Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media
Overview
New innovations, breakthrough technologies, and changing consumer habits are redefining the media landscape—fueling demand for media professionals who can apply the latest tools and techniques to create compelling digital content.
In response, the Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media provides state-of-the-art digital media courses in moving image, information design, and narrative structure—elements that are critical to producing and developing content-rich and interactive experiences. Complementing the degree’s core curriculum are six distinctive concentrations in 3-D animation, game design, interactive design, digital photography, digital video, or digital media management.
Differentiating this digital media master’s degree is its cohort format, a team-based structure that allows you to complete your degree with the same group of students. Designed to strengthen your project management and leadership skills, cohorts enable you to collaborate with your colleagues on complex, multi-media projects—preparing you to excel in an increasingly digital world.
Program Objectives
- Improve your understanding of visual language concepts and systems
- Examine the fundamentals of multimedia programming
- Study character and story development across a variety of digital media
- Explore the basics of sound design
- Evaluate the concepts of sequencing, transformation, and motion through time and space
- Become more familiar with video, 2-D, and other non-computer-based animation, motion graphics, and sound design techniques
Curriculum
Required Core Courses (28 q.h.)
| DGM 6105 | Visual Communications Foundation | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6108 | Programming Foundations* | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6122 | Foundations of Digital Storytelling | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6125 | Time-Based Media | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6140 | Sound Design | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 7990 | Thesis | 4 q.h. |
*Students with sufficient programming experience may request a waiver to substitute the required course DGM 6108 Program Foundations with DGM 6308 Intermediate Programming for Digital Media.
Choose one of the following courses:
| DGM 6145 | Information Technology and Creative Practice | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6230 | Digital Media Entrepreneurship | 4 q.h. |
Concentrations (16 q.h.)
Choose one of the following specializations, or select up to 16 q.h. of courses from any combination of specialization courses:
3-D Animation Concentration (16 q.h)
| DGM 6450 | Animation Basics | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6510 | 3-D Modeling | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6530 | Character Animation | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6540 | Compositing | 4 q.h. |
Digital Media Management Concentration (16 q.h)
Choose at least 16 q.h. from among the following courses:
| DGM 6230 | Digital Media Entrepreneurship | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6280 | Managing for Digital Media | 4 q.h. |
| PJM 5900 | Foundations of Project Management | 4 q.h. |
| LDR 6110 | Leading Teams | 3 q.h. |
| ITC 6010 | IT Strategy, Finance, and Policy | 3 q.h. |
| DGM 6285 | Interactive Marketing Fundamentals | 4 q.h. |
Digital Photography Concentration (16 q.h)
Choose four of the following courses:
| DGM 6300 | Digital Capture and Output | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6305 | Color Management in Still Digital Imaging | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6302 | Workflow in Digital Imaging | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6307 | Creative Approaches to Still Digital Imaging | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6520 | Lighting for the Camera | 4 q.h. |
Digital Video Concentration (16 q.h)
Choose four of the following courses:
| DGM 6435 | Digital Video Production | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6440 | Editing in the Digital Studio | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6520 | Lighting for the Camera | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6456 | Media Content Delivery | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6430 | Screenwriting and Elements of Preproduction | 4 q.h. |
Game Design Concentration (16 q.h)
| DGM 6400 | Game Design Fundamentals | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6405 | Game Development | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6408 | Game Design Algorithms and Data Structures | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6410 | Game Design Technology Lab | 4 q.h. |
Interactive Design Concentration (16 q.h)
| DGM 6168 | Usability and Human Interaction | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6217 | Typography for Interactivity | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6461 | Interactive Information Design 1 | 4 q.h. |
Choose one of the following courses:
| DGM 6452 | Convergence Creation | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6308 | Intermediate Programming for Digital Media | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6463 | Interactive Information Design 2 | 4 q.h. |
| DGM 6451 | Web Development | 4 q.h. |
Workshops (2 q.h.)
