Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

What you'll study

This programme combines practical production training with courses in media theory, law and audience strategy. Core areas include audio production, video production, digital storytelling, scriptwriting, editing, and field production. Students learn studio and location camera operation, multicamera switching, lighting, sound recording, post-production workflows and mobile content creation.

Typical modules and experiences include:

• Introduction to Media Production — fundamentals of audio and video production, basic camera and sound technique.
• Video Editing and Post-Production — nonlinear editing, colour correction, graphics and finishing for broadcast and web.
• Audio Production and Podcasting — studio and location recording, mixing, and distribution for radio and podcasts.
• Broadcast Operations and Studio Production — live switching, directing, studio management and multicamera workflows.
• Scriptwriting and Storytelling — narrative structure, documentary forms, segment and commercial writing.
• Digital Media Strategy — social media, metrics, audience engagement, platform-specific content strategies.
• Media Law, Ethics and Communication Policy — legal considerations, ethical practice and regulatory frameworks affecting media.
• Advanced Production or Capstone Project — extended individual or group production that demonstrates technical and editorial skills.

Alongside these courses students complete general education requirements typical of a liberal-arts degree. The programme emphasises experiential learning through lab classes, student-run media projects and a supervised internship with broadcasters, production companies or digital media organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a recognised secondary school diploma. Typical admissions considerations include high-school transcripts, a personal statement outlining interest in media and any relevant extracurricular experience, and academic references. Applicants who have completed college-level work may apply as transfer students with submission of college transcripts.

Standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT may be considered where provided but are often optional; applicants should check the university’s current admissions guidance. International applicants must meet English-language proficiency requirements through recognised tests (for example TOEFL or IELTS) or prior education in English. Some applicants choose to submit a short media portfolio or examples of work (audio, video or writing) to illustrate experience, though a portfolio is not always mandatory.

Career prospects

Graduates leave prepared for a range of roles across broadcast, digital and communications industries. Common career paths include:

• Television or radio producer, director or studio technician
• Videographer, camera operator or editor for broadcast, web or corporate media
• Audio engineer, podcast producer or sound technician
• Digital content creator, social media manager or multimedia producer
• Reporter, broadcast journalist or on-air presenter
• Production coordinator, media planner or broadcast operations manager
• Communications specialist, public relations or content strategist in non-media organisations

The programme’s internship requirement and regional connections offer opportunities to gain experience with local broadcasters, production houses and digital agencies. Graduates also often pursue further study in journalism, film production, media studies or related disciplines.

Why study at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

Saint Mary’s offers a small-campus environment with close faculty mentoring and a liberal-arts curriculum that supports critical thinking alongside technical skill development. The radio, television and digital communication programme is delivered with practical labs and production facilities that replicate professional workflows, and students benefit from hands-on projects and internships.

Located in Winona, the university combines a supportive community setting with access to regional media markets in Minnesota. Faculty bring a mixture of academic and industry experience, and students can participate in campus media activities and collaborative productions that build portfolios and professional contacts.