Bachelor of Arts in ATEC with Critical Media Studies Concentration
Explore how media and communication technologies intersect with public thought and social relations, and how we can harness these to transform the world.
Take a look at our entire Critical Media Studies Program and all of its offerings.
BA in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication with Critical Media Studies Concentration Overview
For those passionate about diving deep into the intersection of media and society, the Critical Media Studies (CMS) concentration within the Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication is a perfect fit. CMS is all about understanding how media and communication technologies shape public thought and social relationships. It’s about using these technologies to create a fairer, more equitable world. Here, you’ll blend theoretical insights with hands-on media production and critical making.
Students begin their studies in the BA in ATEC, which offers students foundational courses in UX/UI design, motion graphics, digital fabrication, and media histories.
The BA concentration in Critical Media Studies, along with the MA in Emerging Media Studies, offers a rich curriculum that you can personalize with electives to suit your career aspirations. Through our broad range of electives, students can prepare themselves for a career in media law and policy, social justice advocacy, investigative research, journalism, broadcasting, social media and public relations, teaching, cultural administration, content creation, or further studies in graduate school.
Our graduates go on to make a real impact, landing roles at top companies like Amazon, Children’s Health, Google, IBM, The Home Depot, Tik Tok, Women Who Code, and Yahoo. They thrive in fields such as digital communications, human resources, nonprofit management, radio technical direction and social media management.
Career Paths with a Degree in Critical Media Studies
A critical media studies degree can be used for careers in fields related to media, communication, technology, education, administration, management, marketing, broadcasting, public relations, law, social advocacy, digital content management, and more.
Critical Media Studies Careers
Broadcasting professional, content creator, cultural administrator, digital marketer, investigative journalist, media buyer, media law/policy analyst, media planner, media researcher, public relations specialist, radio producer/director/technical specialist, researcher, social justice advocate, social media manager, teacher/educator/professor, television producer/director/technical specialist, television/film/video producer, television production coordinator, web content manager
Undergraduate Critical Media Studies Program Options
BA in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication with Critical Media Studies Concentration
Fact Sheet
Undergraduate Critical Media Studies Courses
The Critical Media Studies concentration allows students to perform critical media research and engage in the critical creative production of media.
By selecting courses from a variety of Bass School elective options, students are able to synthesize other areas of interest into their focus on Critical Media Studies.
Many courses in Arts, Technology, and Emerging Communication are open to all students in the University.
Student Organizations
The Bass School has several sponsored organizations and performing ensembles for students to join, in addition to dozens of student organizations relevant to the Bass School.
Explore Arts, Humanities, and Technology Student Organizations →
Critical Media Studies Alumni Spotlight
Alum Katie Risor reflects on her experience winning Spring 2018 Best Capstone award for her Critical Media Studies project Langford’s Pocket Guide to Creatures, Critters, and Cryptids: La Lechuza. The project examines folklore (tales and craft) using narrative and form to remix and adapt the legend of La Lechuza through a feminist and creative lens.
Critical Media Studies News
Former Advertising Manager at Apple Computer Discusses ‘How to Create a Breakout Brand’ at the Vintage Computer Festival Southwest
Dr. Anne Balsamo joined former Apple advertising executive Henry Whitfield to discuss the computer company’s early marketing strategies.
Aspiring Animators Draw Inspiration from Brettell Winner’s Visit
Domee Shi leads a master class with animation students during her visit at UT Dallas. Shi was the recipient of…
Bass School Names New ATEC Program Head
The Harry W. Bass Jr. School of Arts, Humanities, & Technology School leadership appointed Dr. Heidi Rae Cooley as the…
Critical Media Studies Faculty
Anne Balsamo
Professor
Anne.Balsamo@utdallas.edu
Heidi Rae Cooley
Associate Professor of Arts, Technology and Emerging Communication
heidi.cooley@utdallas.edu
James Michael Fraley
Assistant Professor of Instruction
James.Fraley@UTDallas.edu
Audra Heaslip
Assistant Professor of Instruction
Audra.Heaslip@utdallas.edu
Laura Imaoka
Associate Professor of Instruction - ATEC
Laura.Imaoka@utdallas.edu
David C Rheams
Lecturer I
DavidC.Rheams@UTDallas.edu
Hong-An Wu
Associate Professor
HongAn.Wu@utdallas.edu