Optional digital media workshops are designed to provide valuable technical skills and tools for students in all graduate degree programs. Students may choose one of the following workshops.
| DGM 6500 | Working with Digital Images | 2 q.h. |
| DGM 6501 | Web Creation Bootcamp | 2 q.h. |
| DGM 6502 | Working with Sound | 2 q.h. |
| DGM 6503 | Flash Intensive | 2 q.h. |
| DGM 6504 | ActionScript (Intensive) | 2 q.h. |
| DGM 6505 | Modeling and Rendering (Intensive) | 2 q.h. |
| DGM 6506 | Introduction to Digital Video | 2 q.h. |
| DGM 6507 | Illustrator Intensive | 2 q.h. |
| DGM 6508 | Game Development Intensive | 2 q.h. |
| DGM 6509 | Integrated Suite Workshop | 2 q.h. |
| DGM 6511 | Web Creation Bootcamp 2 | 2 q.h. |
| DGM 6515 | Introduction to After Effects | 2 q.h. |
| DGM 6531 | Rigging Workshop | 2 q.h. |
Total Quarter Hours: 44-46
The Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media is built around “cohorts.” A cohort is a unique program format, in which students complete their degree within one cohesive student population. Cohorts build a sense of community among students, encourage networking, and create strong relationships that extend beyond the academic experience.
A full-time student (carrying 8 quarter hours per session) joins the program in one of two cohorts, which begin in the fall (September) or winter (January). Not all concentrations are offered in both cohorts. Students who declare a 3-D Animation or Game Design concentration begin in the fall. Students who declare a Digital Photography or Digital Video concentration begin in the winter. All other students, including those who do not plan to focus in one area, can begin in either the fall or the winter. For an example of full-time course load schedule looks like, please review the Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media suggested course sequence.
Prospective full-time students can apply for the Master of Professional Studies in Digital Media at any time during the year. When applying, applicants must select a concentration. If accepted, the applicant will be admitted into the next open cohort (fall or winter) for their concentration. Students can begin their studies in the spring and summer sessions, but they will not be part of a cohort. The Digital Media program cannot guarantee that required courses will be available to non-cohort students in every academic session.
Part-time students do not join a cohort, although they are encouraged to begin their studies in the fall or winter to connect with other new students.
Admissions Requirements
Below are the official Admissions Requirements for this program.
- Online application
- Statement of purpose (500-1000 words): identifying your educational goals and expectations from the program; please be aware that the University's academic policy on plagiarism applies to applicant's statement of purpose
- Professional resume: current resume that displays job responsibilities, relevant experience, and education history
- Two letters of recommendation: from individual(s) with either academic or professional knowledge of your capabilities, such as a faculty member, current employer, mentor, or colleague
- Official undergraduate degree documentation
- Proof of English language proficiency: ONLY for students for whom English is not their primary language: English language proficiency guidelines
For general admissions information and recommended admissions deadlines, Graduate Admissions.
Tuition
Estimated total tuition for this program is $23,540.00.
Tuition for individual courses is based on the number of quarter hours. Most courses are 3-6 quarter hours. See Graduate Tuition Rates for details.
Use our Tuition Calculator below to see if transfer credit or tuition reimbursement from your employer could reduce your total tuition.
Tuition Calculator
Please note: The estimated total tuition is based on tuition rates for Academic Year 2011-12 and does not include any fees or other expenses. Some courses and labs have tuition rates that may increase or decrease total tuition. Tuition and fees are subject to revision by the president and Board of Trustees at any time.
Student Profile
Who Will Your Classmates Be?
This program is appropriate for individuals with backgrounds in software, marketing, communications, gaming, video production, animation, design, and programming.
Typical job titles include:
- Art director
- Graphic designer
- Animator
- Programmer
An undergraduate degree is required.
Career Outlook
Put Your Degree to Work
In a field where the only constant is change, employers are on the lookout for media professionals who are familiar with the latest digital techniques and tools. While employment is projected to grow at an average pace, demand for multimedia artists and animators is expected to increase—a direct response to consumers’ desire for more realistic video games, special effects, and 3-D movies. The field is also expanding as computer graphics and animation are further integrated into mobile offerings and utilized in alternative areas, such as scientific research and design.
Talk to an Enrollment Coach
We can walk you through your program options and the application process.
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