Media Literacy Masters Degree It's official! On May 5th the Academic Policies and Procedures Committee at Appalachian State University approved a Masters Degree in Media Literacy. That program will commence in spring 2000 with online and distance delivery expected in the future. The degree will be part of the Master of Arts in Educational Media which includes tracks/concentrations in media production, telecommunications, computing and now media literacy. The program affords flexible approaches to address various levels of student interest. For Example students may opt to: take one class or a series of classes as part of a non degree track program. OR complete a Certificate of Completion in Media Literacy by undertaking 18 hours of study. OR take the entire 36 hour masters degree. If you are interested in taking one or more courses online or on campus, please complete the Potential Student Profile Pictured at left and right, Mariko Oda, at the time of her successful defense of her thesis that examined the state of media literacy in Japan. Mariko is shown with her advisor, David Considine and committee members, Michael Jacobson, Claire Mamola and Joe Murphy. Purpose The media literacy concentration develops the technical and intellectual skills to successfully utilize and critique traditional and emerging mass media formats and information technologies. Particular emphasis will be placed upon the impact and influence of media content and format on school and society, students and citizens. Attention will also be given to the subject of media audiences and media ownership. Graduates of the program will be prepared to foster media literacy initiatives, projects and curriculum development in a variety of educational settings. These settings can be as diverse as K-12 education , faith-based programs, healthcare provision or education, juvenile justice or counseling. The degree consists of 36 hours of classes which include design and production work as well as media analysis. Students are encouraged to select from a variety of electives offered from inside or outside the college. The core of the degree will be anchored in 4 required courses, providing 12 credit hours. Masters Program Courses