BEA's Student Membership
Join BEA to develop your creative skills, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections with media educators, scholars, and industry professionals. Through workshops, convention programming, mentorship, and networking opportunities, BEA helps you grow your craft and your professional community.
Resources That Work for You.
Key Benefits of Membership
Showcase Your Work
Put your creative and scholarly work in front of the BEA community through the Festival of Media Arts, research competitions, and other student opportunities. Graduate student membership is also welcome for participation in certain Festival and research competitions.
Scholarships to Support Your Education
BEA awards more than $30,000 in scholarships each year to eligible undergraduate and graduate students at member institutions. One application considers students for every scholarship for which they qualify, and recipients also receive complimentary BEA convention registration.
Join up to four of BEA's 19 Interest Divisions
Each offer newsletters, paper competitions and networking for research, curriculum and job opportunities.
BEAi
The intelligent new home for BEA members. From research collaborators to insightful teaching tools, books on storytelling to JoME journal articles, convention participation to meeting minutes, grant opportunities to T&P guidelines. BEAi helps you find what you need instantly.
Make the Most of #BEAvegas
BEA’s annual convention gives students opportunities to build connections, gain real-world experience, and explore career paths through programs like the RAB Student Scholars Program, Student MMJs, and the Career Fair & Graduate School Showcase. Meet industry professionals, develop your skills, and turn your convention experience into connections that can shape your future.
Awards & Research
Showcase your work through BEA’s prestigious awards, research competitions, creative competitions, and grant opportunities designed to elevate your professional impact.
Membership Options
Strengthen Your Skills & Knowledge
Stay connected to the latest in media research, education, and industry practices through BEA publications, convention sessions, workshops, and member resources. Graduate students can especially benefit from opportunities that strengthen their research, teaching, creative, and professional development.
NOTE: All Memberships are based on the calendar year, January 1st through December 31st. Renewal process starts mid-September each year. Dues are not pro rated.
Undergraduate Student
Individual Membership- Student Members must have an active interest in electronic media or other multimedia enterprises related to research and creative endeavors.
Graduate Student
Individual Membership- Student Members must have an active interest in electronic media or other multimedia enterprises related to research and creative endeavors.
FREE Student Membership
Individual Membership- Undergraduate (and possibly graduate) student membership is FREE for students attending BEA Institutional Member Schools. Click here to check eligibility.
Join BEA Today!
Unlock the full potential of your media education career by becoming a member of BEA. Connect with peers, access exclusive resources, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of media. Sign up now and start benefiting from all that BEA has to offer.
FAQ
Who is eligible for BEA student membership?
BEA offers membership opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students interested in broadcasting, media production, journalism, communication, and related fields. Membership connects students with resources, competitions, and professional development opportunities throughout their academic careers.
What are the benefits of joining BEA as a student?
BEA membership connects students with creative competitions, research opportunities, industry professionals, career resources, and educational programming. Members can develop their skills, showcase their work, and build connections that support their academic and professional goals.
Can graduate students participate in the same opportunities as undergraduate students?
Yes! Many BEA opportunities are open to both undergraduate and graduate students, including convention programming, research activities, and professional networking. Some competitions, scholarships, and specialized programs have separate eligibility requirements or categories.
Does BEA offer scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students?
Yes! BEA awards more than $30,000 in scholarships annually to eligible undergraduate and graduate students attending BEA member institutions. Applicants are automatically considered for every scholarship for which they qualify, and individual BEA membership is not required to apply. Click here to view the scholarships page.
What competitions can BEA student members participate in?
This is where students can get the most out of their membership. There are a variety of scholarly and creative competitions available to BEA students, with multiple avenues for recognition and quality critic. Students can showcase their talents through the Festival of Media Arts, which recognizes excellence in audio, documentary, film and video, news, sports, scriptwriting, and emerging media.
Students can also take advantage of our Generative AI competition, 48-hour film & audio competitions, Signature Station, and more! Additional research and creative competitions provide opportunities to earn recognition and strengthen academic and professional portfolios.
What opportunities are available for students at BEA's annual convention?
BEA’s annual convention in Las Vegas offers student-focused programming, networking events, workshops, and hands-on experiences. Students can also explore special opportunities such as the RAB Student Scholars Program, Student MMJ Program, and Career Fair & Graduate School Showcase.
Can BEA help me find internships, jobs, or graduate school opportunities?
Yes! BEA helps students explore career paths and connect with industry professionals through its annual Career Fair & Graduate School Showcase, networking opportunities, and professional resources. Students can meet recruiters, learn about graduate programs, and build relationships that support their next steps.
How do I sign up for BEA student membership?
Students can join through BEA’s membership registration form. If your school is an institutional member, contact your faculty advisor or BEA staff to obtain your complimentary membership code, if applicable.