Frequently Asked Questions

General Information

1. What does "Media Arts" mean at UA?

At the University of Arizona, the term "Media Arts" refers to the arts of the moving image, in film, video, and television. We study how these forms are created and presented to audiences. We study their histories and their cultural and social impact. See our Programs of Study website for details about the Media Arts degree programs currently offered.

The UA School of Media Arts does not offer programs in photography, web design, digital animation, graphic design, acting, audio production, radio, broadcast journalism, television production, or set design/construction. (Photography and graphic design ["visual communication"] are offered through the UA School of Art. Acting and set design/construction are offered through the UA School of Theatre Arts.)

2. What can I do with a Bachelor's degree in Media Arts?

Media Arts graduates work in film and video production, as television and print news reporters, teachers, counselors, sales associates, marketing specialists, researchers, and owner-operators of independent production companies, among other careers. Recent graduates have also gone on to graduate programs such as the Tisch School for the Arts at New York University, the Film and Television program at UCLA, American Film Institute, Chapman University, and the University of North Carolina law school.

3. How long does the program take to complete?

If you begin as a freshman in the Media Arts major, keep your UA GPA above 2.5, and follow the appropriate degree plan, then the degree requirements for any of our undergraduate programs can be completed in four years. If you become a Media Arts major later in your academic career (or if your UA GPA drops below 2.5), then completion in four years may or may not be a possibility. See a Media Arts advisor for individual advising.

4. Is there a Media Arts club on the UA campus?

Yes -- the University Filmmakers Organization (UFO). The purpose of the the club is to (1) strive for the highest quality of production, (2) give any student the opportunity of hands-on filmmaking experience, (3) act as a social environment that promotes networking amongst peers, and (4) act as a forum that streamlines the production process. Club activities include film production, workshops, and general film discussions. Students are encouraged to join UFO to gain professional film experience and make friends in the process.  Email club president Ted Willis at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  for more information.

Admission

5. How do I apply for admission to Media Arts?

Please see our Admissions website, which lists all of the details of the application process.

6. Is there a minimum GPA requirement for admission into Media Arts?

Yes. Current University of Arizona students wishing to become a Media Arts major or minor must have a minimum cumulative GPA (grade-point-average) at UA of 2.5. However, students entering the University of Arizona directly from high school or from another college or university do not have this specific GPA requirement. These new students must apply to the UA and submit a complete Media Arts application before they can be evaluated for entrance into the Media Arts program.  The GPA from previous institution(s) is considered by our faculty reviewers during the review process.

7. How many students are accepted to Media Arts each year?

This varies depending on how many applications we get. Our faculty reviewers admit all students whom they feel are acceptable to the program. Historically, we have admitted 70-80% of students who have submitted a complete Media Arts application, including both students who are new to the University and UA students changing their major to Media Arts. At this time the School of Media Arts has approximately 300 undergraduate majors.

Equipment/Software

8. What kinds of cameras will I use?

The School of Media Arts owns 16mm and digital video cameras. For beginning and intermediate level class work, students use Sony mini-DV cameras for video and Bolex 16mm cameras for film production. For advanced classes, students can use Panasonic DVX-100 24p DV cameras and Cinema Productions CP-16 sync sound cameras to make films and videos.

9. What kind of computers and software will I use to make films and videos in a production course?

The 20-station Hanson Post-Production Lab is outfitted with Apple G5 and Mac Pro computers and a range of Apple software for video and sound editing, including current versions of Final Cut Pro, Motion and DVD Studio Pro.

10. What kind of computer, camera or software should I buy to help me prepare for production class work within Media Arts?

None! The School of Media Arts provides all the computers, software, cameras, sound and lighting equipment needed to do the work for any production class.

You will be better served by spending money on things like 16mm film stock, food, props, travel costs, etc., all of which are intrinsic to fiction, documentary and experimental films but are not covered by the School of Media Arts. Or save your money and buy a computer or camera after you graduate, when you will not have guaranteed access to good production equipment.

The one item you may wish to purchase for production class work within the School of Media Arts is a FireWire portable hard drive, which you will be able to use for all the production work you do. For FireWire drives, see the Apple Store website. (Click on "Mac Accessories", and then "Storage".)

Because of limited staff resources, we cannot help fix or diagnose problems with any non-departmental equipment like computers or cameras.

It is highly recommended that you wait to purchase equipment until you gain more experience with production. Use our facilities and equipment, ask questions, and decide what you need that isn't provided here.

11. I am buying a computer to use for my other class work at the University; if I want to use that computer for Media Arts work, should it be a Macintosh or Windows-based machine?

Get a Mac! Apple desktop computers and laptops are the industry standard for film and video production. And since the campus is now a wireless environment, a laptop can be used in a variety of locations.

