Media Studies, B.A.
The Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies at Governors State University provides an interdisciplinary foundation in media production, theory, and cultural analysis. Students explore how media shapes communication, identity, and society while developing skills in storytelling, content creation, and digital communication across platforms.
The Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies at Governors State University prepares students to create, analyze, and manage media across platforms through a combination of theory, production, and industry-focused practice. The program emphasizes both critical thinking and hands-on experience, allowing students to engage in areas such as television production, social media, transmedia storytelling, and global media systems.
Students may choose concentrations such as Media Industry and Production or Social Networking and Participatory Culture to align their studies with career goals. Access to professional studios and participation in Jaguar Student Media—including broadcast, digital news, and radio—provide real-world experience and portfolio development opportunities.
Career Outcomes
A Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies is extremely versatile. Because the degree blends communication, storytelling, technology, culture, and critical analysis, it opens doors across creative, corporate, nonprofit, and digital industries.
Here are strong career paths organized by category:
Media Production & Creative Careers
- Content Creator (YouTube, TikTok, podcasting)
- Video Producer / Editor
- Multimedia Journalist
- Documentary Researcher
- Podcast Producer
- Scriptwriter
- Broadcast Production Assistant
- Social Video Strategist
- Employers may include organizations like CNN, NPR, or streaming companies like Netflix.
Digital Marketing & Social Media
- This is one of the most common paths for Media Studies grads.
- Social Media Manager
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Content Strategist
- Brand Coordinator
- SEO Specialist
- Email Marketing Manager
- Influencer Marketing Coordinator
- Paid Media Analyst
- Companies such as HubSpot, Meta, or agencies serving brands often hire in these roles.
- Given your interest in digital marketing management, this degree aligns very well with that trajectory.
Journalism & Public Relations
- Public Relations Specialist
- Communications Coordinator
- Press Assistant
- Media Relations Specialist
- Corporate Communications Associate
- Speechwriting Assistant
- You might work for corporations, nonprofits, universities, or agencies.
Advertising & Branding
- Copywriter
- Creative Strategist
- Account Executive
- Media Buyer
- Brand Analyst
- Agencies and in-house marketing teams value media literacy and audience analysis skills.
Emerging & Tech-Adjacent Careers
- UX Content Writer
- Digital Community Manager
- Web Content Manager
- Streaming Platform Analyst
- Gaming Media Writer
- Companies like YouTube or Spotify often hire media-savvy professionals for content and audience development roles.
Corporate, Government & Nonprofit
- Communications Director (with experience)
- Program Outreach Coordinator
- Advocacy Media Specialist
- Grant Communications Writer
- Campaign Communications Staffer
- Political campaigns and advocacy groups frequently recruit Media Studies grads.
Education & Advanced Study
- Some graduates pursue:
- Master’s in Communication
- Master’s in Marketing
- Law school
- Film school
- MBA
- Teaching (with certification)
Salary Expectations (General U.S. Range)
- Entry-level roles:
- $40,000–$55,000
- Mid-career:
- $60,000–$90,000
- Senior roles (Director/Strategist level):
- $90,000–$140,000+
- Higher earnings typically require:
- Internships or portfolio experience
- Analytics skills (Google Analytics, Meta Ads)
- Strong writing ability
- Project management experience
High-Demand Skill Add-Ons
- To increase earning power:
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Video editing (Premiere Pro, Final Cut)
- SEO & Google Analytics
- Social media ad platforms
- Data storytelling
- Basic HTML/CSS
- AI content tools
What You'll Study
Our academic catalog has detailed information about what you'll study, like courses, hours needed for completion, and other requirements.
How to Apply
You'll need certain documents and meet certain requirements in order to apply. Read about them on our admissions pages.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Governors State University offers a range of financial aid options to help undergraduate students make their degree more affordable, including federal, state, institutional, and private funding. To get started, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using GovState's school code (009145). The FAFSA determines eligibility for grants, loans, work-study programs, and many scholarship opportunities.
Grants, including the Federal Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), are awarded based on financial need and do not require repayment. Federal Direct Loans provide borrowed funds that must be repaid with interest after graduation.
Get Involved
Professional & Academic Organizations:
National Association of Broadcasters
Broadcast Education Association
Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication
Campus & Experiential Engagement
- Participate in student media outlets such as GovState News, The Phoenix, or Radio Jaguar
- Gain experience through internships with media organizations, production companies, or communication teams
- Collaborate on multimedia storytelling, broadcasting, and digital content projects
- Attend media workshops, guest lectures, and industry panels
Highlighted Faculty
Jessica Scott
Assistant Professor of Media Studies
Lara Hrycaj
Assistant Professor of Media Studies Julie Keck
Center for Community Media Director Contact Us
- Division of Arts and Letters
- College of Arts and Sciences, E2578
- Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL 60484
- 708.534.4101
- casinfo@govst.edu