California Institute of the Arts

What you'll study

This master's combines hands-on production, media theory and research methods to prepare you to produce work for radio, broadcast and online platforms. The curriculum typically includes a combination of core seminars, practical workshops and a substantial final project or thesis portfolio.

• Core seminars: contemporary media theory, histories of radio and television, digital media cultures, ethics and policy in communication.
• Production workshops: audio production and sound design, single- and multi-camera television production, field recording, podcasting formats, live-streaming techniques, nonlinear editing and post-production workflows.
• Interactive and digital modules: new narrative forms for web and mobile, social distribution strategies, metadata and archiving, interactive audio and transmedia storytelling.
• Research and methods: qualitative approaches to audience studies, practice-based research methods, scripting and story development, pitching and commissioning frameworks.
• Collaborative projects and electives: opportunities to work with students from film, animation, sound art and critical studies to develop cross-disciplinary productions and installations.
• Final project: a substantial media project such as a long-form radio documentary, a multi-episode podcast series, a short television/streaming pilot or a portfolio of digital communication projects, accompanied by a reflective critical statement.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field or to demonstrate equivalent professional experience and creative achievement. Admission is competitive and based on the strength of creative work, academic preparation and fit with the programme.

• Academic background: undergraduate degree in communication, media studies, film, journalism, audio production or a related discipline, or demonstrable professional experience in media production.
• Portfolio: an online portfolio or showreel showcasing recent audio, video or digital media work; this is a key element of the application.
• Statement of purpose: a concise statement outlining research or creative interests, career objectives and reasons for choosing the programme.
• References: two or three professional or academic references commenting on your creative potential and readiness for graduate study.
• English language proficiency: evidence of proficiency if your first language is not English, as specified by the institute.
• Interview: shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview or portfolio review, either in person or remotely.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a wide range of roles across contemporary media industries, combining creative practice with strategic and technical skills. The programme balances craft and critical thinking to make graduates adaptable across evolving platforms.

• Podcast producer, host or executive producer
• Television or streaming content producer, assistant producer or development executive
• Multiplatform content strategist, social media producer or digital producer
• Audio post-production specialist, sound designer or broadcast engineer
• Documentary producer, investigative audio-maker or radio feature producer
• Creative director for branded content, media consultancy or independent production company founder
• Roles in public and community radio, cultural institutions, education and archival organisations
• Further academic or practice-led research, or progression to doctoral study

Why study at California Institute of the Arts

California Institute of the Arts is known for its experimental, interdisciplinary approach and emphasis on artistic practice. The institute fosters small cohorts, intensive mentorship and close faculty attention, enabling students to develop a distinct creative voice while gaining high-level technical skills.

• Access to professional-grade production facilities, audio studios, editing suites and on-campus exhibition spaces.
• Opportunities for cross-school collaboration with film, animation, sound art and critical studies students, promoting hybrid media work.
• Faculty who are active practitioners and scholars, providing current industry perspective and mentorship.
• Proximity to Los Angeles’s media industries and cultural institutions, offering networking, internship and collaboration opportunities without sacrificing a rigorous arts education.
• An emphasis on experimental forms and critical inquiry, supporting students who want to push the boundaries of radio, television and digital communication.