Top Multimedia Schools in Oklahoma: A Comprehensive Guide

Looking for the best multimedia schools in Oklahoma? This guide will introduce you to the top institutions that offer comprehensive programs in media production, journalism, broadcasting, and more. You’ll discover key details about each school’s curriculum, facilities, and opportunities for hands-on experience. Read on to find the perfect multimedia program for your career aspirations.

The University of Oklahoma’s Creative Media Production program offers diverse specialization tracks and extensive hands-on opportunities, preparing students for various media careers.
Oklahoma State University’s School of Media & Strategic Communications features three distinct undergraduate programs in Multimedia Journalism, Sports Media, and Strategic Communication, complemented by scholarships and internships to support student development.
The University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma City University provide specialized programs in Professional Media and Visual + Media Arts, respectively, with significant hands-on learning opportunities and scholarship options to facilitate student success in the media industry.

University of Oklahoma: Creative Media Production

The University of Oklahoma’s Creative Media Production (CMP) program is renowned for its immersive and hands-on learning approach. Students learn professional storytelling using digital media through real-world experiences, making it a top choice for aspiring media professionals. The program offers state-of-the-art facilities, including Premiere Pro editing software:

Four studios
14 editing suites
Nearly 150 editing stations
Two radio stations

With access to more than two dozen cameras, students can work on-location to produce high-quality media content. Graduates of the program receive a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, preparing them for diverse careers in the media industry.

Program Specializations

The Creative Media Production program offers seven specialization tracks, including digital media production, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests. These tracks include:

Audio Production
Corporate and Commercial Production
Documentary
Electronic Filmmaking
Video Production
Writing
Interactive Multimedia

Each track provides students with essential skills and knowledge, preparing them for various careers in the media industry.

For instance, the Documentary track focuses on creating impactful stories through film, with an emphasis on documentary production, while the Interactive Multimedia track covers web design and digital content creation. This diverse curriculum ensures that graduates are well-equipped to enter the professional media world with a strong foundation in their chosen specialization.

Student Media Opportunities

A variety of media outlets provide innumerable chances for CMP program students to acquire hands-on experience. TV4OU enables students to gain real-world broadcasting experience by producing shows such as OU Nightly, sports and magazine shows, and music productions. Additionally, Gaylord Hall Productions offers students the chance to work on major independent projects such as films and documentaries, further honing their skills in media production.

For those interested in radio, OU’s on-campus stations, The Wire and KGOU, provide practical experience in radio broadcasting. Students can also collaborate with the athletic department’s high-definition production unit, SoonerVision, gaining valuable insights into sports media production.

Oklahoma State University: School of Media & Strategic Communications

Oklahoma State University’s School of Media & Strategic Communications (SMSC) is dedicated to developing students’ skills in various media fields, including mass communications, such as:

public relations
advertising
marketing
journalism
broadcasting

Through a comprehensive curriculum that blends liberal arts education with professional training, the school ensures students develop into well-rounded and industry-ready individuals.

There are three undergraduate programs available for students to choose from: Multimedia Journalism, Sports Media, and Strategic Communication. Each program provides distinct opportunities that allow students to follow their interests and hone their skills.

Undergraduate Programs

The programs offered at OSU in the field of media and communication include:

Multimedia Journalism: This program allows students to specialize in either news or production, providing a solid foundation for careers in journalism.
Sports Media: This program offers concentrations in sports digital production or sports journalism, catering to the growing demand for professionals in sports media.
Strategic Communication: This program prepares students for careers in public relations, advertising, social media, and entertainment media, making it a versatile option for those interested in various aspects of media and communication.

Each program is designed to provide students with the skills needed to excel in their chosen field. The curriculum, which includes hands-on projects, internships, and practical training opportunities, enables graduates to be fully prepared for their careers.

Scholarships and Internships

OSU’s School of Media and Strategic Communications offers several scholarships supported by generous donors like Paul Miller and Peggy Layman Welch, helping to ease the financial burden for students. Many juniors and seniors also find part-time jobs as campus correspondents, which not only help finance their education but also provide valuable practical experience.

The SMSC curriculum heavily relies on internships, which afford students real-world experience and the chance to network with experienced media professionals. These internships often lead to job placements, making them an essential component of the students’ education.

University of Central Oklahoma: Professional Media Program

The University of Central Oklahoma’s Professional Media Program offers a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Media, which includes specialized classes in:

video
print
journalism
broadcast
radio
producing
writing
editing

The curriculum is designed to keep up with the latest industry trends, including graphic design, ensuring students are well-prepared for the dynamic media landscape.

