technology and its uses on a global scale.

Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts recommends these programs for students majoring in media arts and sciences.

Career opportunities

Career opportunities include positions in the following fields: 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 example titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience, geographical location, and required advanced degrees or certifications may affect pay scales.


Career *Growth *Median salary
8.2%
$98,950
4.7%
$50,660
-11.2%
$97,800
22.7%
$136,620
9.7%
$98,740
3.4%
$69,760
4.3%
$65,000
25.7%
$127,260
15.2%
$83,240
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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