Madison Media Institute

Madison Media Institute

Company type	Private for-profit
Industry	Education
Founded	1969
Founder	Ray Szmanda
Defunct	2018
Headquarters	Madison, Wisconsin , United States
Products	Associate and bachelor's degrees in media arts disciplines

Madison Media Institute (MMI) was a private, for-profit institution specializing in media arts, located in Madison, Wisconsin. Up until 2017, it maintained a satellite campus in Edina, Minnesota. The institute provided both associate and bachelor's degrees across disciplines such as video production, music production, game design, media technology, graphic design, as well as web and entertainment business management.

The institute ceased operations in 2018.

History

Established in 1969 by Ray Szmanda under the name Trans-American School of Broadcasting, the institution originally concentrated on training for careers in radio broadcasting. Over the years, its curriculum broadened to encompass video and motion graphics, electronic and audio/visual systems, graphic and web design, entertainment and media business studies, and digital filmmaking.

In 1986, Szmanda transferred ownership to broadcaster Ed Hutchings, who retained control until 2007. Subsequently, the Hutchings family sold MMI to American Higher Education Development Corporation, headquartered in New York.

In August 2018, president and academic dean Mike Bailey announced the school's closure citing "business reasons."

Programs of study

MMI’s academic offerings included audio production, music production, sound design for video/games/films, graphic arts, web design, animation, game design, video production techniques, camera operation, photography, AV systems design and installation, visual effects, music production software proficiency, music industry studies, and media business competencies. Students also had opportunities to specialize in entertainment business sectors such as music, video, film, and broader media industries.

Tuition fees for two-year programs varied between $32,000 and $46,000 depending on the course of study and campus location.

Minneapolis Media Institute

In 2009, MMI inaugurated a branch campus in Edina, Minnesota, situated at the former Flyte Tyme recording studios owned by producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Initially centered on music production education, this campus expanded its curriculum to include animation, graphic design, mobile application development, and business-related courses.

The Edina campus offered four Associate Degree programs: Audio & Recording Arts; Animation & Game Design; Graphic & Web Design; and User Interface/User Experience (UI/UX). It also featured an online Bachelor of Science degree in Digital Marketing & Media focusing on internet marketing strategies and campaign management. Additional programs included an online certification in Mobile Application Development as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Business in Media.

This branch ceased operations in 2017.