Media Arts

Unleash Your Creative Potential in Dynamic Media and Communication Fields

Program Overview

Are you drawn to the dynamic world of media and eager to express your creative vision? College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers an exciting Media Arts program that combines technical, creative, and collaborative skills essential for thriving in the media industry. Designed for those aspiring to careers in diverse fields like film, journalism, marketing, and entertainment, this program equips you with a comprehensive skill set highly valued in today's digital world.

As a Media Arts student at CWI, you will immerse yourself in video production, audio editing, writing, and performance communication. You will gain critical media literacy, enabling you to analyze and deconstruct media messages and discern truth from misinformation. The hands-on projects and real-world simulations prepare you for the workforce or further academic pursuits, while fostering your unique voice in various media forms.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Time to Complete

2 years

Primary Locations

Nampa Campus

Ada County Center

Media arts students recording a video of a group of students with a green screen

Learning Opportunities

Diverse Skill Development: Master skills in video production, audio editing, and creative writing, preparing you for a range of media careers.
Critical Media Literacy: Learn to critically analyze media messages, an essential skill for navigating today's media landscape.
Practical Experience in Media Production: Engage in hands-on projects simulating real-world media production scenarios.
Creative Exploration: Discover and develop your unique voice across different media platforms.
Career Versatility: Prepare for diverse career opportunities in fields like film, journalism, and social media management.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Media Arts – Associate of Arts Degree

YEARS

Degree Requirements

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Career Opportunities

Postsecondary Teachers
1434
Annual Openings*
^$35.69
Hourly Median Wage*
^$74,235
Annual Median Salary
45.6^%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Managers, All Other
All managers not listed separately.
548
Annual Openings*
^$27.11
Hourly Median Wage*
^$56,389
Annual Median Salary
27.37^%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Web and Digital Interface Designers
Design digital user interfaces or websites. Develop and test layouts, interfaces, functionality, and navigation menus to ensure compatibility and usability across browsers or devices. May use web framework applications as well as client-side code and processes. May evaluate web design following web and accessibility standards, and may analyze web use metrics and optimize websites for marketability and search engine ranking. May design and test interfaces that facilitate the human-computer interaction and maximize the usability of digital devices, websites, and software with a focus on aesthetics and design. May create graphics used in websites and manage website content and links.
53
Annual Openings*
^$25.50
Hourly Median Wage*
^$53,040
Annual Median Salary
36.11^%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*
Media and Communication Workers, All Other
All media and communication workers not listed separately.
19
Annual Openings*
^$11.65
Hourly Median Wage*
^$24,232
Annual Median Salary
121.25^%
Growth (2021 – 2031)*

*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

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"In fine tuning my skills and knowledge, I have achieved personal and professional milestones giving me more than I ever thought possible. Because of CWI, I am ready for the future." Read more > about Ready for the Future

Justina Sexton
Student, Media Arts

Admissions

Step 1

Apply to CWI.
Choose Media Arts as your major.

Step 2

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

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Cost & Aid

As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.

Enrichment Opportunities

Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.

Advising

Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.

Transfer Information

Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.

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News

Faculty & Staff

Daly Named September 2023 Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations to Assistant Professor of Communication, Media Arts, and Marketing, Anna Daly, who was named Faculty of Distinction for September 2023.

Student Success

Live broadcast behind-the-scenes of Global Live Idaho in CWI's media lab

Introducing Studio CWI

CWI’s new media lab will provide cutting-edge learning experiences for students while additionally supporting online course development for faculty.

Garrity Named September 2021 Faculty of Distinction

Congratulations to Dan Garrity, an instructor in the Communications and Marketing department and the College's Faculty of Distinction for September 2021.

Student Success