Here are specific recommendations for Media Arts students who would like to use their computer to edit video using Final Cut Pro (the editing software we use in Media Arts):  We recommend a Mac Book Pro, with minimum 2GB memory and the biggest screen you can afford. Once you are a student at UA, you may purchase the Final Cut Pro software at the UA bookstore at a substantial discount. We also recommend you purchase an external FireWire drive (mentioned in FAQ#10), with a minimum capacity of 250 GB and a minimum spindle speed of 7200 rpm.

Basic Courses  

12. Can I start taking Media Arts courses in my freshman year?

Yes, if you are a declared Media Arts major. (Non-Media Arts majors/minors may not register for Media Arts courses.) In fact, we recommend you take Media Arts courses every semester you are here at UA as a Media Arts major. The Media Arts program requires completion of five core Media Arts courses (MAR 100A, 100B, 200, 210, 270) before you will be allowed to register for any upper-division (300/400 level) Media Arts courses. Most of our core courses are offered only once a year.

13. What are the core courses in Media Arts?

The five core Media Arts courses are:

  1. MAR 100A (Film & TV History, Beginning to Mid-20th Century)
       [Fall; usually taken in the freshman year]
  2. MAR 100B (Film & TV History, Mid-20th Century to the Present)
       [Spring, sometimes Summer; usually taken in the freshman year]
  3. MAR 200 (Media Aesthetics)
       [Fall, sometimes Summer; usually taken in the freshman year]
  4. MAR 210 (Introduction to Production Practices)
       [Fall, Spring, sometimes Summer; prerequisite is MAR 200; usually taken in the sophomore year]
  5. MAR 270 (Introduction to the Media Industries)
       [Spring; usually taken in the sophomore year]

Media Arts majors and minors must complete all five of these core courses, and have a minimum UA GPA of 2.5, before they will be allowed to register for upper-division (300/400 level) Media Arts courses.

14. How do I register for Media Arts courses?

Only Media Arts majors and minors can take Media Arts courses during the Fall and Spring semesters (except MAR 252, a Tier 2 Arts course usually offered in the Spring semester). Any UA student may enroll in Media Arts courses in the Summer Sessions (see FAQ#21).

If you are a Media Arts major or minor, see our Courses and Registration website, which details the Media Arts registration procedures.

If you are not yet a Media Arts major or minor, see our Admissions website, which details the application procedures.

Major Requirements

15. What are the requirements for a Media Arts major?

For details on the Media Arts degree programs, click on the appropriate link at our Programs of Study website. At each program's website are downloadable documents that detail degree requirements and offer a checklist of all required courses.

16. What is the difference between the BA degree and the BFA degree?

Both degrees require the same general education requirements, except that the BA requires 4th semester proficiency in a second language, while the BFA only requires 2nd semester proficiency in a second language.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is a liberal arts degree that includes 49 units in the major. Once the five core Media Arts courses are completed, students will choose one of the following two options to complete their major: Film & Television Studies, or Producing. The BA degree requires completion of a minor.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is a professional degree that includes 79 units in the major. This is a rigorous program in Film & Video Production. Prospective BFA students must first be enrolled in the BA degree and begin taking the five core Media Arts courses. There is an additional, highly competitive application process to be accepted into the BFA program, which generally happens in the Fall of the sophomore year. For details about the BFA application process, see the lower portion of our Bachelor of Fine Arts website.

17. What is the math requirement for Media Arts majors?

If Media Arts is your primary major, then to complete the math requirement you must either (1) achieve an appropriate score on the Math AP test [taken in high school], (2) achieve an appropriate score on UA's proctored math placement test [available ONLY during your first semester at UA - more information here on the Proctored ALEKS Test Flyer], or (3) complete one of the following UA courses:

  • MATH 105 (Math in Modern Society)
  • MATH 110 or 112 (College Algebra)
  • PHIL 110 (Introduction to Logic)
It is possible to transfer a course from another institution to meet this requirement. The Course Equivalency Guide shows the transferability of courses from Arizona community colleges and universities to the University of Arizona. Courses taken at an institution outside the state of Arizona must be approved by the appropriate department at UA (Math or Philosophy) in order to complete the math requirement. See the Math Transfer website for details on the math course approval process. Contact Philosophy advisor Jason Matteson at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   for approval for PHIL 110 [if an equivalence is not already specified in the Course Equivalency Guide]. 

18. Do I need to take a second language for a Media Arts degree?

Yes. In order to graduate with the Bachelor of Arts degree in Media Arts, you must complete 4th semester proficiency in a second language. To graduate with the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Media Arts, you must complete 2nd semester proficiency in a second language.

Language proficiency exams are offered at New Student Orientation and through the department offering the language.

It is possible to transfer course(s) from another institution to meet this requirement. The Course Equivalency Guide shows the transferability of courses from Arizona community colleges and universities to the University of Arizona. Courses taken at an institution outside the state of Arizona must be approved by the UA department offering the language.

