Contacting Us

How can I contact the TMA Office?

Theatre & Media Arts
Brigham Young University
D-581 Harris Fine Arts Center (HFAC)
Provo, UT 84602-6404

Phone: (801) 422-6645
E-mail: tma_secretary@byu.edu
Website: cfacweb.byu.edu/departments/tma
Kyle Stapley

Media Arts Program Coordinator
Phone: (801) 422-4576
E-mail: kyle_stapley@byu.edu

How can I contact the College of Fine Arts and Communications Advisement office?

Office: D-444 HFAC
Phone: (801) 422-3777
E-mail: cfacadvise@byu.edu

Major Information

What programs are offered through the BYU TMA Department in Media Arts?

 The TMA Department currently offers both a major and a minor in Media Arts Studies.

Applying

How do I apply for the Media Arts Program major or minor?

Acceptance to the Media Arts program is by application only.

1. Be accepted to BYU as a continuing day student.
2. Register for Pre-Media Arts status. This may be done in person: Fine Arts and Communication Advisement Center, D-444 HFAC by phone: 801-422-3777 or by email: cfacadvise@byu.edu. You will need your student identification number to register.
3. Enroll in TMA 102. You may not apply to the program until you have taken or are taking this course.
4. Submit the Intent to Apply form to the TMA office in D-581 HFAC. This form is located in the application packet. Applications can be found at cfacweb.byu.edu/departments/tma/media-arts-programs, or can be picked up in the TMA office.
5. Make an appointment with your faculty advisor. Advisors are assigned alphabetically by the applicant’s last name. See page 5 of the application for the name and contact information of your advisor.
6. Develop a graduation plan (see page 4 of the application).
7. Meet with the CFAC academic pre-major advisor, to approve your graduation plan.
8. Meet with your faculty advisor again to approve of your chosen electives and to make sure your application is complete.
9. Turn in your completed application packet to the TMA Office, D-581 HFAC, before the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

What is the probability that I will be accepted?

Only 30 to 50 percent of applicants are accepted into the program (major and minor) each year. Applicants are accepted twice a year. Applications are judged by:

• The applicant’s abilities, interests, expectations, and preparation
• A creative sample submitted by the applicant
• The Media Arts criteria/requirements, namely proof that the applicant is analytical, creative,    teachable, responsible, • and able to work collaboratively with others (see page 3 of the Media Arts Major application)
• The applicant’s adherence to outlined application procedures, guidelines, and deadlines.
• A grade of B- or higher in the prerequisite course TMA 102.

If you are not accepted the first time that you submit your application, you have the opportunity to apply a maximum of one additional time. Many students improve their ability to be accepted the second time they apply.

Careers

Are apprenticeships and internships available?

Yes. Kyle Stapley (801-422-4576, D-581A HFAC, kyle_stapley@byu.edu) coordinates apprenticeships and internship opportunities both on and off campus. Please e-mail for an appointment).

There are also some websites available for additional information:

• Media Arts website listing jobs and internships: http://film.byu.edu/
• TMA Internship Database: http://cfacweb.byu.edu/departments/tma/theatre-and-media-arts-internships-career-resources-internship-databases
• TMA Career and Internship Resources: http://cfacweb.byu.edu/departments/tma/career-and-internship-resources
• BYU Internship Office: http://saas.byu.edu/intern/
• Tips on finding an internship: http://saas.byu.edu/intern/html/FindingInternship2.html
• The basic internship process: http://saas.byu.edu/intern/html/GettingCredit2.html

Does the TMA Department have a career placement program?

BYU offers a terrific career placement program located in the Wilkinson Student Center (Placement Center, 2410 WSC, 801-422-2072). The Placement Center will assist in finding future employment.

The film industry traditionally hires through recommendation. Getting a job after graduation depends largely on networking and your reputation of dependability and expertise, which can be facilitated by apprenticeships, internships, and collaboration on class projects. Graduate degrees may improve employability.

Should I plan for graduate school after graduating in Media Arts?

We do not offer a graduate program in Media Arts Studies, however, many film students find great value in graduate school. A graduate degree can provide advanced training in areas of interest and qualify you to teach on the college or university level.

Transfer Students

How will I know if credits I have earned in film classes elsewhere will be accepted by BYU’s Media Arts Program?

After acceptance into BYU, contact Professor Sharon Swenson (801-422-6648, F540 HFAC, Sharon_swenson@byu.edu) to schedule an appointment regarding transfer credits. Sharon will assess the ability to have transfer credits count towards graduation and will help with the credit transfer process.

Do transfer students have a disadvantage?

In some ways, yes. Students are encouraged to begin their education at BYU as early as possible to take advantage of the project and internship opportunities. This also helps students avoid problems with frequency of course offerings. However, if your are transferring, there are many people who will help you matriculate into the department.

Other Questions

Where can I find out about upcoming projects or events? 

Film.byu.edu is the Media Arts blog that is updated daily with new job opportunities and internships. It has links to the Media Arts Program applications, the Student Film Association site, and displays upcoming events. Text “follow BYUMediaArts” to 40404 for important updates from the Media Arts Department.

TMAccess is the weekly student newsletter displayed in the TMA office, on the TMA bulletin boards, and online at http://cfacweb.byu.edu/departments/tma/student-and-faculty-newsletters. If advertises helpful information such as auditions, job opportunities, and internships. To insert an item, e-mail the information in newspaper ad format as it should be printed to funkyassistant@gmail.com before Thursday mornings.

Does the Media Arts Program require a foreign language?

No. However, Media Arts students must fill all university requirements for graduation. CFAC Advisement (D-444 HFAC) can assist you in the selection of general education classes that compliment a Media Arts major or minor.

How do I apply for scholarships in Media Arts?

The Theatre and Media Arts department provides a variety of financial aid opportunities for its students. Merit scholarships are available for both incoming and continuing students. Groups or individuals within the program may apply for the Fulton grant. Students in their senior year qualify to apply for the Outstanding Student award. There are additional funding opportunities available through the college and university.

Visit http://cfacweb.byu.edu/departments/tma/financial-aid-opportunities for additional information, or contact the TMA office (801-422-6645, D581 HFAC, tma_secretary@byu.edu).

Questions regarding the application process may be directed to faculty advisors or Kyle Stapley (801-422-4576, D581A HFAC, kyle_stapley@byu.edu).