BA in Media Study: Production
Analyze media. Shape the conversation.
The BA in Media Study: Critical Studies Concentration at the University at Buffalo is for students who want to understand how media works and why it matters. You will study film, digital media, games and social platforms as art forms and as powerful forces in modern life. Along the way, you will build strong analytical, writing and research skills that prepare you for a wide range of careers.
This degree is built for thoughtful, creative students who want to shape culture through media.
At UB you will:
- Work in small production classes where you create from day one
- Build technical skill in cameras, editing, sound and digital tools
- Explore emerging areas like game development, virtual worlds and interactive media
- Study media history and theory so your creative work has context and purpose
- Graduate with a portfolio that shows employers and graduate programs what you can do
As the flagship public university of New York State, UB combines elite research resources with an accessible, supportive environment. Buffalo’s arts scene, film community and growing creative industries give you room to experiment and grow.
- Step-by-step skill building from basic to advanced production
- Creative flexibility to focus on film, documentary, games, post-production or interactive media
- Strong critical foundation in film and media studies
- Advanced 400-level courses that deepen expertise in your chosen format
- Opportunities to showcase your work in screenings, installations and public presentations
By completing the production concentration, you will:
- Operate media technologies including cameras, sound equipment and production software
- Explain and interpret media theory and apply it to your own creative work
- Produce original media projects that demonstrate strong technical and creative decisions
- Analyze and compare media works using critical frameworks
- Critique and evaluate media projects thoughtfully and professionally
- Design and revise original media objects that reflect high levels of creativity and skill
You will not only learn how to make media. You will learn how to think about media and improve it.
The BA in Media Study requires 56 credits in the major.
Coursework is organized into clear stages:
- Basic production courses that introduce core tools and media forms
- Intermediate production courses where you deepen skills in areas such as video, post-production, game design, web media or virtual reality
- Advanced production courses that allow you to specialize
- Introductory film and media studies courses that build historical and theoretical knowledge
- Upper-level film and media studies courses that expand critical analysis
- Electives at the 300 or 400 level
For full course lists, policies and requirements:
You will also complete UB Curriculum requirements and additional electives to reach the university minimum of 120 credits for graduation.
Graduates of the production concentration pursue careers across media and creative industries, including:
- Film and video production
- Editing and post-production
- Game design and interactive media
- Digital content creation
- Social and mobile media strategy
- Sound design and screenwriting
Some students continue to graduate school in film, media studies or related fields. Others move directly into creative industries, nonprofits, arts organizations or technology driven companies.
You will graduate with a portfolio, technical skill and critical thinking that travel well across industries and reassure families that you are prepared for what comes next.
Not sure which concentration is right for you? Both are part of the BA in Media Study and share a strong foundation in media theory and culture. The difference is where you place your focus.
Production
Best for students who want to create media and build technical production skills
- Emphasizes hands-on courses in film, video, game design and interactive media
- Builds step-by-step expertise from basic to advanced production
- Results in a strong creative portfolio
- Prepares students for careers in film, digital media and creative industries
Critical Studies
Best for students who want to analyze media and understand its cultural impact
- Emphasizes theory, interpretation and advanced analytical writing
- Connects media to politics, identity, technology and society
- Includes one production course to understand creative processes
- Prepares students for careers in communication, policy, journalism and graduate study
Pick Production if you want to focus on making media. Pick Critical Studies if you want to focus on analyzing and interpreting media.
If you are ready to move from watching media to creating it, the BA in Media Study: Production Concentration offers the tools, mentorship and space to experiment.
