Applied Media Communications

Our most successful are intrigued by technology. They have a DIY attitude, enjoy experimenting with gear and software, and are effective problem-solvers. They are comfortable working in teams to develop projects and tell stories. Our outstanding students combine creativity and visual design, while using organizational and planning skills to meet deadlines.

Applied Media graduates pursue careers in a variety of professional fields. These include advertising, audio recording, media design, photography, television and video production, and web development. Job titles include:

• Audio engineer
• Digital archivist
• Motion graphic producer
• Multimedia / Interactive designer
• Photographer
• Social media content editor
• Television, film, and video producer
• Video effects artist
• Videographer, producer, and editor
• Web designer and developer

Additional training through electives and certificate programs prepare students wishing to pursue careers in other fields:

• 3D modeling, texturing, and lighting
• Animation
• Media history and criticism
• Media journalism
• Print and publishing
• Scriptwriting

Learn about career-oriented programs.

The Associate of Applied Science degree program in Applied Media Communications, as a two-year career-oriented program, does not include an option for a minor. 

Students who have completed the AAS degree program may, however, also pursue one of the certificate programs available in our department for focused training in a specific technical skill and an enhanced set of professional credentials.

Our certificate programs may be used as minors for baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines at the University of Cincinnati. These certificates as minors include: Animation, Interactive Web Multimedia, and Media Criticism and Journalism. Each certificate/minor requires 27-30 credit hours. Students should seek the approval of the academic advisor in their major before enrolling in a minor program. See Media Communications & Technology One-Year Certificate programs for curriculum outlines for these minors.

Students can locate advisor contact information for Applied Media Communications via the UCBA advising website. 

UCBA Advantages

UCBA tuition is considerably lower than tuition for colleges on the UC Uptown campus, making education more affordable. Small class sizes at UCBA provide a more effective teaching and learning environment, with additional opportunities for experience gained outside of class through faculty-supervised projects.

Labs and Studios

Media Communications & Technology maintains three studio/lab spaces available for student use to complete project assignments. The studio/lab facilities are scheduled for open labs and can be reserved for individual student use.  The schedule varies by term and the open hours are posted outside the labs, as well as on the department website.  While equipment available in the labs varies per term and courses taught, permanent resources include: an animation workstation, audio recording booth, editing booths, green screen, lighting equipment, seamless photographic backgrounds, and a studio control room.

Circulating Equipment

A wide range of specialized media production equipment is available specifically for use by program students. These resources include: professional audio equipment, such as field recorders, microphones, microphone supports, and headphones; DSLR still/video cameras and accessories; video cameras; tripods and dollies; specialized camera supports, such as Steadicam and sliders; lighting kits and reflectors; and many other items.

UCTV 

Media Communications & Technology also operates UCTV providing online streaming and on-demand video services that may be accessed via UCTVonline.  UCTV programming is also available via cable access channels throughout Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. We have a full television studio and control room where our shows are produced.

Baccalaureate Transition Agreements

Even though we are a career-oriented technical program, rather than a transfer program, many of our graduates choose to continue their education in one of the following baccalaureate programs with whom we have negotiated agreements. These include:

• BFA in Media Production- Film and Television or Media Production- Multimedia (UC College-Conservatory of Music)
• BFA in Games and Animation (UC College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning)
• BA in Digital Media (UC McMicken College of Arts and Sciences)
• BTAS in Applied Administration (UC Blue Ash College)

One-Year Certificate Programs
Students who have completed the AAS degree program may also pursue one of the One-Year Certificate programs available in our department for focused training in a specific technical skill and an enhanced set of professional credentials. These include: Animation, Interactive Web Multimedia, and Media Criticism and Journalism. Each certificate/minor requires 27-30 credit hours.

Our One-Year Certificate programs may be used as minors for baccalaureate degrees in other disciplines at the University of Cincinnati.

Performance Package Certificate Programs

Media Communications & Technology offers a number of Performance Package Certificate programs to help students upgrade skills and knowledge to become more marketable professionals and more valuable employees. Each Performance Package Certificate consists of three courses that build production or critical skills in a particular discipline.

Performance Packages are available in:

• Animation Production – 2D
• Audio Production
• Digital Media Design
• Film Studies
• Media History
• Media Journalism
• Photo Production
• Video Production
• Web & Interactive Production

Students can typically complete one of these Performance Packages in a single year. Applied Media Communications program students can complete one or more of the Performance Package programs as they complete the required courses for the Associate of Applied Science degree, Professional Certificate, or One-Year Certificate program.

For more information contact:
Roo Hedrick, Program Coordinator, phone: 513-558-8300, roo.hedrick@uc.edu

Minimum GPA

Students must earn a 2.0 grade point average in order to be eligible for graduation from the program.

Transferring to UC Blue Ash College 
A student wishing to transfer to UC Blue Ash College from another accredited college or university should be guided by the following statement of policy:

Transfer applications are individually reviewed, and acceptance is based on receipt of application materials, as well as official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended. An official evaluation of transfer credit from other colleges will be processed after the student’s file is complete.

Credits are accepted from any institution currently accredited by any of the six regional accrediting agencies. Enrollment Services shall have discretionary authority to accept credits from other institutions in consultation with program directors or department chairpersons.

Only grades of C or better are accepted. Special exceptions may be granted at the discretion of Enrollment Services in consultation with program directors or department chairpersons.

There is a 10-year expiration limit for acceptance of transfer credits. Exceptions can be made by Enrollment Services in consultation with the appropriate program directors or department chairpersons.

For all situations not covered by the above, the decision will be referred to the department involved when appropriate.

Students changing majors from other programs or colleges within UC will be considered based on the same criteria as outside transfers.

As of 2024, Applied Media Communications is also accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).