UCO encourages creativity, critical thinking, and adaptability, making it an excellent choice for aspiring media professionals.

UCentral Student Media

UCentral Student Media, an organization created for professional media majors at UCO, facilitates practical field experience for students. It provides students with the opportunity to address local, national, and global issues through various media outlets such as radio, newspaper, and TV. This hands-on experience is invaluable, allowing students to apply what they learn in the classroom to real-world media production.

Students involved in UCentral Student Media produce content that ranges from news and feature stories to in-depth reports on global issues, providing a comprehensive media experience.

Career Pathways

Graduates of UCO’s Professional Media Program have a wide range of career opportunities. Alumni have found success in traditional news, broadcast, podcasting, social media, and more. Career options include roles such as journalist, reporter, anchor, director, digital media coordinator, and social media coordinator, showcasing the program’s versatility.

UCO’s professional media major courses are intended to provide students with a strong foundation for various careers in the industry. The program is designed to prepare students for a range of opportunities within the media field. With a strong foundation in writing, media production, and journalism, graduates are well-equipped to excel in their chosen careers.

Oklahoma City University: School of Visual + Media Arts

Oklahoma City University’s School of Visual + Media Arts provides a comprehensive education in visual and media arts, offering a Bachelor of Arts in Film and a BFA in Film Production. The BA in Film combines the study of film with majors and minors such as Theatre, Creative Writing, and Animation, allowing students to explore various aspects of the arts.

The BFA in Film Production requires a portfolio submission for talent-based scholarship consideration, ensuring that only the most dedicated and talented students are admitted.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

At OCU’s School of Visual + Media Arts, students maintaining a GPA of 3.0 or higher may be eligible for a variety of scholarships. Academic scholarships range from $8,000 to $13,000 per year, providing significant financial support for talented students.

Additionally, talent-based scholarships can be worth up to $5,000 annually, making it easier for students to pursue their passion for film and media arts.

Stay Connected

Prospective students can stay connected with OCU’s School of Visual + Media Arts by submitting a filmmaking reel or still photography/artwork portfolio via email. This allows students to showcase their talent and stay engaged with the school’s community.

Hands-On Learning and Technology Integration

Multimedia education heavily relies on hands-on learning and technology integration. Schools like SMSC at OSU provide students with access to state-of-the-art technology and facilities, ensuring they are well-prepared for the industry. The curriculum is designed to build real-world skills through internships and projects, offering students valuable on-the-job experience.

Multimedia technology enhances skill development by:

Creating interactive and dynamic learning environments
Allowing students to use industry-specific tools, making them job-ready upon graduation
Providing interactive simulations and virtual labs for practical applications of theoretical concepts

Using Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Mozilla Firefox enriches the learning experience for students.

Study Abroad and Global Exposure

Multimedia students can gain invaluable global exposure through studying abroad. Engaging with media in a foreign country enriches students’ perspectives by exposing them to:

diverse media practices and standards
different cultural perspectives on media
new technologies and innovations in media production
international media markets and audiences

This international exposure is integral to understanding the role of mass communication in media’s role in globalization, a core aspect of media studies.

Programs often include opportunities like:

Career fairs
Networking events
Faculty-guided trips
Tours

These opportunities provide practical experience and enhance students’ understanding of their field. Positive emotions experienced during international study can enhance learning by making students more proactive and engaged.

Alumni Success Stories

Graduates from Oklahoma’s leading multimedia schools have accomplished significant success in their careers. For instance, BA Film graduates from Oklahoma City University have worked with leading companies like Paramount+, AppleTV, and FX Network, thanks to the influx of projects coming to Oklahoma. University of Central Oklahoma alumni have been involved in Pulitzer-Prize winning projects and are leading various newsrooms, showcasing the high level of achievement among graduates.

These success stories highlight the promising career outcomes that graduates from multimedia programs in Oklahoma can look forward to. Whether in film, journalism, or digital media, alumni are making significant contributions to the industry.

How to Choose the Right Multimedia School

Several considerations come into play when selecting the right multimedia school. Identify your specific interest within media, as the field encompasses various career paths such as journalism, photography, game design, and animation. Consider your budget, including tuition, accommodation, extracurricular activities, and additional equipment costs.

Examine the city where the school is located, considering factors like public transportation, accommodation, and cost of living. Check whether the school is affiliated with a recognized university and if the degree is valid for pursuing further studies or working internationally.