University of Montana Catalog 2023-2024

Media Arts B.F.A

Bachelor of Fine Arts - Media Arts

General Education Requirements

Information regarding these requirements can be found in the General Education Section of the catalog. 

Summary

Shared Foundations Requirements18
General Core Courses15
Advising Track Options42
Digital Arts & Technology
Digital Filmmaking
Sonic Arts
Total Hours75

Degree Specific Credits: 75

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.0

Note: The Shared Foundation sequence must be completed or be in the process of completion before acceptance into the B.F.A program.

Shared Foundation Requirements

Note: All courses are required unless waived via the department advanced placement policy.

Complete all of the following courses:
ARTH 150HIntroduction to Art History3
ARTZ 105AVisual Language - Drawing3
GDSN 149ADigital Imaging I3
MART 101LIntro to Media Arts3
MART 112AIntroduction to Film Editing3
Complete one of the following courses:3
Note: B.F.A. students working towards the Sonic Arts or Digital Arts & Technology tracks are required to complete MART 120.
Visual Language - 3-D Foundations
Creative Coding I
Total Hours18
Minimum Required Grade: C

General Core Courses

Complete all of the following courses:
MART 210Creation of Media Story3
MART 245Introduction to the Language and Practice of Sonic Art3
MART 450Topics in Film/Media Studies3
MART 480Professional Portfolio3
MART 499Senior Project3
Total Hours15
Minimum Required Grade: C

Advising Track Options

In addition to the above requirements, students must choose between one of three advising tracks, either Digital Arts & Technology, Digital Filmmaking, or Sonic Arts.

Note: 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

Note: The Bachelor of Fine Arts 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.

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
Complete 3 credits of courses at the 200-level or above in the following areas, to be chosen with your advisor:3
Art History (ARTH)
Art (ARTZ)
Graphic Design (GDSN)
Media Arts (MAR or MART)
Total Hours42
Minimum Required Grade: C

Digital Filmmaking Track

Note: The Bachelor of Fine Arts 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.

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
Complete 9 elective credits of courses at the 200-level or above in the following areas:9
Note: These courses should be chosen in consultation with your advisor.
Art History (ARTH)
Art (ARTZ)
Graphic Design (GDSN)
Media Arts (MAR or MART)
Total Hours42

Minimum Required Grade: C 

Sonic Arts Track

Note: 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.

Complete all of the following courses:
MART 201HHistory of Digital Arts & Culture3
MART 220Creative Coding II3
MART 245Introduction to the Language and Practice of Sonic Art3
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
Complete 10 elective credits of courses at the 200-level or above in the following areas:10
Note: These courses should be chosen in consultation with your advisor.
Art History (ARTH)
Art (ARTZ)
Graphic Design (GDSN)
Media Arts (MAR or MART)
Total Hours42

Minimum Required Grade: C