Department of Media and Visual Arts
From award winning faculty members, to award winning students, West Liberty University’s Department of Media and Visual Arts is alive with excitement, bringing culture and media entertainment to the Hilltop and beyond!
Educating Leaders
in Media and Visual Arts
There’s always something creative happening here! From the art along the walls of the halls of Fine Arts to the voices broadcasting from the television studio, the Department of Media and Visual Arts is full of opportunities to prepare you for a successful career!
Degrees Offered
- Art Education
- Broadcasting
- Media Communications
- Journalism and PR
- Media Production
- Production Design
- Art & Design
- Master’s of Art Education: Visual Art Education
Degree
Pathways
West Liberty University offers various career pathways designed to support students at every stage of their academic and professional journey—from first-time college students to individuals interested in furthering their careers in arts and media!
The Art Education Degree Program at West Liberty University complies with the National Art Education Association (NAEA) Standards for Art Teacher Preparation. We train our students to be excellent teachers enriched by the visual arts.
Ideal if you want to:
- Become a certified art teacher in K-12 public or private education
- Work in a community based education setting within the arts or outreach director
- Become a museum or gallery educator
- Work as a studio artist or freelance designer
Whether you are interested in performing in front of the camera, editing footage, writing the story, or running the show, the Broadcasting Program provides you with the education, training, and experience you need to be ready for an exciting career in the media industry.
Ideal if you want to:
- Be on-air talent or reporter within news or television
- Produce or direct within the television industry
- Work in remote production environments
- Be a multimedia journalist
West Liberty University’s Media Communications program offers a comprehensive degree that emphasizes hands-on, real-world experience, giving students opportunities to produce media, run radio and television programs, write compelling journalistic pieces and build professional portfolios.
Ideal if you want to:
- Become a reporter or journalist within the television industry
- Become a podcaster or audio producer
- Work as a copy editor or print journalist
- Become a public relations specialist
- Work as a social media or content creator
The Art & Design program offers a flexible, multi-concentration structure where students can specialize in Digital Media & Film, Graphic Design, Illustration, or Studio Art. The program combines traditional art and design fundamentals with modern digital media tools and technologies, giving students strong preparation for both traditional and digital creative fields.
Ideal if you want to:
- Become a digital content creator or social media specialist
- Become a multimedia designer or web designer
- Work in the film industry or become a documentary filmmaker
- Become a video editor or producer
- Work in the print/digital publishing industry or within branding or identity design
- Work in package design, app design, or publication design
- Work in editorial illustration or advertising art
- Become a freelance artist in a variety of mediums or settings
Practical Training
Facilities
Our Media and Visual Arts department comprises a number of facilities on campus-most being housed within our Media Arts Building and Fine Arts Building. With ample space to create, work and learn, we are confident that you’ll feel at home in our program, surrounded by likeminded artists and faculty members!
Facilities & Technology Include:
- Media Arts Computer Lab-iMac computers with access to the full Adobe Suite
- Television Studio with Green Screen and Control Room
- Audio Recording Studio
- Video Editing Lab
- Printmaking Studio
- Drawing/painting studio
- Ceramics Lab
- Photography Studio
- Nutting Art Gallery
Students gain extensive hands-on practicum experience with tools and software used everyday within the industry.
Careers in
Media and Visual Arts
Career Paths
Media and Visual Arts educated students at West Liberty University are prepared for diverse career paths, including:
- Content Creators
- Video Editors
- Graphic Designers
- Digital Media Designers
- Media Producers
- Media Directors
- Film
- Social Media Managers
- Public Relations
- Communication Specialists
- UI/UX Developers
- Animators
- Photographers
- Photojournalists
- Professional Artists
- Illustrators
- News Anchor and Reporters
- Freelancers
Mission, Vision
& Values
The Department of Media and Visual Arts fosters the development of creative and competent, media specialists and storytellers who succeed in a variety of fields.
Core Values:
Opportunity · Caring · Professionalism · Excellence · Civic Engagement
The curriculum emphasizes a blend of technology, creativity, practicum and theory.
Graduate
Competencies
Graduates of the Media & Visual Arts Department will be able to:
- Demonstrate Creative Problem-Solving
Apply creativity, innovation, and critical thinking to develop effective visual, artistic, and communication-based solutions. - Communicate Effectively Through Visual and Media Literacy
Create and interpret messages through visual, written, oral, and digital communication across multiple platforms and audiences. - Apply Technical and Professional Skills
Demonstrate proficiency in industry-standard tools, technologies, processes, and techniques relevant to their discipline. - Produce Professional-Quality Work
Develop and present polished, portfolio-ready projects that reflect technical skill, creativity, and conceptual understanding. - Engage in Collaboration and Leadership
Work effectively as a team member or leader in collaborative environments, demonstrating professionalism and adaptability. - Demonstrate Ethical and Responsible Practice
Apply ethical decision-making and professional standards in creative, journalistic, educational, and media-related work. - Analyze and Respond to Audiences and Contexts
Evaluate audience needs, cultural contexts, and communication goals to create meaningful and impactful work. - Present and Defend Creative or Strategic Decisions
Articulate ideas, concepts, and processes clearly in critiques, presentations, pitches, or professional discussions. - Adapt to Emerging Technologies and Industry Trends
Demonstrate flexibility and a commitment to lifelong learning in response to evolving tools, technologies, and media landscapes. - Build Career-Ready Portfolios and Professional Practices
Develop professional materials, portfolios, and practices that prepare them for employment, freelance work, graduate study, or licensure.
Student Resources
& Engagement
Students and alumni benefit from a wide range of departmental resources and engagement opportunities, including:
- The Trumpet: Student Newspaper
- 48 Hour Film Festival
- WGLZ Radio
- TopperStation
- Nutting Art Gallery
- Study Abroad
Contact the
Department
Have questions about programs, admissions, or career pathways? Our faculty and advisors are here to help you take the next step.
Dr. Jeffrey Grubbs
Chair of Media & Visual Arts
West Liberty University
Email: jeffrey.grubbs@westliberty.edu
Become A
Hilltopper
West Liberty University is a place where you can pursue your dreams and prepare for the future. With more than 60 programs, a vibrant campus life, small classes, and an affordable cost, the quality education you’ll get at West Liberty is like no other.