Applied Media Communications

Program Overview

The Applied Media Communications program at UC Blue Ash College is an AAS degree designed to provide hands-on training in digital media production, including audio, design, photography, video, and web development. Students learn through small classes, studio projects, internships, and capstone experiences. Graduates pursue careers in advertising, audio engineering, photography, and other media fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Applied Media Communications program at UC Blue Ash College is a two-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program designed to immerse students in an active learning environment. Students are engaged in hands-on courses using industry-standard software and equipment in audio, interactive and media design, photography, video, and web development. The curriculum also includes courses in aesthetics, media history, and professional practice, teaching students how to apply their technical skills to visual communication problem-solving.

Teaching:

The program is delivered through small-sized classes, allowing for close interaction between students and faculty. Students gain practical production experience through individual and group studio projects, campus media productions, professional internships, graduation capstones, and work for real-world clients.

Careers:

Graduates of the Applied Media Communications program pursue careers in a variety of professional settings, including:

• Advertising
• Audio recording
• Interactive and media design
• Photography
• Television and video production
• Web development
Common job titles include:
• Audio engineer
• Digital archivist
• Motion graphic artist
• Multimedia / Interactive designer
• Photographer
• Social media content editor
• Television, film, and video producer
• Video effects artist
• Videographer, producer, and editor
• Web designer and developer

Other:

• The program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and SAT or ACT test scores.
• Students must meet the academic standards found in the Department Program Requirements in order to advance to upper levels of study.
• The program maintains three studio/lab spaces available for student use to complete project assignments.
• A wide range of specialized media production equipment is available for program students.
• Media Communications & Technology also operates UCTV, providing online streaming and on-demand video services.
• The program has negotiated agreements with several baccalaureate programs for graduates who wish to continue their education.
• Students can complete one or more of the Performance Package programs as they complete the required courses for the Associate of Applied Science degree, Professional Certificate, or One-Year Certificate program.
• Students must earn a 2.0 grade point average in order to be eligible for graduation from the program.
• A grade of C- or better must be earned in all Applied Media Communications courses that serve as prerequisite requirements, or as capstone experiences, to be eligible to graduate from the program.
• The Associate of Applied Science degree and the Professional Certificate in Applied Media Communications are designed to be completed in two years, provided students are full-time and do not need prep courses in English and Math.
• The One-Year Certificate programs are designed to be completed in one year, provided students are full-time and do not need prep courses in English.
• Students must begin in the fall semester to successfully complete these academic programs in two years (AAS and Professional Certificate) or one year (Animation, Interactive Web Multimedia, and Media Criticism & Journalism).
• Beginning in any other term than Fall semester may require additional semesters to complete the program and may also affect financial aid.
• The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.