BA in Media Study: Critical Studies/ MA in Arts Management
Lead cultural organizations confidently
The BA in Media Study Critical Studies and MA in Arts Management at UB is a five-year combined degree designed for students who want advanced skills in media analysis and preparation for leadership in the arts. You’ll earn a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts while building expertise in film and media theory, cultural analysis, nonprofit management and arts policy.
This program is ideal for students who are curious about how media shapes society and who want to guide the organizations that shape cultural life.
The combined program offers graduate-level training while you are still completing your undergraduate degree. Instead of applying separately to a master’s program after graduation, eligible students transition smoothly into advanced coursework during their senior year.
This program is a strong fit if you:
- Enjoy analyzing film, digital media and culture
- Want to work in arts administration or cultural leadership
- Are interested in nonprofit management or arts policy
- Want to complete two degrees in five years
- Value mentorship and structured academic planning
Degree type: Combined Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Master of Arts (MA)
Fields: Media Study (Critical Studies) and Arts Management
Program length: Five years
- Integrated undergraduate and graduate coursework completed in five years
- Early entry into graduate Arts Management courses
- Advanced training in film and media theory
- Professional preparation in nonprofit leadership and cultural policy
- Fieldwork experience in arts management
- Clear advising support throughout the program
How the program works
Students begin as Media Study majors in the Critical Studies concentration. During the first three years, they complete core undergraduate coursework in film history, theory, analysis and media and culture.
During the fourth year, eligible students formally enter the combined program and begin graduate Arts Management coursework. Some undergraduate requirements are replaced with graduate credits, reducing overall time to completion.
The BA is awarded after year four. The MA is awarded at the end of year five.
Total credits required: 144
Undergraduate credits: 105
Graduate credits: 39
Students typically apply during their fifth semester at UB. Admission to the graduate portion requires meeting GPA standards and submitting application materials.
Critical Studies students build advanced interpretive and research skills while gaining practical understanding of how arts organizations operate.
Students in the program:
- Study film and media history and theory at an advanced level
- Examine how media interacts with culture and public life
- Complete an introductory production course to understand media creation
- Take graduate coursework in nonprofit management and arts policy
- Gain field experience through arts management coursework
Graduates are well prepared for roles that combine media knowledge with leadership skills, including:
- Arts administrator
- Cultural policy analyst
- Festival or program director
- Nonprofit manager
- Graduate study in media, arts leadership or cultural studies
The structure of the program allows students to build strong analytical skills alongside professional management expertise.
If you want to study media seriously and help lead cultural institutions, the combined BA in Media Study Critical Studies and MA in Arts Management offers a clear and efficient path.
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