Media Arts Program
The media arts studies program produces students with a strong liberal arts foundation that can be used effectively in a variety of film-related careers or graduate studies. Graduates are generalists with skills and proficiencies that can be used in multiple venues including emerging media environments. Students master knowledge of film culture, history, and theory; develop general and specialized skills sets; and utilize processes that integrate professional practices, generate creative applications to new situations, and support collaboration in multiple settings. Core curriculum of critical studies develops analytical skills and creates a foundation for application and experimentation; a range of electives allows additional emphasis in critical studies, fiction or non-fiction production, or other specialized areas.
For more information on the BYU Media Arts program, please visit film.byu.edu.
Theatre Arts Programs
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting
Students working towards a degree in Acting will have numerous opportunities to gain experience in theatre performance and production in areas tailored to fit their desired career goals. With eight main-stage plays produced each academic year, students will have ample opportunity to gain hands-on experience with the production process.
For more information on BFA Acting, please visit our Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting page.
Music Dance Theatre (MDT)
The Music Dance Theatre (MDT) major is a unique integration of the disciplines of Music, Dance, and Theatre. The School of Music, the Departments of Dance, and Theatre and Media Arts have combined their resources to create a nationally accredited course of study leading to a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Carefully designed by these three departments, classes feature an innovative, interdisciplinary approach to stimulate the highest level of professionalism for the student who desires to pursue a career as a professional singer, actor, and dancer.
For more information on MDT, please visit visit music.byu.edu.
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts Education
The theatre arts education K–12 degree program is designed to prepare students to become creative teachers who can meet the educational needs of elementary and secondary school theatre students. The skills the program emphasizes include, but are not limited to, interpersonal communication, social, life, acting, directing, writing, historical/analytical, and design/production skills. In addition to developing highly skilled educators, the program is designed to develop strong directing and production skills in each prospective teacher.
For more information on Theatre Arts Education, please visit our Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts Education page.
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts Studies
A BA in Theatre Arts Studies provides hands-on training, critical thinking skills, and the development of professional ethics across the various performance disciplines. Students focus on a particular area of interest and are trained in skills that can be used in multiple production and media environments. Students will have opportunity to participate in dozens of theatre and film projects directed by faculty, graduate students, and undergraduate students. Those interested in the Music Dance Theatre BFA or in the Acting BFA, should declare the Acting Pre-major, not the Theatre Arts Studies major. Applicants to the Music Dance Theatre BFA may also need to declare the Music Pre-major.
For more information on Theatre Arts Studies, please visit our Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Arts Studies page.
For more information on the Theatre and Media Arts programs, please visit the BYU Undergraduate Catalog.
Graduate Studies
This program is a scholarly two-year degree, and students should be in residence for the duration of the program. The coursework consists of a core of history/theory classes supplemented by electives chosen by the student in conjunction with her/his advisor. The program wraps up with comprehensive exams and the writing of a solid scholarly thesis. There are two possible emphases: Theatre History and Criticism, or Media Arts Education.
For more information on TMA graduate studies, please visit our Graduate Studies page or see graduatestudies.byu.edu.
Non-Major Opportunities
The Theatre & Media Arts Department recognizes that many people have a passion for theatre and media arts but do not necessarily want to pursue it as a career. Nevertheless, theatre and media arts experiences can help you develop skills which may prove to be a valuable supplement to your resume. We have several opportunities available for such individuals including minors, TMA productions, and general education courses.
For more information on non-major opportunities, please visit our Non-Major Opportunities page.
