Academic Programs
School of Media Arts and Design
Dr. Steven D. Anderson, Director
Location: Harrison Hall, Room 202
Phone: (540) 568-7007
E-mail: anderssd@jmu.edu
Web site: http://smad.jmu.edu
[Printable Version]
Professors
S. Anderson, D. Gilliam, R. Greene, G. Johnson, M. Johnson, A. Leidholdt, D. Maune, R. Soenksen, C. Turner, J. Woody
Associate Professors
D. Flamiano, J. Guiniven J. Hinshaw, J. Holman, T. McHardy, T. O'Connor, K. Reynolds, D. Wendelken
Assistant Professors
M. Grundmann, K. Hughes, N. Nusser
Mission Statement
Career Opportunities
Co-curricular Activities and Organizations
Special Admission and Retention Requirements
Degree and Major Requirements
Concentrations
Teaching Licensure
Minor Requirements
Mission Statement
The mission of the School of Media Arts and Design consists of five interrelated areas:
- To encourage a learning and teaching environment that emphasizes the creative process and is distinctly innovative, cooperative, collegial and challenging.
- To be recognized as a regional and national leader in providing a multidisciplinary program that embraces and integrates new and evolving technologies with the teaching of the traditional concepts, values and skills of our disciplines.
- To build programs that help students acquire the ability to learn independently as well as to motivate and facilitate learning in a team environment.
- To stress the development of a broad understanding of the foundations of our related disciplines while acquiring a depth of knowledge in at least one area of concentration.
- To support a strong program of co-curricular, extracurricular and internship activities which enrich an understanding of the role of our disciplines in society.
To help fulfill the above mission, the school requires students:
- To write clearly, concisely, accurately and effectively for a mass media situation: (a) journalistic, (b) cinematic or (c) electronic.
- To demonstrate computer literacy.
- To demonstrate competency in information gathering for a variety of media situations.
- To recall the process involved in producing a publication (newspaper, magazine, radio, television or multimedia presentation).
- To understand how mass media businesses operate.
- To demonstrate competency in conducting pertinent media research.
- To recognize the history, theories, functions and effects of mass media in society.
- To recall the history of legal and regulatory constraints on the mass media and new information technologies.
- To recognize ethical constraints on the mass media.
- To apply knowledge of the media in professional environments under academic supervision.
The school incorporates the fields and study of mass communication, journalism, telecommunication, digital video production, interactive media and mediated visual and aural expression. It offers a program of study that prepares students for careers in the media and/or a corporate environment; careers that rely on mass media and related areas of expertise or graduate study in mass communication and related areas, such as advanced visual communication or digital production. A student who has an interest in working in print journalism, broadcast journalism, television production, corporate communication or interactive multimedia would find one of the five concentrations to fit his or her interests.
Co-curricular Activities and Organizations
Majors and interested non-majors are encouraged to participate in the co-curricular activities and organizations associated with the school. Co-curricular activities entail practical media arts and design experiences for which credit is available through practicums or other applied courses. Co-curricular organizations are student clubs and honorary societies associated with the school' s programs of study.
Co-curricular Activities
- The Breeze is the student newspaper.
- Curio is a feature magazine covering life in the Shenandoah Valley.
- WMRA-FM is the campus public radio station.
- Society of Professional Journalists is the JMU chapter of a national organization for students and professionals working in the various fields of journalism.
- The Association for Women in Communication is the JMU chapter of a national professional organization for students and professionals working in the various communication fields.
Admission Policy
Admission to the School of Media Arts and Design is limited and competitive. Applications for admission to the major are reviewed each academic year in the spring semester. All students interested in majoring in the programs offered by the school must apply for a limited number of spaces in the major. Students applying to the major at JMU must be degree seeking and either have completed at least 12 hours or be enrolled in 12 hours at JMU. An Admission Committee in the school reviews applications and offers admission based on availability to the most qualified students. A student may apply no more than three times to the school for admission.
A complete application to the major includes the following:
- Completion of SMAD 101 or enrollment in SMAD 101.
- Completion of SMAD Admission Test with sections on English grammar and usage, timed writing sample and basic computer knowledge. (Instructions for SMAD Admission Test available in SMAD 101.)
- An essay.
- A completed change of major form (available in the SMAD office).
- A completed SMAD major card (available in the SMAD office).
- A completed SMAD Questionnaire (available in the SMAD office).
- Other relative supporting documents.
