Overview

Graduates of the School of Media Arts and Design work in media or in media-related careers. Program concentrations allow students to pursue interests in journalism, digital video and cinema, creative advertising or interactive design.

Key Features

The Media Arts and Design program at James Madison University also prepares students for graduate study in mass communication, journalism, advertising, visual communication or digital production. SMAD’s course requirements allow students to pursue minors and second majors, to strengthen their knowledge about the types of stories they want to tell.

School of Media Arts and Design offers a program of study that prepares students for careers that rely on mass media. Program areas of concentration allow students to pursue interests in journalism (print, broadcast, and online), television and video production, corporate communications or converged media (print, video & web production).

The major also prepares students for advanced graduate school study in the fields of mass communication and related areas such as journalism, corporate communication, visual communication or digital production.

Careers

Many graduates choose typical career paths associated with this major. However, some graduates choose unrelated careers that incorporate skills and experiences developed during their years in college. Keep in mind, that some fields will require graduate study or further training. The listing below offers examples of possible career paths and is not meant to be comprehensive.

Advertising Art Director

Advertising Consultant

Advertising Copywriter

Advertising Salesperson/Manager

App Designer

Assignment Editor

Audio-Visual Engineer

Booking Agent

Broadcast Marketer

Camera Operator/TV/Video/Film

Catering Specialist

Commercial Account Executive

Communications Editor

Consumer Advocate

Continuity Writer

Copywriter

Digital Effects Designer

Document Publisher

Editorial Assistant

Entertainment Coordinator

Event Planner

Feature Editor

Field Producer

Film Critic

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Media Arts and Design

Visual Communication Design

Audio-Visual Storytelling

User Experience Design

Media Storytelling and Research

The Media Arts: Culture by Design

Senior Assessment in Media Arts and Design

Law of Media Arts and Design

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-01 00:00:00 , International
Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-10-01 00:00:00 , International

More details

Fall deadline for national students: January 15

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

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IELTS

6.5

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4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Harrisonburg, United States

Disciplines

Design Media Studies & Mass Media View 857 other Bachelors in Design in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

120

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Submitted online application

Official transcripts (complete and original copy, in English)

Proof of English language proficiency (non-native speakers)

One letter of recommendation

Copies of your temporary visa documents

Financial certification form

$70 Application Fee

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

31906 USD / year

≈ 31906 USD / year
Out-of-State

31906 USD / year

≈ 31906 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14300 USD / year

≈ 14300 USD / year

Living costs

Harrisonburg

United States

1050 - 1715 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Media Arts and Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Features

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Harrisonburg

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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