Dr. Murray Stiller, Adjunct Professor of Media and Visual Arts, describes media as “communication through technology. It can entertain, educate, advocate, or edify through art.”
In the recently launched Master of Arts in Media Arts program at Tyndale University, creativity meets Gospel centricity. The project-based curriculum offers students the opportunity to hone their storytelling skills through a chosen medium, “grounded in the hope of the Gospel’s redemptive message.”
Three qualities distinguish the MA in Media Arts program from others. It comprises a virtual learning community with practice-driven courses that see students telling stories of faith and innovation.
“This program is delivered through weekly online sessions where students discuss assigned readings, share ideas, and critique projects together,” explains Dr. Stiller. “Every few months, hosted events bring students and guest artists together in person and virtually to build a Christ-centred creative community. These gatherings open doors for collaboration and the development of potential media projects. Whether you work in app development, ministry communication, audio documentaries, digital graphic novels, or more traditional forms of media, you will be challenged to apply what you read, watch, and learn directly to your creative practice.”
In this project-focused MA program, students create at every step. “If you want to make documentary films, every assignment lets you make a doc. If you teach media, every assignment becomes an opportunity to take the topic and design it as curriculum. If you are a creative non-fiction or fiction writer, assignments become original stories. Assignments lead toward internships and a final thesis project, preparing graduates with both practical skills and a portfolio that demonstrates [their] work.”
Dr. Stiller notes that “the thesis is a personal and professional capstone, giving students the chance to bring a significant idea and project to market or ministry.” Writers publish books, filmmakers produce documentaries or narrative films, and entrepreneurs launch media businesses, non-profit organizations, or ministry initiatives. “Each thesis reflects the student’s passion, discipline, and calling.”
In addition, “faculty mentor students in researching and securing the right placement, making the internship one of the most practical and rewarding steps of the degree.”
Expert faculty who are “skilled practitioners with deep experience in their craft” equip students with the tools they need to become “critically thinking creative leaders” who place emphasis on the value of content. “Our faculty are teachers and coaches who know how to help students grow in their artistry, develop their voice, and pursue excellence as artists and media producers,” says Dr. Stiller.
If you are an “artist working in creative fields and technologies with a project you want to develop, an innovator who is curious and thoughtful as you explore the meaning and value of media, and a leader motivated to turn a vision into reality and impact the world for Christ,” this program was made for you.
“Students can expect to refine their critical thinking, access their creativity, and develop their love for truth, justice, and desire to serve as elements of their spiritual journey,” says Dr. Stiller. “By developing their craft, making meaningful content that speaks to audiences, students demonstrate their ability to create media for employers. Graduates will find opportunities as writers, filmmakers, audio/visual artists, entrepreneurs, educators, and church-based media leaders,” creating culturally relevant art in a world of evolving technology that relies on meaningful content.
For more information, take a look at the MA in Media Arts program overview.