Overview

Digital Communication (DC) is an interdisciplinary program in the School of Communication and Media Arts supported by courses offered through SCMA and the departments of Computer Science and Information Technology and Graphic Design and Visual Arts. Courses in the history, theory,‌and production of new media are complemented by internships both within the‌ University and at companies related to the new media/communication industries, including Internet/Web content providers, traditional media companies (TV/film/radio), advertising agencies and public relations firms.

The DC program is directed towards students who wish to become leaders in creating the communication environment of the future and to those interested in the broader implications of communication technology, understanding the theory as well as the practice.

The major in Digital Communication consists of 42 credit hours, including 12 required courses and 6 elective credits. In addition, CS 100 must be taken as part of the elective core. For DC majors CM 101 is a prerequisite for all other courses in the major.

*Note: The Digital Communications Major has been updated and will not be enrolling new majors under this name. The updated major, Immersive Media and Mixed Reality, can be found here.

Required Courses

CS 101 Web Design and Visual Tools

CS 104 Digital Animation and Gaming

CS 232 Human-Computer Interaction

CS 319 Computer Ethics

CM 101 Introduction to Media Culture

CM 102 Introduction to Media Production

CM 215 Technical Communications I

CM 224 Democratic Technologies

CM 253 Digital Culture

CM 254 Media and Democracy

CM 397 Senior Project I

Elective Courses

Students are required to take an additional six credits of required course work and most students select these courses from the departments of Art and Design, Computer Science and/or Communication and Media Studies. DC Majors may venture into other departments for these required electives, but in all cases courses must be approved in writing by the program director. Possible course selections include:

AR 114 Digital Design Basics

AR 211 Graphic Design I

CM 124 History of Broadcasting

CM 126 History of Advertising and Public Relations

CM 221-321 Digital Film and Video Production I, II

CM 225 Multimedia Field Production

CM 227 Advertising and Public Relations; Practical Applications

CM 251 Studies in Self Help Books

CM 256 Magazines and Body Image

CM 299 Special Topics in Communication and Media Studies

CM 300 Special Topics in Multimedia Production

PH 256 Philosophy of Technology

SO 257 Science, Technology and Society

B.A. Digital Communication Checksheet

Minors

Students from across the university can take advantage of the six different minors offered by the School of Communication, Media & the Arts: journalism, advertising media/public relations, film and television, sports media, digital communication, and performing arts. These minors allow non-majors to explore an area of focus within the fields of Communication and Media Arts while developing an understanding of media theory, history, and technical skills.

Benefits

Much of what students experience is digitally mediated, and computer technology is a primary method of digital interaction. DC focuses on the macro social and ethical issues of digital communication, including social networking, policy making, data information privacy, intellectual property, moral agency, and the notion of a global community.

In both their professional and their personal lives, people will increasingly encounter two constants: communication and technology. The Digital Communication major prepares students for leadership in a variety of professions and careers in today’s cutting edge digital media environment.

Activities

SCMA students have the opportunity to participate in a number of extracurricular activities on campus including departmental media organizations that allow them to apply their coursework outside the classroom and gain valuable hands-on experience in their field of study. The SCMA student organizations produce news stories, publicity campaigns, magazines, and movies in addition to hosting events, taking field trips, and networking with industry professionals.

Careers

Digital Communications students graduate ready for professional careers in the communication & media fields. Current alumni work for such companies as: Showtime, MSG Varsity, Fox News, Tribune Broadcasting, NBC Universal, Fortune Money Magazine, Huffington Post, ESPN, New York Yankees, Life & Style Magazine, MTV, and many other major communication and media industry companies.

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