Media Arts and StudiesGames and Animation

The School of Media Arts and Studies offers programs of study leading to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. The baccalaureate program is designed to prepare students for careers in the media industries. While pursuing a media degree, students are also actively involved in the liberal arts curriculum found at Ohio University. Coursework in the fine arts, humanities, social sciences, technology, and cultural and communication sciences are all part of this liberal arts foundation that is critical to the success of today's media professionals. In addition to media production, every one of our students learns media history, media theory, and media business concepts that will allow them to succeed in the modern media world. Students have opportunities to focus in one of five emphasis areas: Media and Social Change; Games and Animation; Music Production and Recording Industry or Media Arts Production. Our broad-based curriculum enhances long-term success, which is reflected by our school's mission statement: the School of Media Arts and Studies prepares well-rounded and proactive individuals to think critically, act creatively and practice ethically in a global media society. With almost 700 undergraduate students and 17 faculty members, the School of Media Arts and Studies is proud to play a central role in the Scripps College of Communication Center of Excellence. Strong demand to join the School dictates that we have entry requirements above the university's requirements.

The Games and Animation program encourages students to explore the production of computer animation and digital games, while also providing an understanding of the management and leadership roles in these industries.

All students enrolled in MDIA programs must complete core course requirements at the freshman and sophomore levels (MDIA 1010, MDIA 1020, MDIA 2010  & MDIA 2011) and a Global Impact of Media Course in the Junior or Senior year.  These courses integrate with courses specific to each program throughout the baccalaureate program. These classroom and laboratory experiences are augmented by a variety of practical experiences, extra-curricular involvement, unique place-based coursework, study abroad opportunities and internships, available to students in each of our undergraduate programs. 

Ohio University's Zanesville, Lancaster and Southern campuses offer an associate's degree program in electronic media. This program offers a smaller, more intimate setting for the first two years of University coursework. Students participating in the two-year programs at these campuses and who desire to continue their study with the School of Media Arts and Studies will apply for transfer into the School during the spring semester (see transfer policy below). For additional information, see the Electronic Media program in the Regional Higher Education  section.

The School of Media Arts and Studies also offers an Honors Tutorial College program for students with outstanding high school records. MDIA freshmen with strong academic records may also qualify.

• Top 13-45% of their graduating high school classes
• Average composite ACT score of 21-26
• Average combined SAT score of 1050-1230 (math and evidence-based reading and writing)
• Average high school grade point average of 3.58 (on a 4.0 scale)

• Provide a recent TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test score. See minimum requirements below. IELTS reports should be sent directly from the testing agency. TOEFL results should be sent electronically directly from the testing agency (school code 1593). Duolingo English Test results can be shared online with Ohio University once your test has been certified.

  English Proficiency Minimum Score Requirements
  TOEFL Paper: 520 (composition score of 5)
  TOEFL Internet (IBT): 68 (writing subscore of 17)
  IELTS: 6.0 (no sub-score below 5.5)
  Duolingo English Test: 95

• Complete at least three years in a high school in an English-speaking system, including three years of high school English (not ESL) courses with a grade of B or better.

• Submit an ACT composite score of 21 with 21 ACT English and 21 ACT Reading subscores.

• Submit a 1060 SAT Total with 540 SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing subscore.

• Have completed the equivalent of Ohio University's English 1510: Writing and Rhetoric I (Freshman Composition) with a grade of C or better. Course equivalency will be determined during the application process.

By using scripts, sound, moving image, and interactivity to create stories through music, games, animation, video, and social media our students learn the pre-production, production, and post-production processes, while continuing to hone the skills needed to analyze the media they are creating. Alumni of the Media Arts and Studies program work in a variety of media industries. They create, analyze, and oversee media for education, entertainment, activism, journalism, or public relations purposes in the corporate, nonprofit, and entrepreneurial media industries.

• Application form
• USD $70 international application processing fee
• Academic records from every secondary/post-secondary institution you have attended, with a certified or attested translation if the original document is not in English. Unofficial academic records may be submitted via email to [email protected] to receive an admissions decision. Official academic records must be provided upon arrival to campus, before the first day of classes, or sent by mail in envelopes sealed and stamped by one of the following:
  • Your school or university
  • Ministry of Education of your home country
  • EducationUSA or related binational organization
    
    Please note: We cannot accept scanned or faxed copies as official results. ​​​​​​​​Official academic records must be submitted by mail, as previously noted, to:
    
    Undergraduate Admissions
    Chubb Hall 120
    1 Ohio University
    Athens OH 45701 - USA
• Official proof of English proficiency, if available. TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo exams should be taken within the last 12 months.
• Proof of citizenship: a copy of your passport information page.
• Evidence of sufficient funding to support your educational and living expenses for a 9-month period. Learn more about the necessary amount on our Costs & Aid page. Your financial documentation must include:
  • A letter from your sponsor confirming the amount of funding that will be provided and stating your relationship to the sponsor (a PDF sample sponsor form is available but not required) and a letter or statement from your sponsor's bank confirming that the funding is available in an accessible account. The name on the bank document must match the sponsor letter and must be written in English.
  • If you will receive a government or other external scholarship, please provide proof of nomination of the award with your application packet.
• Optional materials can be submitted to Undergraduate Admissions via postal mail or by emailing [email protected]. Optional materials may include:
  • Standardized test scores, if applicable. Ohio University has adopted a test-optional pathway for freshman applicants to the Athens campus. If you choose to submit standardized test scores, they must be submitted directly from the testing agency: SAT (school code 1593) or ACT (school code 3314). Ohio University considers the Evidenced-based Reading and Writing scores from the SAT.
  • Essays
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Lists of extra-curricular interests and activities