Digital Media Studies & Design program

Want to write or design in a professional setting?

Demand is increasing for professionals who know how to publish engaging web content, manage social media, design graphics, and develop and test new communication channels from podcasts to videos.

Digital media and design opportunities are increasing as new forms of media and technology expand. Polish your skills in these areas to compete in the future job market.

Undergrad minor

A program within Communication Studies

What is Digital Media Studies and Design?

UWL’s Digital Media Studies and Design minor aims to help students learn practical skills in professional writing, graphic design, websites, social media and more to add to their resume. In addition to hands-on, relevant practice, students also gain an understanding of theory, history and trends to deepen their understanding of the material.

Students will take one foundational course in Art, English or Communication Studies. Students then have the flexibility to choose from a wide array of elective courses to polish skills in specific areas. From classes on public relations to graphic design to publishing in the digital age, students will enjoy course selection across three UWL departments: Art, English and Communication Studies.

Careers in digital media studies and design

Emerging media and technology trends continue to change the way humans interact. Long ago organizations were primarily communicating in-person or through email. Today, communication is happening all the time — throughout the Internet. Digital and social media platforms have become a new front door for organizations, meaning nearly every organization is in need of professionals with knowledge of and skills in digital media, writing, and design.

Because of the wide application of digital media studies and design across career paths, the minor pairs well with any major. It is especially helpful to students who want to have competitive digital, design and social skills to enter the workforce.

Positions

Multimedia designer/producer/manager
Video editor
Public relations manager
Content curator
Audio/podcast creator
Production coordinator
Web content writer
Social media writer/ strategist / marketer
UX writer
Digital copywriter
Digital communications specialist

What distinguishes UWL’s Digital Media Studies and Design program?

Develop a portfolio

Depending on the focus of their minor, students may develop either a portfolio of design or written work to share in the job search process. Work is created using professional design and publishing software.

Gain job-ready skills

Graduates with this minor will have “job-ready” skills to add to their career portfolio as they pursue their future employment. For instance, those who focus on writing will learn the style used in the professional work setting communications vs. an academic essay style of writing.

Create in a new lab space

A new digital media studies and design lab space is being created where students will have access to cutting-edge software and tools used in the profession such as a portable green screen, design software, editing and podcasting software, computers and more.

Do coursework with practical applications

In classes students will develop their own websites, write content for organizations, create graphics and more. Coursework focuses on skills that allow students to be competitive in the workplace.

Learn to write for broad and diverse audiences

Students will learn to craft strategic messages that can be effectively delivered to a broad and diverse audience.

Refine your visual style

A key objective of Digital Art and Design courses is to help students develop and refine their own visual style and skills in digital art and design.

Improve your marketability for an internship

Experience in digital media studies and design make students marketable to many companies. Program participation often elevates student opportunities for internships.

In-person, online and blended classes

Courses include a mix of face-to-face, blended and online instruction depending on the class.

Enjoy flexibility

Students will take one foundational course in Art, English or Communication Studies. They will then have access to an array of elective courses in digital media and design that will help them further develop their knowledge and skills in their chosen areas.

Sample courses

ART 206 Introduction to Digital Art and Design for Non-Art Majors This is an introductory studio art course surveying the growing field of digital art and design. This class will explore the process of visual expression, communication with attention to aesthetic considerations, and art created using a wide range of digital media. This class will also introduce digital tools to produce original, creative work. Using creative software, students will create a diverse array of art and design works, spanning digital imaging, compositing, and video editing. As with all fine arts studio courses, conceptual creative approach and development is prioritized. A basic knowledge of computer use is required. Lect. 2, Studio 4. Prerequisite: not open to art majors or minors. Offered Fall, Spring.

CST 271 Media and Society This course explores media and their economic, social, political, and cultural implications in individual and social life. Students will have the opportunity to engage with concepts and theories relating to media industries and production, media audiences, media effects on social and cultural change, social and cultural issues created or sustained by media, critical analysis of media messages, and issues relating to evolving media technologies. Offered Fall, Spring.

ENG 310 Digital Content Writing, Strategy, and Experience Design This course is designed to develop rhetorical knowledge of and practice in digital content strategy, written content creation, and user experience design for professional organizations across multiple platforms, including websites, social media, blogs, and other professional digital spaces. Students will develop skills in content strategy and user experience/user interface design for professional digital ecologies/networks, including those within mobile and desktop interfaces. The course will also introduce students to tracking and measuring data analytics, integrating search engine optimization, and developing content strategies to optimize professional and technical writing across digital platforms and situations. Prerequisite: ENG 110 or ENG 112; sophomore standing. Offered Fall, Spring.