Major Code BS1974*

Honors Tutorial College  
35 Park Place
Athens, OH 45701
Phone: 740.593.2723
honors.college@ohio.edu
www.ohio.edu/honors/tutorial-college

Beth Novak, director of studies
novakb@ohio.edu

Program Overview

The tutorial program in the School of Media Arts and Studies offers an individualized course of study for exceptional students interested in media industries. This program provides students with a broad liberal arts background, a concentration in theory and research, and practical training in digital media and media arts production, animation, music production, and media and social change. Students can also choose to study virtual reality and game development through our partnership with the McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies. Maximum opportunity will be afforded for the student to work at his or her own pace and to create a depth of education in media. The tutorial program prepares a student for a professional career or graduate study. Upon completion of the program, students receive a Bachelor of Science degree from the Honors Tutorial College.

*This program was previously BC1920 which awarded the Bachelor of Science in Media Arts and Studies degree. Pending Board of Trustees approval (anticipated June 2024), the new program code will be BS1974 and will award the Bachelor of Science effective the 2024-25 catalog year.

Tutorials

Students are required to complete eight tutorials within the School of Media Arts and Studies, including two devoted to the thesis. Tutorials may range from sophisticated research and analysis of existing media to production of original media products. In addition to the tutorials, the student must complete one Written Communication course (ENG 1510 ), one Advanced Writing course (FAW), one Quantitative Reasoning Course (FQR), all core courses not covered by tutorials, and an appropriate number of approved electives. Internships and/or study abroad may be included within the program with permission from the Director of Studies. Honors Tutorial students take a minimum of 15 hours per semester.

The Honors Thesis

The honors thesis is a reflection of the student’s special interests. Its acceptance, dependent upon an appropriate mixture of research and analysis, relies upon the judgment of his or her thesis advisor and the Director of Studies. It is expected that this major paper will constitute work of the highest quality and may be project-based.

Evaluation

Students throughout the program earn letter grades consistent with the University grading system and are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. Students who earn less than a B (3.0), or who maintain less than a 3.5 GPA will need to confer with the Director of Studies and/or Dean of the College. In addition to letter grade assessments, tutors complete semester based course descriptions and evaluations of each student’s work. In these assessments both the student’s academic standing and academic attitude are evaluated.

Admissions Information

Freshman/First-Year Admission

Students are selected by the Director of Studies and the Honors Tutorial College on the basis of superior academic ability and the potential for self-motivated study and research. Applicants typically are required to submit additional essays, and an interview with the director of studies is required for admission. More information, including materials and deadlines, is available at www.ohio.edu/honors/tutorial-college/apply. Recommendations from two high school teachers and a portfolio are required. 

Change of Program Policy

First-year students at Ohio University may apply to transfer into the media arts and studies tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering freshmen. 

External Transfer Admission

First-year students at another institution may also apply to transfer to the media arts and studies tutorial program and the Honors Tutorial College. These students must meet the same entrance requirements as entering freshmen. 

Opportunities Upon Graduation

A number of professional opportunities are available to tutorial students in the School of Media Arts and Studies. Two public radio stations, a public television station, student-run production organizations, and other experiential learning opportunities (study in LA, capstone production projects, study abroad) provide professional experience in all aspects of media. Tutorial students are expected to seek out training and experience in these facilities. Internships are available in media industries in all specializations and in a number of locales including New York and Hollywood. These internships are often summer-long experiences that allow the student to gain college credit while working at a professional level in the industry.

Requirements