Change of Concentration
Students accepted into the major must pick a concentration. Students who wish to change concentrations after being accepted into the major may do so only during the annual application time period in the spring semester. A student will be permitted to change concentrations with the approval of the Admission Committee.
Minimum Grades
SMAD 101is accepted in the major and makes an "F" in SMAD 101, then the student will be dropped from the major and can reapply. If a student enrolled in SMAD 101 is accepted in the major and makes a "D" or "D+" in SMAD 101, then the student may continue to take classes in the major; however, the students must retake SMAD 101 and earn at least a "C- ."
To graduate with a degree in media arts and design, a student must have a grade point average of 2.0 ("C") or better in the major.
Limitations in Applied CoursesOf the 120 hours of course work required for graduation, a student may count no more than six hours of combined credit in SMAD 295 and SMAD 395, Practicums; SMAD 390, Directed Projects, and SMAD 495, Internship, toward a major in media arts and design.
Degree and Major Requirements
A student must take a minimum of 33 hours in school courses. In addition to courses from the School of Media Arts and Design, students must take at least 78 hours of course work outside the school.
Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts and Design
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education1 | 41 |
| Foreign Language classes(intermediate level required)2 | 0-14 |
| Philosophy course (in addition to General Education courses) | 3 |
| University electives | 29-43 |
| Major requirements (listed below) | 33 |
120 |
|
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 The foreign language requirement may be satisfied by successful completion of the second semester of the intermediate level of the student'
s chosen language (typically 232) or by placing out of that language through the Department of Foreign Languages, Literatures and Cultures'
placement test.
Major Requirements
| Core Requirements | Credit Hours |
| SMAD 101. Introduction to Media Arts and Design | 3 |
| SMAD 201. Fundamental Skills in Media Arts and Design I | 3 |
| SMAD 202. Fundamental Skills in Media Arts and Design II | 3 |
| SMAD 301. The Media Arts: Culture by Design | 3 |
| SMAD 400. Senior Assessment in Media Arts and Design | 0 |
| Choose one of the following concentrations: | 21 |
| Corporate Communication | |
| Digital Video and Cinema | |
| Interactive Media | |
| Print Journalism |
Students accepted into the major must pick a concentration. Refer to the "Concentrations" section for details.
Bachelor of Science in Media Arts and Design
Degree Requirements
| Required Courses | Credit Hours |
| General Education1 |
41 |
| Quantitative requirement2 |
3 |
| Scientific Literacy requirement2 |
3-4 |
| University electives |
39-40 |
| Major requirements (listed below) |
33 |
|
120 |
|
1 The General Education program contains a set of requirements each student must fulfill. The number of credit hours necessary to fulfill these requirements may vary.
2 In addition to course work taken to fulfill General Education requirement.
Major Requirements
| Core Requirements |
Credit Hours |
| SMAD 101. Introduction to Media Arts and Design |
3 |
| SMAD 201. Fundamental Skills in Media Arts and Design I |
3 |
| SMAD 202. Fundamental Skills in Media Arts and Design II |
3 |
| SMAD 301. The Media Arts: Culture by Design |
3 |
| SMAD 400. Senior Assessment in Media Arts and Design |
0 |
| Choose one of the following programs: |
21 |
| Corporate Communication | |
| Digital Video and Cinema | |
| Interactive Media | |
| Print Journalism |
Students accepted into the major must pick a concentration. Refer to the "Concentrations" section for details.
Concentrations
Corporate Communication
This professionally oriented concentration provides students with the principles and skills needed to practice media-based communication within organizations. Class work, internships and practical experience will help teach students the principles used by corporations when communicating with organizational members and provide them the media design and production skills necessary for implementing strategic communication plans. Students planning careers in corporate communication should also obtain a broad liberal arts education to better understand the social, economic and symbolic factors that influence modern corporate communications.
