Digital Communication and Media
Overview
Programs in digital communication and media prepare people to publish information using electronic technologies. Sometimes these programs are called electronic media technology.Programs in digital communication and media prepare people to publish information using computer technologies. Students learn how to develop, use, and manage digital media. They study emerging trends and issues in communications.
Digital communication and media programs include topics such as:
- Electronic communication technologies
- Digital communications management
- Telecommunications technologies
- Law and policy
- Emerging trends and issues
Programs in digital communication and media overlap with programs in mass communication, telecommunications, and journalism.
Internship
Internships allow students to develop skills at companies or organizations. Some digital communication and media programs require students to develop a portfolio or complete an internship.
Schools
Many community colleges offer associate degree programs in digital communication and media. An associate degree program usually takes two years of full-time study. Upon completion, a student may choose to enter the workforce or transfer to a college or university for further study.
Many colleges and universities offer a bachelor's degree in digital communication and media. This program may be a concentration in a larger journalism program. A bachelor’s degree usually takes four years of full-time study to complete.
A few universities offer graduate degrees in digital communication and media. A master’s degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor’s degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master’s degree.
See schools that offer this program.
Related Educational Programs
- Advertising
- Animation, Video Graphics, and Special Effects
- Broadcast Journalism
- Commercial and Advertising Art
- Communications Operations Technology
- Desktop Publishing and Digital Imaging
- Graphic Design
- Mass Communication Studies
- Multimedia and Intermedia
- Photographic, Film, and Video Technology
- Radio and Television Broadcasting Technology
- Telecommunications Technology
- Web Page and Multimedia Design
Related Careers
Careers to Consider
- Advertising Managers
- Advertising Salespeople
- Editors
- Film and Video Editors
- Graphic Designers
- Professional Bloggers and Podcasters
- Proofreaders
- Technical Writers
- Web Developers
- Writers
Program Admission
You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.
For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.
Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:
- Algebra
- Business Law
- Computer Science and Programming
- Computer Technology
- Emerging Technologies
- Integrated Science
- Marketing
- Mass Media, Communication
- Network Technology
- Physics
- Principles of Technology
- Probability and Statistics
- Science Technology and Engineering
- Technical Writing
- Technology Systems
Graduate Admissions
Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.
Additional requirements at some schools include:
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
- Undergraduate degree or significant course work in communications
- Computer proficiency
- Letters of recommendation
- Writing sample
- Personal statement
Typical Course Work
Program Courses
This program typically includes courses in the following subjects:
- Animation and Modeling
- Art and Technology
- Computer-Aided Drafting
- Data Mining
- Design Data Management
- Design Software Development
- Digital Communication
- Digital Image Processing
- Digital Media Production
- Digital Techniques in Remote Sensing
- Expert Systems
- Information Theory
- Internet Programming
- Multimedia Computing
- Neural Networks
- Photorealism
- Sound Design for New Media
- Virtual Architecture
- Website Design
Graduate Program Courses
Graduate study in digital communication and media typically includes:
- Required courses
- Thesis (master's degree)
- Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
- Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)
Things to Know
Students of digital communication and media may need to buy their own computers and photo-editing software.
Digital communication and media programs are often part of mass communication or journalism departments.
Schools
East Side Area
Central Washington University
- Digital Journalism--Broadcast Journalism Specialization
- Digital Journalism--Writing & Reporting Specialization
Walla Walla University
- Cinema, Religion & Worldview
Washington State University - Pullman
- Digital Humanities and Culture
King-Snohomish Area
Northeastern University - Seattle
- Digital Media
Northwest University
- Educational Studies--Instructional Technology
Seattle Pacific University
- Visual Communication
Seattle University
- Digital Technology and Cultures
- Environmental Studies--Environmental Education and Communication
Shoreline Community College
- Visual Communication Technology--Digital Photography Level II
- Visual Communication Technology--Digital Video
University of Washington - Bothell
- Interdisciplinary Studies--Media & Communication Studies
University of Washington - Seattle
- Communication--Digital Media
- Digital Arts & Experimental Media
- Human Centered Design & Engineering
Spokane Area
Eastern Washington University
- Communication Studies-MS--Technological Communication Focus
Spokane Falls Community College
- Digital Marketing Specialist
- Digital Media Production
Statewide and Distance Learning
Washington State University - Global Campus
- Integrated Strategic Communications
- Strategic Communications
Tacoma Area
Northwest College of Art & Design
- Visual Communication--Double Major
- Visual Communication--Interactive Design
Pacific Lutheran University
- Communication--Film & Media Studies
- Communication--Strategic Communication
Vancouver Area
Clark College
- Journalism/News Media Studies
West Side Area
Evergreen State College, The
- Communications
Western Washington University
- Journalism--Visual Journalism