Narrative and Emerging Media, MA

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

Arizona State University Tempe

Program Overview

The Master of Arts (MA) in Narrative and Emerging Media at Arizona State University (ASU) is designed for students who want to create innovative stories using emerging technologies and immersive media. The programme combines storytelling, digital content production, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and media project management, preparing students to develop engaging experiences for film, journalism, entertainment, and other industries. Students gain hands-on experience with advanced production technologies while building a professional portfolio and learning to manage creative media projects.

Curriculum Structure

The programme requires 30 credit hours and includes core courses, specialised emerging media courses, electives, and an applied project. It does not publish a fixed year-by-year curriculum sequence, as students complete the required courses according to their approved plan of study.

Core Studies in Narrative and Emerging Media

Students begin by developing a foundation in storytelling and digital production through courses such as NEM 501 – Emerging Media, NEM 510 – Narrative Development and Pre-Production, and NEM 515 – Emerging Media Production. They also study NEM 530 – Emerging Media Project Management and NEM 550 – Diversity and Ethics in Emerging Media, gaining skills in creative planning, production management, and responsible storytelling.

Advanced Emerging Media and Production

Students develop specialised technical and creative skills through courses such as NEM 520 – AR/VR/XR for Storytelling, NEM 525 – Virtual Production for Storytelling, and NEM 601 – Short Form and 360 Video Production. These subjects introduce immersive storytelling, virtual production environments, extended reality, and interactive visual content. Students also complete NEM 585 – Portfolio three times, developing and refining a professional collection of creative work.

Applied Project and Professional Development

The final stage focuses on applying the knowledge and production skills developed throughout the programme. Through NEM 630 – Emerging Media for Clients and NEM 593 – Applied Project, students work on professional-style media projects, develop content for real-world audiences, and demonstrate their ability to manage creative production. The applied project provides an opportunity to showcase their storytelling and emerging media expertise.

Focus Areas

Narrative Development, Emerging Media, Immersive Storytelling, Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), Extended Reality (XR), Artificial Intelligence in Media, Virtual Production, Digital Video Production, 360-Degree Video, Documentary Production, Interactive Media, Media Project Management, Digital Content Creation, Media Ethics, Professional Portfolio Development.

Learning Outcomes

Develop original and engaging narratives for emerging media platforms, apply AR, VR, and XR technologies to storytelling, create immersive digital content, demonstrate advanced video production and virtual production skills, manage emerging media projects, understand the ethical and cultural aspects of digital storytelling, develop professional media portfolios, collaborate with creative and technical production teams, analyse emerging media business models, and produce innovative content for professional and commercial audiences.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Arizona State University is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The official programme page does not specify separate professional or industry accreditation for the MA in Narrative and Emerging Media. The programme's curriculum is designed around industry-relevant skills in immersive storytelling, digital production, virtual production, and media project management.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The programme is jointly offered by the Sidney Poitier New American Film School and the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. It is based at ASU's California Center in downtown Los Angeles, where students have access to specialised production facilities, including a virtual production stage, green-screen studio, and motion-capture technology. The programme is led by award-winning immersive media creator Nonny de la Peña, providing students with exposure to emerging storytelling practices and industry perspectives. Graduates can pursue opportunities in immersive media production, AR/VR/XR development, virtual production, documentary filmmaking, journalism, and media project management. No specific programme-level employability ranking is published on the official programme page.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Arizona State University Tempe, the MA in Narrative and Emerging Media program is designed to immerse students in hands-on experiences that cultivate practical skills essential for success in today’s dynamic media landscape. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools that enhance their learning and creativity. The program emphasizes collaboration and real-world application, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their careers.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in the program:

- Digital Media Labs: Students can utilize advanced digital media labs equipped with the latest software and hardware for video production, audio editing, and graphic design.

- Collaborative Projects: The program encourages teamwork through group projects that simulate real-world media production environments, allowing students to develop their collaborative skills.

- Internship Opportunities: Students have access to a variety of internships with local and national media organizations, providing invaluable industry experience and networking opportunities.

- Field Trips: The curriculum includes field trips to media companies, studios, and cultural institutions, offering students insights into the industry and exposure to professional practices.

- Research Facilities: The program is supported by dedicated research labs where students can explore innovative storytelling techniques and emerging media technologies.

- Libraries and Resources: ASU boasts extensive library resources, including specialized collections in media and communication, which support student research and project development.

- Institute for Digital Media Arts: Students can engage with the Institute for Digital Media Arts, which fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in storytelling and media production.

These experiential learning opportunities not only enhance your academic experience but also equip you with the skills and connections needed to thrive in the evolving media landscape.

Consider applying to the MA in Narrative and Emerging Media at ASU Tempe to take advantage of these incredible resources and experiences!

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MA in Narrative and Emerging Media at Arizona State University Tempe prepares graduates for a dynamic career landscape, equipping them with the skills to thrive in various storytelling and media roles. Graduates often find themselves in positions such as Digital Content Strategist, User Experience Designer, and Media Producer, leveraging their expertise in narrative techniques and emerging technologies.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of progression and future opportunities:

- University Services: ASU offers robust career services, including personalized career coaching, resume workshops, and networking events that connect students with industry professionals.
- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: According to recent data, graduates from the program have a high employment rate, with many securing positions within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for roles in this field ranges from $55,000 to $75,000, depending on the specific job and location.
- University–Industry Partnerships: ASU has established partnerships with leading companies in the media and technology sectors, such as Adobe and Google, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world project experiences.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that your degree holds value in the job market and meets high educational standards.
- Graduation Outcomes: Alumni have gone on to work for prestigious organizations, including major media outlets and innovative tech companies, showcasing the program's strong reputation and the effectiveness of its curriculum.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the MA in Narrative and Emerging Media, you may choose to pursue a PhD in a related field, such as Media Studies or Communication, allowing you to delve deeper into research and potentially teach at the university level. Alternatively, you could explore specialized certifications in areas like digital marketing or user experience design to further enhance your skill set and career prospects.

This program not only prepares you for immediate employment but also sets a solid foundation for lifelong learning and advancement in your career.