|
Credit Hours |
|
| Core Requirements |
12 |
| SMAD 241. Corporate Media Writing1 |
3 |
| SMAD 341. Web Communication |
3 |
| SMAD 370. Mass Communication Law |
3 |
| Choose two of the following: |
6 |
| SMAD 220. News Editing | |
| SMAD 225. Photojournalism | |
| SMAD 256. Principles of Advertising | |
| SMAD 311. Feature Writing1 | |
| SMAD/GRPH 312. Web Design | |
| SMAD 321. Feature Magazine Production | |
| SMAD 322. Newspaper Production | |
| SMAD 332. Print Communication Design | |
| Choose one of the following: |
3 |
| SMAD 356. Telecommunication Policy and Regulation | |
| SMAD 372 Media History | |
| SMAD 471. Media Ethics | |
| SMAD 472. Media and Politics | |
| SMAD 498. Senior Seminar | |
| SMAD 441. Corporate Communication Management |
3 |
|
33 |
|
1 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
| First Year |
Credit Hours |
| SMAD 101 |
3 |
| Cluster One | 9 |
| General Education courses |
18 |
|
30 |
|
| Second Year |
Credit Hours |
| SMAD 201/202 |
6 |
| SMAD 241 |
3 |
| General Education courses |
10-13 |
| University electives |
8-11 |
|
30 |
|
| Third Year |
Credit Hours |
| SMAD 301 |
3 |
| SMAD 341 |
3 |
| SMAD 370 |
3 |
| SMAD required elective |
3 |
| University electives |
18 |
|
30 |
|
| Fourth Year |
Credit Hours |
| SMAD 441 |
3 |
| SMAD required elective |
6 |
| University electives |
21 |
|
30 |
|
Digital Video and Cinema
This professionally oriented program helps students develop practical skills in the converging media of high definition television and film, while instilling a critical understanding of how those media are used to tell stories, convey information and persuade audiences. The program offers preparation in writing, production and post-production within an ongoing examination of how new digital technologies are reshaping the commercial and artistic potential of visual media. Digital video and cinema students are encouraged to complement their concentration with a minor in film studies, creative writing, art or theatre.
|
Credit Hours |
|
| Core Requirements |
12 |
| Choose one of the following: |
3 |
| SMAD 250. Scriptwriting1 | |
| SMAD 251. Screenplay Writing1 | |
| Choose one of the following: |
3 |
| SMAD 330. New Media Law | |
| SMAD 370. Mass Communication Law | |
| SMAD 302. HD Video Production |
3 |
| SMAD 407. Business and Management of Digital Media |
3 |
| Choose one or two of the following: |
3-6 |
| SMAD 303. HD Post Production | |
| SMAD 304. Audio Production | |
| SMAD 305. Topics in Media Arts and Design (topic dependent) | |
| SMAD 306. HD Studio Production | |
| SMAD 340. Advanced Screenplay Writing | |
| SMAD 371. Narrative Media Studies | |
| SMAD 402. HD Compositing and Special Effects | |
| SMAD 405. Directing Video and Cinema | |
| SMAD 406. Electronic News Gathering and Producing | |
| SMAD 462. Documentary in Film and TV | |
| SMAD 463. Film Adaptations | |
| Choose one or two of the following: |
3-6 |
| SMAD 371. Narrative Media Studies | |
| SMAD 373. Media Analysis and Criticism | |
| SMAD 460. Movies and Society | |
| SMAD 461. Movies as Art | |
| SMAD 462. Documentary in Film and TV | |
| SMAD 463. Film Adaptations | |
| SMAD 470. New Media and Society | |
| SMAD 498. Senior Seminar | |
|
33 |
|
1 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
| First Year |
Credit Hours |
| SMAD 101 |
3 |
| Cluster One |
9 |
| General Education courses |
18 |
|
30 |
|
| Second Year | Credit Hours |
| SMAD 201/202 |
6 |
| SMAD 250 or SMAD 251 |
3 |
| General Education courses |
10-13 |
| University electives |
8-11 |
|
30 |
|
| Third Year | Credit Hours |
| SMAD 301 |
3 |
| SMAD law course |
3 |
| SMAD 302 |
3 |
| SMAD required electives |
3 |
| University electives |
18 |
|
30 |
|
| Fourth Year | Credit Hours |
| SMAD 407 |
3 |
| SMAD required electives |
6 |
| University electives |
21 |
|
30
|
|
Interactive Media
This professionally oriented program helps students develop practical skills in interactive media through class work, internships and practical experience. At the same time, the program encourages students to obtain a broad liberal arts education so they will understand the theories, design, legalities and applications of new technologies in society.
