Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does Media Arts mean?

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. Media Arts does not offer programs in photography, web design, digital animation, graphic design, acting, audio production, broadcast journalism, television production, or set design/ construction. For descriptions of the undergraduate degree programs we currently offer, see the following website: Undergraduate Degree Programs.

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

Please see our How to Apply webpage, which lists all of the details of the application process.

3. 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 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 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.

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

This varies depending on how many applications we get. Ideally we admit a maximum of 75 students per class, which includes both students who are new to the University and UA students changing their major to Media Arts.

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

Media Arts graduates work in film and video production, 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, and the University of North Carolina law school.

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

In the College of Fine Arts, class standing is determined as follows:

Freshman 0-24 units
Sophomore 25-55 units
Junior 56-86 units
Senior 87+ units

Know your class standing! Your class standing determines your registration times.

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

If Media Arts is your primary major, then to complete the math requirement you must complete one of the following courses:

MATH 105 (Math in Modern Society)
MATH 110 or 112 (College Algebra)
PHIL 110 (Introduction to Logic)

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

Yes. The Bachelor of Arts degree requires 4th semester proficiency in a second language. The Bachelor of Fine Arts degree requires 2nd semester proficiency in a second language.

9. 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.

10. 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 Fine Arts degree does not require a minor. The Bachelor of Arts degree DOES require a minor. A minor in a Media Arts degree cannot include any Media Arts courses. See your online Academic Catalog for a listing of available minors.

11. 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. 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 a General Business Administration minor for their Media Arts degree.)

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

Yes, if you are a declared Media Arts major. 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.

13. How long does the program take to complete?

If you begin in the Media Arts program as a freshman and follow the appropriate degree plan, then the degree requirements for any of our programs can be completed in four years. If you become a Media Arts major later in your academic career, then completion in four years may or may not be a possibility. See a Media Arts advisor for individual advising.

14. How do I see a Media Arts advisor?

Advising appointments are made one day in advance, by either calling 621-7352 or by appearing in person at the Media Arts office in Marshall 220. For more information, see our advising webpage.

15. 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 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, see the Bachelor of Fine Arts website.

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

For details on the Media Arts degree programs, see our degree webpages.

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

Check your SAPR (Student Academic Progress Report), available on the Student Link page of the UA website. 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 (Fall 2007, Fall 2008, etc.) must be up to date. For more information on your SAPR, see the UA SAPR website. If you have questions about your SAPR, see a Media Arts advisor.

18. Can I take courses for my UA degree at Pima Community College?

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) (DOC)
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 at http://www.pima.edu/, or visit an advising office on one of the PCC campuses for more information.

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 18 of the last 30 units earned toward your degree must be taken in residence at UA. Read your SAPR for additional information.

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

It depends. UA 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 be registered for a minimum of 12 units of regularly graded courses during that semester.

20. What are the core courses in Media Arts?

The five core Media Arts courses are:

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

Media Arts majors and minors must complete these core courses before they will be allowed to register for upper-division (300/400 level) Media Arts courses.

21. 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 next FAQ).

If you are a Media Arts major or minor, see the Media Arts registration website.

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

Yes. Any UA student may enroll in Media Arts courses 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 Enedina Cervantes at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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

Usually not.

24. What is Media Arts Advanced Standing?

Media Arts Advanced Standing is required for any student taking Media Arts upper division (300/400 level) courses. See the following webpage for requirements: Advanced Standing.

25. 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 have Advanced Standing in Media Arts as one of the eligibility requirements for a Media Arts internship. Please see our comprehensive internship website.

You may count up to 6 units of M AR 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).

26. Can I do an independent study for credit?

Yes, once you have achieved Advanced Standing in Media Arts. See the following website for information: Individual Study

27. 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 your semester of graduation. The Graduation Service Advisor for Media Arts majors is Melanie Brady, whose office is located in the Music Building, room 115 (Melanie's 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 in Media Arts with Christina Swanson (all BA students) or a BFA degree check advisor (all BFA students). See the following website for instructions on how to make an appointment: Media Arts Advising.

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

There are generally three ways to contact a professor:

Go to the professor's office during their office hours
Email the professor
Telephone the professor

Your professor's contact information and office hours are generally listed on the class syllabus. If you are having difficulty finding this information, call the Media Arts office at 621-7352.

29. 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 following website: Apple Store (Under "Mac Accessories", click on "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.

30. 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, Logic Pro, Motion and DVD Studio Pro.

31. 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.

32. 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 at UA): 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 an earlier FAQ), with a minimum capacity of 250 GB and a minimum spindle speed of 7200 rpm.