Applied Media Communications
Career-Ready & Hands-On from Day One
Jump into media production your very first semester. Whether you're filming, editing, designing, coding, animating, or photographing, you’ll learn by doing, not just listening. Applied Media gives you the gear, the skills, and the support to build your portfolio and launch your future.
Why Choose Applied Media at UC Blue Ash?
Real Experience. Real Skills. Real Results.
Why wait years to start doing what you love?
In Applied Media Communications, you’ll dive into creative production from your first semester using the same tools the pros use, building your portfolio, and developing the kind of media skills employers and transfer programs are looking for.
Here's What Sets Us Apart:
Hands-On from the Start
You’ll begin producing media in your very first semester. Whether you’re creating short films, animation, websites, or photo essays, every course emphasizes real-world experience and creative problem-solving. This is applied learning in action.
Industry-Standard Tools & Studios
Work with professional-level equipment from day one. Our department features dedicated studios for video, audio, and photography — plus editing suites loaded with large monitors and soundproof workspaces. Students also have access to over 500 pieces of production gear through our equipment office, including cinema cameras, audio kits, lighting rigs, and more.
Award-Winning Students & Alumni
Applied Media students don’t just create, they compete and stand out. For 17 years in a row, our students have earned honors in the Student Production Awards from the Ohio Valley Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences — a record that rivals and often exceeds four-year programs. From animation to editing, directing, and design, our students continue to win top recognition at the ADDYs and other creative competitions. Their work speaks for itself.
Affordable + Career-Focused
Our associate degree offers a powerful blend of creative and technical training at a fraction of the cost of most four-year media programs. In fact, UC Blue Ash tuition is nearly 40% lower than UC’s Uptown campus, making Applied Media a smart choice whether you plan to transfer or enter the workforce directly. You’ll graduate with hands-on experience, a polished portfolio, and the freedom to pursue your next step without the burden of excessive student debt.
Creative Faculty with Real-World Experience
Our faculty bring a wealth of professional experience in media production, design, journalism, and visual arts, including national and regional awards, public art commissions, and industry certifications. Just as important, they’re dedicated teachers who mentor students, foster creativity, and help turn ideas into standout projects.
About the Program
Creative. Technical. Career-Ready.
The Applied Media Communications program is a two-year associate degree designed to prepare you for real work in the world of media — or for a seamless transfer into a four-year program in film, design, communication, or digital media.
The program is nationally accredited by NASAD (National Association of Schools of Art and Design), ensuring high standards in media education and a curriculum that’s both rigorous and career-relevant.
You’ll learn how to plan, produce, and edit content across today’s most in-demand platforms. Along the way, you’ll build a professional portfolio through hands-on coursework in:
- Video production and editing
- Photography and digital imaging
- Web design and multimedia creation
- Animation and motion graphics - with an optional Animation Track tailored for 2D/3D storytelling
- Audio recording and sound design
- Media storytelling, aesthetics, and critique
The curriculum blends technical training with creative exploration, and every class is built around applied, project-based learning. You’ll also have the opportunity to complete an internship and showcase your skills in a final capstone project during your last semester.
Career Ready in 2 Years with the Option to Keep Going
Our primary goal is to give students the professional skills and experience needed to launch a career in media after just two years through our Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. But for those who want to keep going, we offer exclusive transfer pathways to bachelor’s degrees at the University of Cincinnati’s Uptown campus.
These pathways recognize the strength of our hands-on, career-focused curriculum and are available only to students who complete the Applied Media AAS degree.
Current pathways include:
College-Conservatory of Music (CCM): BFA in Media Production – Film & Television Track or Multimedia Track
College of Arts & Sciences (A&S): BA in Digital Media
College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP): Games & Animation (currently paused and under review, with plans to resume once DAAP completes internal transitions)
Even if your goal is a bachelor’s degree from UC’s Uptown Campus, starting at UC Blue Ash can save you nearly 40% on tuition while giving you the same university credit, plus smaller class sizes, personalized support, and earlier access to media production courses.
This makes Applied Media a smart, affordable way to begin your creative education with options to build further or launch right into the field.
Technology Requirements
To ensure all students are equipped for hands-on, professional-quality work, our department requires the following:
MacBook Pro Laptop: All students in the Media Communications & Technology (MCT) program must own a MacBook Pro with current specifications. Our curriculum is designed around the macOS platform to ensure consistency, minimize technical issues, and support professional creative software. MacBook Pro laptops are reliable, widely supported, and ideal for video editing, design, animation, and other media work.
For full details, model recommendations, and education pricing, visit our Laptop Requirements page.
We no longer require students to purchase a DSLR camera, but students are welcome to use their own equipment if they choose.
The good news? Our department provides a wide range of professional production gear that students can borrow through our media circulation system. This includes digital cinema cameras, DSLRs, tripods, microphones, lighting kits, and more! Everything needed to complete your coursework without having to buy it all yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s the study of how messages are created, delivered, and received through media like video, web, animation, and photography. Our program combines storytelling, technology, and creativity to help you communicate effectively across platforms.
“Applied” means hands-on, career-focused learning. Our programs emphasize practical skills that can be directly used in the workplace. Instead of just learning theory, you'll work on real-world projects using industry-standard equipment and software, preparing you to step into a professional role right after graduation.
Our program is a two-year associate degree that emphasizes hands-on, career-focused learning. With small class sizes and close faculty support, you’ll start producing creative work in your first semester. Your portfolio will reflect a wide range of media skills, from video and design to animation and photography. Many students go straight into media jobs after graduation, while others transfer to complete a bachelor's degree.
Yes! After completing our program you can apply to transition to several Uptown campus programs. You'll learn professional skills and build a solid portfolio of work while you're here.
Plus, starting at UC Blue Ash offers several advantages:
- Cost Savings: Begin your studies at a lower tuition rate while earning credits that transfer seamlessly to the Uptown Campus.
- Smaller Class Sizes: Get the support you need to build a strong foundation in your first two years.
- Hands-On Experience: Gain practical skills and a portfolio of work before transitioning to a more theory-focused program.
You’ll learn how to create professional-quality media across a variety of platforms. That includes how to shoot and edit video, design for web and print, create animations, record audio, take great photos, and tell compelling stories. Every course helps you build real skills and real projects you can show off in your portfolio.
You can see a list of the courses you'll take from this curriculum guide.
Our students work in professional-grade spaces and have access to everything they need without having to buy their own gear! Facilities include:
- A fully equipped television studio with control room and green screen
- Dedicated audio and photography studios
- Editing suites with large-monitor setups
- An equipment checkout office with over 500 pieces of gear available for student use, including cinema cameras, lighting kits, microphones, tripods, and more
All equipment is provided by the department and can be borrowed for coursework and building your portfolio.
You’ll create a mix of individual and group projects, including short films, animations, websites, photo essays, motion graphics, and more. Every course is project-based, so you’ll constantly be building your portfolio.
You can choose to complete our Animation Track, an optional concentration within the AMEC degree. This path focuses on 2D and 3D animation, motion graphics, and digital storytelling. It’s a great option for students interested in careers in animation, games, or visual effects.
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Contact Information
Media Communications & Technology Department
Roo Hedrick
Phone: 513-558-8300
Email: hedricky@ucmail.uc.edu