|
Credit Hours |
|
| Core Requirements |
12 |
| SMAD 231. Writing for New Media1 |
3 |
| SMAD 330. New Media Law |
3 |
| SMAD 307. Interactive Design for the Web I |
3 |
| SMAD 308. Interactive Design for the Web II |
3 |
| SMAD 404. Advanced Interactive Design |
3 |
| SMAD 407. Business and Management of Digital Media |
3 |
| Choose one from the following: |
3 |
| SMAD 356. Telecommunication Policy and Regulation | |
| SMAD 373. Media Analysis and Criticism | |
| SMAD 470. New Media and Society | |
| SMAD 471. Media Ethics | |
| SMAD 498. Senior Seminar | |
|
33 |
|
1 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
| First Year |
Credit Hours |
| SMAD 101 |
3 |
| Cluster One |
9 |
| General Education courses |
18 |
|
30 |
|
| Second Year | Credit Hours |
| SMAD 201/202 |
6 |
| SMAD 231 |
3 |
| General Education courses |
10-13 |
| University electives |
8-11 |
|
30 |
|
| Third Year | Credit Hours |
| SMAD 301 |
3 |
| SMAD 330 |
3 |
| SMAD 307/308 |
6 |
| University electives |
18 |
|
30 |
|
| Fourth Year | Credit Hours |
| SMAD 404/407 |
6 |
| SMAD required electives |
3 |
| University electives |
21 |
|
30 |
|
Print Journalism
This professionally oriented concentration enables students to develop writing, editing and information-gathering skills needed to work in newspapers, magazines and related fields through course work, internships and other practical experiences. At the same time the program encourages students to obtain a broad liberal arts education so they will understand many of the issues facing contemporary society.
Credit Hours |
|
| Core requirements |
12 |
| SMAD 210. News Writing1 |
3 |
| SMAD 220. News Editing |
3 |
| SMAD 370. Mass Communication Law |
3 |
| Choose one of the following: |
3 |
| SMAD 310. Advanced News Writing | |
| SMAD 311. Feature Writing1 | |
| Choose two of the following: |
6 |
| SMAD 225. Photojournalism | |
| SMAD/GRPH 312. Web Design | |
| SMAD 321. Feature Magazine Production | |
| SMAD 322. Newspaper Production | |
| SMAD 341. Web Communication | |
| SMAD 332. Print Communication Design | |
| Choose one of the following: |
3 |
| SMAD 372. Media History | |
| SMAD 462. Documentary in Film and TV | |
| SMAD 471. Media Ethics | |
| SMAD 472. Media and Politics | |
| SMAD 498. Senior Seminar | |
|
33 |
|
1 This course fulfills the College of Arts and Letters writing-intensive requirement for the major.
Recommended Schedule for Majors
| First Year | Credit Hours |
| SMAD 101 |
3 |
| Cluster One |
9 |
| General Education courses |
18 |
|
30 |
|
| Second Year | Credit Hours |
| SMAD 201/202 |
6 |
| SMAD 210 | 3 |
| SMAD 220 |
3 |
| General Education courses |
10-13 |
| University electives |
5-8 |
|
30 |
|
| Third Year | Credit Hours |
| SMAD 301 |
3 |
| SMAD 370 |
3 |
| Either SMAD 310 or 311 |
3 |
| University electives |
21 |
|
30 |
|
| Fourth Year | Credit Hours |
| SMAD required electives |
9 |
| University electives |
21 |
|
30 |
|
Teaching Licensure
In addition to the general education and academic major requirements, media arts and design majors desiring to add an endorsement in journalism to a secondary teacher license in another content area must be admitted to teacher education, complete the pre-professional program in secondary education at the undergraduate level and complete the graduate level Master of Arts in Teaching degree.
It is critical that students seeking licensure consult regularly with both their education adviser and their major adviser to support their progression through the programs. For a full description of the program in secondary teaching, refer to the Department of Middle, Secondary and Mathematics Education, in addition to the College of Education section of the catalog.
Minor Requirements
Creative Writing Minor
The interdisciplinary minor in creative writing is designed to give students an opportunity to develop their writing talents across a number of literary forms and communication contexts. For more detailed information on the minor, refer to the section on "Interdisciplinary Programs".
Film Studies Minor
The interdisciplinary minor in film studies is designed for students who wish to extend their critical understanding of visual communication and narrative form by studying how movies tell stories, convey information and influence audiences. For more detailed information on the minor, refer to the Interdisciplinary Programs.
Political Communication
The program in political communication is designed for those students wishing to supplement their major programs with an emphasis on communication skills, knowledge and abilities specifically relevant to participation in political environments. For more detailed information on the minor, refer to the Interdisciplinary Programs.
Sport Communication
This minor consists of course work offered in communications, media arts and design, and kinesiology for students with an interest in sports media and communication. For more information, see the Department of Kinesiology.
Telecommunications
The interdisciplinary minor in telecommunications is designed to augment the student'
s major program with a package of courses that will prepare the graduate to obtain a position as a telecommunication/network professional and fill a societal need in one of the fastest growing areas of technology. For more detailed information on the minor, refer to the Interdisciplinary Programs.
