Media, Culture and the Arts

Media, Culture and the Arts combines hands-on media production experiences with the cultural and historical study, and critical analysis of media practice. Students engage with histories and theories of production informed by philosophical, artistic, and technological traditions, while learning to produce creative works that interrogate these traditions. MCA faculty members comprise specialists in the history of media, theorists of media, and practitioners/makers of media.

In the context of this major, the term “media” includes both art works and forms of mass communication; pre-electronic analog through digital forms; performance, broadcast, installations, print (from literature to journalism) and all “new” and developing manifestations. MCA will emphasize the study of media in their historical, economic, social, and political contexts. MCA courses draw on a broad range of cultural theories and historical approaches spanning a spectrum of concerns and historical periods, all centrally relevant to the functioning of media in a diverse and globalizing cultural environment. MCA pushes the boundaries of interdisciplinarity–a triangular nexus of history, theory, and practice, none of which assumes priority over the other.

Students considering declaring MCA as their major are strongly recommended to take MCA 101 and begin work on the major during, or prior to, the second semester of their sophomore year.

International students applying to Clark must submit their applications through the Common Application. Official transcripts covering the student’s prior three (full) years of education must be submitted by the student’s school. Two letters of recommendation are required, one from an academic teacher and one from a school counselor.

All applicants whose first language is not English are required to submit evidence of English proficiency either through the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) or Duolingo, regardless of the length of time they have spent in the United States. The Certificate of Eligibility (Form I-20) necessary to obtain a student visa will be granted only after full admission and receipt of complete financial documentation (in the form of an official bank statement reflecting the student’s family’s financial resources).

To apply to a School of Professional Studies Bachelor of Science degree program, please submit the following:

• Completed online application
• Personal essay
• $75 non-refundable application fee (international students only)
• Official high school transcript or equivalent (unless high school completion is noted on a college transcript)
  • In lieu of a high school transcript, transfer students can submit an official copy of their domestic college transcript in combination with our Attestation Form.  This will waive the need for a high school transcript submission.)
• English proficiency exam scores. Required for international applicants whose native language is not English: TOEFL 80 | IELTS 6.5 | PTE 51.

If English is not your native language, you will need to submit an official TOEFL, Duolingo, or IELTS  score report. We do not have minimum scores for any test. We will consider your English proficiency holistically, based on your scores, transcript, essay, and letters of recommendation.

We strongly encourage all applicants to sit for an interview. This is especially important for applicants who do not speak English as a native language. Test scores only tell us so much; we want to give you the opportunity to tell your own story. Your options for an interview are:

• Email your admissions counselor to request a Skype interview with a current Clark student.
• Schedule an interview as part of a campus visit.
• Send us an interview from Vericant or InitialView.

If we determine that you are academically qualified to attend Clark, but could use additional language support, we will refer you to our English for Academic Success Program or Undergraduate Pathway Programs. Depending on your level of English proficiency, you would spend between one and four semesters in this program before joining the undergraduate degree program. You would not need to take the TOEFL or IELTS again after finishing the program.