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University of Montana Catalog 2024-2025

Media Arts B.F.A

General Degree Requirements

To earn a baccalaureate degree, all students must complete successfully, in addition to any other requirements, the University of Montana General Education Requirements. Please refer to the General Education Requirements page for more information. 

Additional requirements for graduation can be found on the Degree/Certificate Requirements for Graduation page

Unless otherwise noted in individual program requirements, a minimum grade point average of 2.00 in all work attempted at the University of Montana-Missoula is required for graduation. Please see the Academic Policies and Procedures page for information on how your GPA is calculated.

Courses taken to satisfy the requirements of a major, minor, or certificate program must be completed with a grade of C- or better unless a higher grade is noted in the program requirements.

BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS - MEDIA ARTS

  • This major requires a minimum grade of C in all major courses. 
  • The Shared Foundation sequence must be completed or be in the process of completion before acceptance into the B.F.A program.

Course Requirements

Shared Foundation Requirements
Complete all of the following courses:
ARTH 150HIntroduction to Art History3
ARTZ 105AVisual Language - Drawing3
ARTZ 108AVisual Language - 3-D Foundations 13
or MART 120 Creative Coding I
GDSN 149ADigital Imaging I3
MART 101LIntro to Media Arts3
MART 112AIntroduction to Film Editing3
General Core Courses
Complete all of the following courses:
MART 210Creation of Media Story3
MART 245Sound Production & Design Fundamentals3
MART 450Topics in Film/Media Studies3
MART 480Professional Portfolio3
MART 499Senior Project3
B.F.A. in Media Arts Advising Track
Complete one of the advising tracks listed below.42
Total Hours75
1

B.F.A. students working towards the Sonic Arts or Digital Arts & Technology tracks are required to complete MART 120.


Advising Tracks for the B.F.A. in Media Arts

These are advising tracks only and not official programs as recognized by the University of Montana (UM) or the Montana University System. This information will not appear on your UM transcript, diploma, university lists, student data system, or university publication. You do not fill out a major change for a track.

Digital Arts & Technology Track

The Digital Arts & Technology track curriculum focuses on the artistic and creative application of digital technologies. Lower-division core classes cover the fundamentals of software applications such as the Adobe Creative Cloud Suite and include still image, motion, animation, and sound design components. They also include the fundamentals of creative coding. Upper-division core classes cover the principles and applications of web technologies (including HTML, CSS, and Javascript) and interactivity (including gaming, virtual reality, and installations). Senior-level core classes center on advanced projects and developing a portfolio-centered internet presence.

Digital Arts & Technology Core Courses
Complete all of the following courses:
MAR 251Digital Video Production Technology3
MART 201HHistory of Digital Arts & Culture3
MART 220Creative Coding II3
MART 255Photoshop: Art and Design3
MART 256Illustrator: Vector and Layout Design3
MART 302Intro to Motion Design3
MART 3053D Animation I3
MART 325Introduction to Animation3
MART 340Principles of Interactive Media3
MART 341Intro to Web Design3
MART 440Technology and Interactive Media Design3
MART 441Web Technologies3
MART 445Sound for Digital Media3
Elective
Complete 3 additional credits of courses at the 200-level or above in Art History (ARTH), Art (ARTZ), Graphic Design (GDSN), or Media Arts (MART).3
Total Hours42

Digital Filmmaking Track

The Digital Filmmaking track offers an all-inclusive experience in the areas of pre-production, production, and post-production. Project-based courses cover narrative, experimental, documentary, and commercial content creation for both traditional and interactive-based environments.

Digital Filmmaking Core Courses
Complete all of the following courses:
MAR 251Digital Video Production Technology3
MAR 252Screenwriting3
MAR 442Experimental Film3
MART 300Visions of Film3
MART 325Introduction to Animation3
MART 327Intro to Cinematography3
MART 336Directing the Fiction Film3
MART 340Principles of Interactive Media3
MART 345Sound for Film3
MART 436Producing3
MART 455Visions of Documentary Film3
Electives
Complete 9 additional credits of courses at the 200-level or above in Art History (ARTH), Art (ARTZ), Graphic Design (GDSN), or Media Arts (MART).9
Total Hours42

Sonic Arts Track

The Sonic Arts track curriculum offers an in-depth experience in the design, development, and production of sonic artwork and provides a platform for students to integrate their work within the diverse world of art.

Sonic Arts Core Courses
Complete all of the following courses:
MART 201HHistory of Digital Arts & Culture3
MART 220Creative Coding II3
MART 245Sound Production & Design Fundamentals3
MART 340Principles of Interactive Media3
MART 345Sound for Film3
MART 420Sonic Programming3
MART 440Technology and Interactive Media Design3
MART 445Sound for Digital Media3
MUST 110Digital Audio & Multitracking2
MUST 210Sequencng, Synthesis, Sampling2
MUST 310Interactivity and Digital Signal Processing2
MUST 410Designing the Show2
Electives
Complete 10 additional credits of courses at the 200-level or above in Art History (ARTH), Art (ARTZ), Graphic Design (GDSN), or Media Arts (MART).10
Total Hours42

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