The Media Production major is designed to prepare students not only for careers in traditional media such as radio, television, journalism, and film, but also in employment opportunities like churches, ministries, production houses, and small business. As students pursue Christ, they pursue the creative craft of audio and video production, visual story-telling, writing, editing, producing, and on-air performance.
Media Production may be right for you if you
- enjoy connecting and collaborating with others
- have a natural ability to be creative
- editing audio or film recordings sounds fascinating to you
- are interested in a career that explores various media platforms
- are interested in writing
Why study media production at Northwestern?
You’ll learn from experienced Christian professors to develop a critical understanding of media production. Our small classes allow Northwestern faculty members to mentor you towards a track that will best fit your strengths. While growing in faith and seeing God’s gifts flourish within you.
The Mel Johnson Media Center (the MEL) is also home to Northwestern Media, a radio ministry with 104 outlets across 11 states including local stations 98.5 KTIS and Faith Radio. Students have the opportunity to gain major market experience across the network in social media, on-air, video production, photography, event planning, and marketing. The goal of each student and the motto of the Mel fits well with this partnership as students: Pursue Christ. Pursue Craft. Get Upstairs.
With campus so close to Minneapolis and St. Paul, students can take advantage of opportunities in Minnesota’s thriving business and media production industries.
Northwestern media production alumni have found careers as anchors or hosting radio programs, managing, investigative reporting, and running their own production companies.
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Available Media Production Tracks
The film & video track will help you develop your skills in video production and content creation. You’ll be prepared to work in television, film, and other careers in electronic media. This track also lays a strong foundation for graduate study. Classes include Directing the Actor, Scriptwriting, Post-Production, and Single Camera Production.
The radio & recording arts track is designed to develop your skills in announcing, audio production, media writing, programming, and management. You’ll be prepared to work in radio, television, film, and other careers in electronic media or go on to graduate study. Classes include Broadcast Tech, Advanced Audio Production, Brand Production Strategies, and Sound Design.
The MEL: Media Entertainment Lab
The MEL is more than a radio station. It is a media training platform designed to provide a safe space for students to freely make mistakes and grow in the art of storytelling. It’s collaborative creative community for students to learn, dream, hope, and find their voice through film, radio, social media, podcasting, content marketing and video storytelling.
The MEL has four key student-led media workshops: Radio, Film, Video, and PR/Social Media. These workshops are a fully student-run operation. No full or part-time staff are paid, however faculty advisor provides guidance when students need additional help.
2025 Five16 Film Festival Student Films
Each year our students submit films to the Five16 Film Festival to be judged by a jury of professionals. Here are the winning films from this year.
Professors connected me with individuals who provided me with further learning opportunities. Through various internships and jobs, I grew in pre-existing skills, was stretched to learn new ones, and made meaningful connections. All of these opportunities helped bring clarity to what I am passionate about, and ultimately, the skills I learned and the relationships made led me to my current role. I am thankful for how God used the Communication Department to impact my life!
I experienced a unique shift during my time at UNW where the individual concentrations of the Communication department began working together and supporting each other. That networking and community was and continues to be amazing! Participating in Radio Workshop and eventually participating on the Executive staff was incredibly impactful. I had upperclassmen pour into me, and then I had the opportunity to do the same for other students. Getting involved in Radio Workshop and helping run the student radio station (98.5HD4 theMEL) provided the work experience I needed to make a seamless transition to working at a radio station Post-Graduation.
The UNW Communication professor’s connected me with individuals that have shaped my first few jobs in the industry. From starting out on small student led short films to now working on big budget feature films and television shows, the professors have always given their support from close and afar. I always felt like anything was achievable during my time at UNW and that continues to run true to today.
Careers in media production
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in media production.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Programming and production
- Television news casting
- Directing
- Media advertising and sales
- Advertising production
- Producing and editing
- Promotions
- Audience analysis
- Audio, video, or television production support
- Speech and copywriting
- News videography
What will I learn?
You will gain an appreciation for technology and develop your communication skills.
MEP 3115
Scriptwriting
A study of the distinctive characteristics of scripts written for radio, television and film. Special attention will be given tothe three-act structure, character delineation and motivation, conflict development and pacing, dialogue and subtext and unifying message. Students gain extensive experience through writing a treatment for a short film or television screenplay.
MEP 4125
Sound Design
The art of sound conveys mood and emotion. It delivers ideas, sensations and story information. It can powerfully enhance the visual experience or completely destroy the aesthetic narrative with a misplaced sound effect or illogical music score. Students will build on their non-linear editing skills while focusing on their analytical and critical listening skills. Students will work with film, animation and audio productions to develop audio communication concepts, sonic environments and aural experiences.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
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