Asbury University offers a Master of Arts in Communication Arts with an emphasis in Digital Storytelling through the School of Communication Arts. The program is managed by the Department of Media, Journalism & Digital Storytelling. Asbury University uses an online learning management platform called Discovery, with live sessions in Adobe Connect. Through Discovery, students can access their course materials, submit assignments, participate in online discussions with their classmates, and communicate with their instructors and professors.
The program can be completed online, but is dependent on the student’s academic background or professional experience. Students that have taken undergraduate media classes or possess significant professional media experience may qualify for the entirely online track. However, some students may be required to attend on-campus intensive sessions that last two weeks during the summer, again depending on their academic and professional experience. The program can completed in one and a half to two years and requires between 30 and 39 credit hours of study.
The 30-credit option is open to students who earned an undergraduate degree that included coursework in areas such as basic audio editing, single camera work or multi-cam studio television. The 30-credit option is also open to media professionals with experience in audio editing and production, television studio production or single camera work. The 39-credit track is for students with no academic or professional media production experience, and includes three undergraduate prerequisite classes (9 credits) that prepare students for graduate-level studies in digital storytelling. These classes cover audio production, television production, and single camera production and students complete them on campus during a two-week summer intensive session.
The program curriculum teaches students about the foundations of effective storytelling, including how to use plot, character and action to develop stories and how to engage audiences through narrative. In addition, students gain hands-on skills in production, using technology to enhance their storytelling techniques. Coursework is split between a digital storytelling core unit (12 credits), electives (9 credits), and courses in media writing, industry, and production (9 credits). Digital storytelling classes cover central concepts in areas such as communication research methods, media ethics, and viral marketing. Electives allow students to develop skills and knowledge specific to their professional interests, such as sports storytelling, project management, cinematography, and television and film directing.
Asbury University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission.
Online Master of Arts in Communication for Media Professionals
Overview
Department: School of Communication Arts
Specializations/Concentrations: Emphasis in Digital Storytelling
Websites: Department
and Program
Program Format
Structure: Online program with no required campus visits (depending on track and professional experience)
Instruction Methods: Program mainly uses synchronous instruction with classes meeting online once a week for 1-3 hours
Campus Visits Required: No
Program Length: Full-time: program can be completed in 12 to 18 months; Part-time: program can be completed in 2 years or longer
Curriculum and Graduation Requirements
Thesis Required: No
Capstone Options: Optional Thesis or creative project
Credits Required: 30 credits (10 courses)
Example Courses: Deconstructing the Documentary: Myths, Propaganda & Truth; Viral Marketing, Methods, Messages, Media; Media Ethics; Communication Research Methods; Cross-Platform Storytelling; Editing Practice & Theory; Feature Film Screenwriting
Application Requirements
Degree Required: Bachelor's degree
GPA Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.5 (or 2.75 in last 60 credit hours of undergraduate degree)
Testing Requirements: GRE not required (unless GPA is below 2.5)
Start Dates: Fall, Spring and Summer admission
Tuition Costs
Estimated Tuition*: ~$17,280 + fees
Cost per Credit Hour: $576 per credit hour
State Authorizations: Program accepts students from all 50 states