19. Do I need to complete a minor in addition to my Media Arts major?

It depends on which Media Arts degree you are pursuing. The Bachelor of Arts degree DOES require a minor. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree DOES NOT require a minor (though you may complete a minor if you like). A minor in a Media Arts degree generally cannot include Media Arts courses. See your online Academic Catalog for a listing of available minors.

20. Can I double major?

Yes. You can pursue a double major in a degree program when the degree title (BA, BFA, etc.) is the same. If you have a double major, a minor is not required in that degree. Your primary major department is the department that determines your general education and other degree requirements. Your secondary major department may only advise you on that major's requirements. If the degree titles (BA, BFA, etc.) are different, then you will be pursuing a double degree, not a double major. If one of your degrees requires a minor, then that minor must be in an area unrelated to the subject of your other degree. (Exception: Students in double degree programs in Media Arts and Business may choose to pursue the General Business Administration minor for their Media Arts degree.)

Course Availability

21. Are Media Arts courses available during the summer sessions?

Yes. Any UA student may enroll in Media Arts courses (except MAR 493 Internship) in the Summer Sessions. During Summer, lower-division (100/200 level) courses are available via WebReg. Upper-division (300/400 level) courses in Summer are also available via WebReg, but students must first request provisional advanced standing for the summer by contacting Christina Swanson at  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Provisional advanced standing for Summer will be given upon request -- regardless of major, earned hours, Media Arts core courses completed, or cumulative GPA.

All summer courses in Media Arts are offered in residence in Tucson; we do not offer online or web-delivered courses at this time.

22. Are Media Arts courses available during the winter session?

Usually not.

23. Are online or web-delivered Media Arts courses available at UA?

Not at this time.

Transfer Courses

24. Can I take courses for my UA degree at Pima Community College, or at another institution?

Yes. General Education equivalents and some lower division (100/200 level) Media Arts electives are available at Pima. To see how Pima courses will transfer to UA, do one of the following:

  • For General Education courses, download the following list of approved courses: PCC Transferable Courses (PDF)
  • For potential Media Arts electives, make an appointment to see a Media Arts advisor.

You must register for the course(s) through Pima. Call PCC at 206-4500, see the Pima website, or visit an advising office on one of the PCC campuses for more information.

If you would like to take courses toward your degree at an institution other than Pima, this may be possible. For General Education courses, use the above downloadable list as a guideline for which course titles might count toward a specific requirement. Then, for Media Arts majors, all courses must be pre-approved by Christina Swanson, Media Arts' Sr. Academic Advisor. For courses in Arizona, either email the course description to Dr. Swanson ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or set up an in-person appointment. For out-of-state courses, you must go through the several-step preapproval process listed on the Transfer Credit Preapproval website.

In order for a course from another institution to be acceptable for transfer to UA, you must take the course on a graded basis (not pass/fail), and you must earn a minimum grade of "C". Though the credits transfer (if the course is acceptable for transfer), the grade will not affect your UA GPA (grade-point-average). Only courses taken at UA may count toward your UA GPA.

A maximum of 64 units total can be transferred from 2-year institutions. Also keep in mind that a minimum of 18 of the last 30 units earned toward your degree must be taken in residence at UA. Read your SAPR for additional information. 

25. How do I transfer a course to UA?

Once you have completed course(s) at another institution that you would like to transfer to UA, you must request an official transcript to be sent from that institution to UA. Continuing UA students should have their transcript sent to the following address:

         The University of Arizona
         Transcript Evaluation
         Admin Bldg Rm 210
         PO Box 210066
         Tucson, AZ  85721-0066

Once the University has received your official transcript, it can take 2-4 weeks (depending on the time of year) for the courses to show up on your UA record. You can check on Student Link (under "Transfer Courses") to see when/if your transfer courses have been posted.

For Media Arts Juniors/Seniors

26. What is Media Arts Advanced Standing?

A student must achieve Media Arts Advanced Standing before being allowed to register for Media Arts upper division (300/400 level) courses. See our Advanced Standing website for specific requirements.

27. Are there internship opportunities in Media Arts? How do I apply for an internship?

Yes, we offer many internships, in Tucson and elsewhere. You must be a Media Arts major and have Media Arts Advanced Standing to be eligible for a Media Arts internship. Completion of the Media Arts core courses and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 are required, even in Summer Sessions, to be eligible for internship credit through Media Arts. Completion of MAR 303 is also a prerequisite to Media Arts internship. Please see our comprehensive Internship website for further information.

You may count up to 6 units of MAR 493 (the course number associated with internship) toward the Media Arts major, and up to an additional 6 units as elective units toward the degree (for a maximum of 12 units total toward the degree).

