Digital Media Studies & Design program
Undergrad minorWant 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.
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 from universities to hospitals and stores. This evolution means nearly every organization is in need of professionals with knowledge of and skills in digital media, writing, and design.
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (2016) identified that non-traditional venues of Internet publishing and broadcasting has more than doubled in the past 10 years.
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 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.
What distinguishes UWL’s Digital Media Studies and Design program?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Students will learn to craft strategic messages that can be effectively delivered to a broad and diverse audience.
A key objective of Digital Art and Design courses are to help students develop and refine their own visual style and skills in digital art and design.
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