Master of Arts in Media Transformation and Innovation

Media Arts and Studies – MA5318

School of Media Arts and Studies
Schoonover Center
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
mediaschool@ohio.edu

Delivery Mode: Athens Campus

Terms of Entry: Fall only

Terms of Entry Requiring Program Permission: None

Program Overview

The Master of Arts in Media Transformation and Innovation prepares students for leadership in a media landscape reshaped by digital disruption, emerging technologies, and shifting audience expectations. Through a blend of foundational media expertise and cutting-edge digital innovation, the program develops professionals equipped to navigate and shape complex, fast-moving media environments, and to do so with a clear understanding of the ethical responsibilities that come with that role.

Students tailor the program to their interests through one of three defined areas of study:

Leadership and Innovation in Digital Media – emphasizes strategic leadership, digital transformation practices, and fostering innovation within organizations.

Data Analytics, AI, and Visual Data Storytelling – develops expertise in data-driven research and storytelling for students pursuing analytically focused theses or professional projects.

Media Production and Digital Content Creation – builds hands-on skills in audio-visual production and digital content creation across platforms.

The program culminates in either a professional capstone project or a thesis. Students enrolling full-time can complete the degree in three semesters (fall, spring, summer).

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• demonstrate proficiency in the use of cutting-edge media technologies, including video production, data analytics, and digital communication platforms, to design, manage, and optimize transformative media solutions across platforms.
• strategize and manage digital innovation initiatives in organizational contexts, applying agile frameworks, interdisciplinary collaboration, and leadership principles to drive adaptive change.
• critically evaluate the ethical, cultural, and regulatory impacts of media innovations, integrating sustainability, digital equity, and crisis communication strategies into decision-making.
• develop media innovations that solve real-world challenges, leveraging interdisciplinary collaboration and audience analytics.
• conduct action-based research using quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methodologies to investigate emerging media trends, translating insights into scalable solutions for academic and industry contexts.
• produce compelling, data-informed narratives for diverse platforms utilizing audience analytics and cultural awareness to engage targeted communities.

Opportunities for Graduates

Media is pervasive, and graduates of the MA in Media Transformation and Innovation are prepared for leadership roles across a wide range of industries and organizations. Career paths include digital media management, content strategy and innovation, social media analytics, audience research, media consulting, and emerging technology communication in sectors such as entertainment, advertising, corporate communications, technology, healthcare, education, and the public sector.

Graduates with a production focus pursue careers in audio-visual storytelling, digital content creation, and multimedia production, while those with an analytics orientation move into data-driven roles in media research, consulting, and the tech industry.

Entrepreneurial graduates have launched startups and media ventures at the intersection of technology and communication. Graduates whose interests extend beyond industry find the program’s research and strategic communication skills equally valued in government, policy, advocacy, and mission-driven organizations worldwide.

The program’s emphasis on original research and critical inquiry also prepares students who wish to pursue doctoral study or contribute to scholarship in media, communication, and emerging technology.

Further Information

Link to Program: https://www.ohio.edu/scripps-college/media-arts-studies/graduate/masters

Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Three letters of recommendation with at least one from an individual who has mentored or taught the applicant.
• Personal statement of purpose
• For students who are not native English speakers, submission of a valid and eligible TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo score. Please see the university requirements for English Proficiency under Admission Criteria in this catalog for details.

Please note that applicants for the M.A. in Communication and Development Studies must apply to MA4218.

International Students

This program permits full-time enrollment in residence at Ohio University, and an I-20 may be issued based on admission to this program.