Duke University

Overview

The Visual and Media Studies program at Duke University offers a comprehensive exploration of how images, media, and visual symbols are created, shared, and interpreted within society. This course equips students with the analytical tools to examine visual culture while bridging the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application across various mediums, including film, digital media, photography, and design.

What you'll study

The program integrates critical analysis with hands-on media-making experiences. Students engage in a diverse curriculum that includes core classes, electives, and project-based work, progressing from foundational analysis to advanced production and critique.

Sample course themes include:

• Experimental Drawing: Image and Bit Play
• Experimental Sculpture and Installation Art
• Create, Innovate, Act: Creativity, Innovation, and Social Action
• Audiovisual Cultures in East Asia: Film, Music, and Other Media
• Video Game Design and Critique
• Virtual Realities: Collective Dreams from Plato to Cyberspace
• Advertising and Society: Global Perspective
• Capturing the City: Documentary Photography in Berlin
• Digital Storytelling and Interactive Narrative

Assessment methods typically include:

• Analytical essays and media critiques
• Studio and production projects (e.g., visual works, prototypes, or edited media)
• Presentations and reflective writing that connect practical work to theoretical concepts

Note: The availability and sequence of modules may vary. Students should consult the university's current course catalog for detailed information on course offerings and degree requirements.

Entry requirements

Admission to the program is based on a holistic review of the applicant's academic record. GRE or GMAT scores are not required for this program.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Visual and Media Studies program can pursue a variety of career paths in fields such as media production, graphic design, art direction, advertising, and academia. The skills acquired through this program prepare students to navigate and contribute to the evolving landscape of visual culture and media.