Sometimes, when imagining your future, you might consider what is right in front of you at all times – your phone! We have become used to communicating instantaneously, being surrounded by sounds, images, and videos, and absorbing messages nonstop. As the world races to keep up with technology, there is a growing demand for professionals with the production skills, artistic vision, and communication savvy to shape the future of digital media. At the same time, we need to train members of government and industry to decipher the meaning and import of the messages they see every day and to shape and regulate the future of our digital world.
A growing number of undergraduate university programs across Canada offer opportunities for students interested in the creative arts, business, education, and the sciences to learn about and engage with the field of digital media. So, whether you are interested in becoming a tech entrepreneur, a podcast producer, or even a digital artist, here is a sampling of the potential programs that await you.
University of Alberta Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies↗️
For students interested in studying the arts and social sciences, look for a BA in Media Studies program such as this one at the University of Alberta. Students are encouraged to follow their own interests and how they intersect with the study of media: “political science or psychology, literary or language studies, and visual art or music.” Students in programs like this one focus on analyzing and interpreting media while gaining skills in creative production.
Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bachelor of Arts in Media Production↗️
For students more interested in the creative and artistic sides of media, TMU’s BA Media Production teaches students to master storytelling and audience experience across a wide range of media– video, television, podcast, radio, AR, VR, video games, transmedia, live virtual and multi-camera studio productions– and discover new techniques to produce media content for emerging technologies. The program incorporates production with audience experience and media business to prepare graduates to work in the industry.
Ontario College of Art and Design University’s (OCAD) BFA Integrated Media ↗️or Emily Carr University’s BA in Media Arts Film + Screen Arts↗️
Students looking for a studio experience can find programs such as Ontario College of Art and Design University’s (OCAD) BFA Integrated Media or Emily Carr University’s BA in Media Arts Film + Screen Arts. Both programs provide a first year of foundational studies across different artistic mediums before focusing on film and media-making, from analogue to digital, combining hands-on studio work with critical and cultural studies.
University of Lethbridge Bachelor of Fine Art in New Media↗️
Alberta’s University of Lethbridge‘s BFA-New Media degree was created to meet the present and future need for content creators by combining traditional art, music, drama practices, theory, and criticism with digital and interactive media. The Department of New Media provides students with the skills, knowledge and experience essential for personal and professional excellence and growth in the field of New Media communication. The University of Lethbridge also offers several 5-year concurrent programs where students can earn a BFA in New Media alongside a degree in management, education, or computer science.
York University Bachelor of Applied Science in Digital Technologies↗️
Students interested in solving scientific and engineering problems through innovative technology should check out York University’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Digital Technologies at their new Markham Campus, which has state-of-the art facilities focusing on technology and entrepreneurship in one of Canada’s business headquarters.
Simon Fraser University (SFU) School of Interactive Arts and Technology↗️
For those looking to stay a little closer to home in BC, SFU’s School of Interactive Arts & Technology offers Arts and Science degrees preparing students to “play a leading role in the conception of new media and the design of inventive technologies.” The school is located at SFU’s Surrey campus and promotes an interdisciplinary approach to media and technology, from analyzing its impact on human behavior to developing works of art and technical innovation.
With the growing impact of media on every facet of life, post-secondary students in all fields might consider adding a minor or certificate in media studies, film production, or digital humanities to their major of interest, providing critical media design, analysis, and creation skills.
Our consultants are here to help you sort out your own media interests and goals and find the right program fit. Contact us↗️ today to book an appointment.