28. Can I do an independent study for credit?

Yes, once you have achieved Media Arts Advanced Standing. See our Individual Study website for information.

29. What is a senior degree check and when do I have to do one?

A senior degree check is a review of your academic records based on your catalog year. You should apply for your senior degree check one semester prior to graduation. The Graduation Services Advisor for Media Arts majors is Melanie Brady, whose office is located in the College of Fine Arts' Dean's Office in the Music Building, room 111. See the Graduation Services website for Melanie's office hours and contact information.

You must bring a current SAPR and picture ID with you when you see Melanie for your degree check.

After you receive your degree check form, see your minor or second major advisor (if applicable) to get the form signed by them. Then you should make an appointment with Media Arts' Sr. Academic Advisor, Christina Swanson, for the final signature(s). See our Advising Information website for instructions on how to make an appointment.

General Questions

30. How many units are required to be classified as a Freshman, Sophomore, Junior or Senior?

Effective March 2009, class standing is determined as follows:

  • Freshman 0-29 units
  • Sophomore 30-59 units
  • Junior 60-89 units
  • Senior 90+ units

Class standing is based on completion of units. Units in progress do not count toward your class standing. Your class standing determines your registration times each semester.

31. How do I know which catalog year I am in?

Knowing your catalog year is important, because it determines the set of requirements you will be held to. In general, your catalog year is the year you entered the University of Arizona; however, there are some exceptions. First, check your SAPR. Here are the rules governing the assignment of your catalog year:

  • If you have never attended any university or community college besides the University of Arizona, the year you entered the University of Arizona is your catalog year.
  • If you attended an out-of-state university or community college, the year you entered University of Arizona is your catalog year.
  • If you attended a community college in Arizona prior to entering U of A, the year you started at the community college is your catalog year (but see the last option).
  • If you took courses at a university or community college while you were still in high school, those courses will transfer. However, time spent co-registered in high school and undergraduate level courses is not factored into the determination of your catalog year.
  • If you started taking classes at a university or community college in Arizona, but took a break of three or more consecutive semesters, the year you started back to school is your catalog year.
  • At any time during your career at the university, you can choose to "migrate" to a newer catalog and abide by all the requirements (major, minor, and general education) of that catalog.

32. What is a course syllabus?

A syllabus is a written contract between the instructor and the students in a course, and is provided by the instructor at the beginning of the semester for each course. The syllabus gives the rules that students must follow in order to be successful in the course, including how much each assignment, paper, quiz, exam, etc. is worth toward the final course grade. Usually a class-by-class schedule is given, including due dates for assignments and papers, and dates of quizzes (except pop quizzes) and exams. The course syllabus also gives contact information and office hours for the instructor(s).

It is every student's responsibility to keep track of the information in the syllabus, including due dates and deadlines -- even if the instructor does not remind you of these dates during class!

33. How do I find out what courses I still need to take to complete my degree?

Check your SAPR (Student Academic Progress Report), available online through UA Student Link. Your SAPR indicates the courses you have completed, the courses you are currently registered for, and your remaining requirements. In order to be accurate, your major, minor, and catalog year (2007-08, 2008-09, etc.) must be up to date. For more information on your SAPR, see the UA SAPR website. If you have questions about your SAPR, make an appointment with Christina Swanson, Media Arts Sr. Academic Advisor.

34. Can I take UA courses on a pass/fail basis toward my degree?

It depends.  Courses taken on a pass/fail basis cannot count toward any General Education, major, or minor requirements.  In addition, any student taking a UA course on a pass/fail basis must also be registered for a minimum of 12 units of regularly graded courses during that semester.

A note about taking foreign language courses on a pass/fail basis -- To complete the foreign language requirement for your degree, you must complete either 2nd semester proficiency or 4th semester proficiency (see also FAQ#18).  Here's a chart that tells you what is possible, using the Spanish language as an example:

    SPAN 101 (1st semester) -- MAY be taken pass/fail
    SPAN 102 (2nd semester) -- may NOT be taken pass/fail -- must be graded
    SPAN 201 (3rd semester) -- MAY be taken pass/fail
    SPAN 202 (4th semester) -- may NOT be taken pass/fail -- must be graded 

35. How do I see a Media Arts advisor?

Advising appointments are made one day in advance through the Media Arts office, either by phone (520-621-7352) or in person (Marshall Bldg Rm 220). For more information, see our Advising Information website.

36. How can I speak to a Media Arts professor outside of class time?

There are generally three ways to contact a professor:

  • Appear in person at the professor's office during office hours
  • Email the professor
  • Telephone the professor

Your professor's contact information and office hours are generally listed on the course syllabus. You may also download the document entitled "Media Arts Faculty Advising & Office Hours" at the Advising Information website, or call the Media Arts office at 621-7352.