Media Studies

Program Type
Undergraduate Major
Degree
Bachelor of Art (BA)
Mode of Study
Blended

Full-time tuition

In-state: $8,910;
Out-of-state: $26,250 (30 credit hours per year). See details and other costs

Financial aid

Average offer covers a large portion of tuition & fees.
In-state: nearly 100%;
Out-of-state: nearly 70%.
May include scholarships, grants, waiver, & work-study. Explore aid

Program duration

Typical completion time: 4 years. Flexible options may save time. Explore options

Admissions

SAT & ACT scores optional. Early action & year-round admissions. View application process & deadlines

Program Highlights

  • Tailor the major to your interests and career goals: Choose to concentrate in Media Writing, Media Production and Design, or Media Ecology.
  • Prepare for a career in print, broadcast and online journalism, photojournalism, feature writing, corporate media, radio and podcast production, or documentary and fiction film production.
  • Take advantage of a flexible schedule in our blended program, which includes a mix of online and in-person courses.
  • Gain professional experience by participating in internships and service-learning opportunities.
  • Utilize our professional production facilities on the Portland campus.
  • Join an outstanding alumni network including an Emmy winner and Maine Association of Broadcasters Award recipients.
Three students meet in a conference room to work on a team project.

Real-world experience

We offer internships and service-learning opportunities that allow you to earn academic credit while gaining real-world experience working with media professionals in a range of commercial and non-commercial organizations.

A student uses a camera to film a project.

Career opportunities

Our alumni work in both the public and private sectors. Students have acquired positions at WCSH-TV, WMTW-TV, WGME-TV, Portland Radio Group, Portland Press Herald, Reel Maine Company, Portland Sea Dogs, and Lone Wolf Productions.

Students in a classroom have a discussion.

Program requirements

The goal of our program is to prepare literate, capable, and responsible media professionals. With a curriculum that emphasizes theory and practice, the media studies major challenges you to analyze and practice the creation, dissemination, utilization, and evaluation of mediated messages.

Students using camera and sound equipment film student actors filming in front of a green screen.

Production lab

You’ll have 24/7 access to our production lab, which contains a professional television studio as well as digital audio and video editing facilities, film cameras, and lighting and sound equipment.

Three students walk down the sidewalk of our Portland campus on a sunny day.

Considering transferring to USM?

We welcome students who are transferring from another four-year university or community college. Our knowledgeable Admissions Counselors will help you to navigate the admissions and credit-transfer process.

A group of students operates camera and sound equipment fo film student actors outdoors.

Capstone course

As a capstone project, you’ll collaborate with a nonprofit organization to create a significant media project that integrates the skills and experiences developed during your tenure.

A student in a graduation cap and gown gazes upward.

Scholarship opportunities

Scholarships offer valuable financial aid that doesn’t need to be repaid. You’ll be automatically considered for Merit Scholarships when you apply for admission by the deadline. Additional opportunities are available.

An aerial view of our Portland campus and the East End of the Portland peninsula.

Dedicated faculty

Our faculty regularly present research at scholarly conferences and publish in academic journals that include Mass Communication and Society, Journal of Popular Culture, Film and History Journal, and Centennial Review.

You may also be interested in…
Next steps

Our helpful admissions counselors are here to answer your questions about the admissions process, our academic programs, and student support services. We also invite you to explore the many ways to visit campus or to engage with us through online experiences.

Get info
Visit
Apply