The Mississippi School of the Arts has expanded its curriculum to include a new media arts discipline starting with the 2016-2017 school year. The new discipline will join the school’s programs in visual arts, vocal music, literary arts, theatre and dance.

Media arts integrates traditional art forms and technology of today’s world with a specific skill set that utilizes creativity and technique. Students will learn cross-cultural collaboration, various media and competencies that allow for a range of genres, said Executive Director Suzanne Hirsch.

“We are looking forward to adding the sixth discipline of study at MSA, which will connect the rich legacy of our state in classic art forms with the future of film and audio production,” Hirsch said. “The existing arts programs at MSA are collaborating to create a comprehensive program of study in media arts that will continue to bring the artistic voice alive on screen and beyond.”

The new media arts program will include studies in digital media technology, television broadcasting and production, audio broadcasting, filmmaking, simulation and animation design, screenwriting and directing for film and television.

MSA Coordinator of School Advancement Jennifer Jackson said this means adding a new teacher for the next school year. Jackson said she thinks this new addition will increase enrollment by enticing students primarily interested in media arts.

Hirsch has been working with the Department of Education to establish the new discipline.

MSA is an 11th and 12th grade visual and performing arts residential, public high school located on the historic Whitworth College campus in Brookhaven. Students meet the traditional Mississippi high school curriculum, as well as receive special instruction in visual arts, media arts, vocal music, dance, literary arts and theatre. Students interested in MSA apply their sophomore year. This year’s graduating class of 55 seniors received over $6 million in college scholarship offers. Sophomores apply by Feb. 1, 2016.

For more information visit the website: www.msa.k12.ms.us or call 601-823-1300.