In nearly every industry, there’s a demand for experts who can navigate today’s global media culture. The media literacy skills you’ll develop in this program will prepare you for these roles. Coursework explores research methods for analyzing visual texts such as film, television, and digital media, helping you to develop skills and knowledge that are easily transferable to numerous positions. The program prepares you for leadership in media education, policy, strategy, research, marketing and branding.
Who’s a good candidate for this program?
If you're curious about how media shapes society and influences global culture, this program would be a great fit for you. It's designed for a wide range of professional backgrounds, including education, journalism, media criticism, communications and public relations. It’s also ideal if you’re working in social media, data analytics or the military, and want to explore the impact of media across different sectors of society.
You’ll develop the tools to think critically about media and communicate effectively across different platforms. Whether you’re an educator, journalist, media buyer or researcher, this program helps you deepen your understanding of the media's role in shaping public perception, culture and identity.
Please note: While this degree encourages collaboration and emphasizes critical analysis, it is not a film production or screenwriting program.
Arizona State University’s online Master of Advanced Study in film and media studies teaches media analysis, critique and literacy across various platforms. In this program, you’ll cover film analysis, history and its impact on society. Upon graduation, you’ll be equipped for careers in a variety of settings, such as education, academia, journalism, research, media consulting and more.
The curriculum includes a range of core and elective studies that examine industry, aesthetics, history and culture within digital media. This program also provides opportunities to participate in online events, study abroad and internships.
From Royal Society and American Academy Fellows to Marshall and Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipients, The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is home to prestigious students and faculty members who include:
- Fulbright American Scholars.
- Guggenheim Fellows.
- MacArthur Fellows.
- Nobel laureates.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences takes a transdisciplinary approach to education with a vast spectrum of degrees in the social sciences, natural sciences and humanities. We inspire students to become socially aware critical thinkers and global citizens.
students enrolled as of fall 2024
in research expenditures in FY23
interdisciplinary schools and departments
undergraduate degrees
graduate degrees
for humanities research, according to the National Science Foundation
Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.
Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 in an applicable master's degree program.
All applicants must submit:
- Graduate admission application and application fee.
- Official transcripts.
- Statement of purpose.
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae or resume.
- Application essay.
An applicant whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency regardless of current residency. See the Department of English website for specific details about English proficiency requirements.
The one-page statement of purpose should describe past academic work, reasons for pursuing the Master of Advanced Study and skills that prepared the applicant for this degree.
Applicants must write and submit a three-page essay that assesses their knowledge of media theory and critical analysis skills. To find the essay subject, view the online application. Applicants should demonstrate the ability to write well and construct a persuasive critical argument. Include appropriate secondary sources in this essay.
While letters of recommendation are optional, applicants may include two or three letters in their application. Recommendations should come from former teachers or supervisors, addressing the applicant's academic performance, motivation and character.
In certain circumstances, a virtual interview is necessary before making final admissions decisions.
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.