Strategic Communication and Media, Bachelor of Science (BS) - Concentration in Digital Media Production
Slippery Rock University's Digital Media Production major introduces students to a wide digital landscape including social media, video production, communications, and more. This program awards a Bachelor of Science in Communications degree with a concentration in Digital Media Production. If you've ever wanted to work as a graphic designer, video editor, web developer, or another position having to do with the digital world, this is the program for you!
The internet has revolutionized the ways that we share information, creating exponential opportunities in digital media. The Digital Media Production program at SRU will help you develop the theoretical, technical, and creative skills for working with different types of media (video, audio, social media, TV, Web, etc.) This major emphasizes new media (Internet) and teaches you how to organize and present online information to encourage interaction. You can choose to specialize in print, electronic, video, or audio media while still gaining skills in a wide range of media options.
WHY CHOOSE DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION?
Digital media is a growing field with diverse career opportunities. In SRU's Digital Media Production program, students learn the foundations of multimedia communication and develop excellent technical and design skills with our project-focused curriculum. Through individual projects, you'll develop strong independent work skills; through group projects, you'll gain valuable management and teamwork skills. You'll also have the opportunity to work on projects for actual clients. Furthermore, students have access to three dedicated, state-of-the-art computer labs.
Slippery Rock University offers students studying Digital Media Production many opportunities to get involved in campus organizations, including Lambda Pi Eta Communication, Rock PRoductions, The Rocket Student Newspaper, and WSRU-TV. These groups provide students with networking opportunities and hands-on experience that can be applied in their internships and careers.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
You'll learn to plan and implement media projects-often producing them for real-world clients-by using professional-grade software such as:
- Adobe Creative Suite CC
- Apple software for video and audio
- Graphics packages for TV and media
- Kyron
In addition to practice and exposure to software used by industry experts, Digital Media Production majors graduate with skills in photojournalism, animation, editing, and more. Students also learn the role and responsibilities of the media in our global society.
CAREERS IN DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION
Through the Digital Media Production program, you'll gain the production, teamwork, and project management skills necessary to obtain entry-level positions with media companies, news agencies, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Our graduates work with television stations across the state. Digital media is a growing industry that needs qualified college graduates to fill crucial positions, whether it's for the web, television, or the next groundbreaking digital platform.
PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES
Strategic COMMUNICATION and Media - DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION, BS
- Writing: Develop written skills in visual, audio, and digital platforms to design effective messages. (SRU SLO 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10)
- Production Skills: Develop production skills in the visual, audio, and digital platforms to design effective messages. (SRU SLO 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10)
- Project Management: Incorporate the design skills of needs assessment, message design, and evaluation when developing, producing, and evaluating a media project. (SRU SLO 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 10)
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA DEPARTMENT, OVERALL
- Writing competency: Students will demonstrate the ability to write and present messages clearly and effectively. (SRU SLO 1)
- Ethics and legal issues: Students will understand ethical and legal issues facing communicators in the 21st century. (SRU SLO 8)
- Research and analysis: Students will demonstrate the ability to design and implement research studies and critically analyze research data. (SRU SLO 2)
RELATED LINKS
Strategic Communication and Media - Digital Media Production, BS Program Page
CURRICULUM GUIDE
GPA REQUIREMENT
Major GPA: 2.0 or higher
Overall GPA: 2.0 or higher
SUMMARY*
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Studies 2 Requirements | 42 | |
| Other Basic Requirements | 0-3 | |
| Major/Concentration Requirements | 51 | |
| Electives | 27 | |
* All undergraduate degree programs require a minimum of 120 credits. Some courses meet multiple requirements, but are only counted once toward the 120 credit total required to graduate.
ROCK STUDIES 2 REQUIREMENTS
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| The Rock | ||
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Integrated Inquiry | ||
| Creative and Aesthetic Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Humanities Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Social Science Inquiry | ||
| Select 3 Credits | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences Inquiry | ||
| SCI 101 | Science of Life | 3 |
| Physical Sciences Inquiry | ||
| SCI 102 | Understanding the Physical World | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Thematic Thread | ||
| Select 12 Credits 2 | 12 | |
| Total Hours | 42 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
One course from each category; six credits must be 300-level or above; no more than 4 credits from one subject area; specific courses required in first major, regardless of prefix of course, cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements; any course with same prefix as first major cannot be used to satisfy thread requirements, even if it is not a course in the first major.
Basic Math Requirement
Check with your adviser or a current degree audit report to see if you have been exempted from this course. The credit earned in this course will not be counted toward the 120 credit hour minimum needed to earn a degree.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Complete one of the following: | 0-3 | |
Meet required minimum SAT or ACT math score OR | ||
| Beginning Algebra | ||
| Total Hours | 0-3 | |
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION REQUIREMENT
Students must take and pass a course with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) designation prior to graduation. Students can meet this requirement by taking any DEI - designated course in any program at any time during their undergraduate career.
MAJOR/CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS
- 26 major credits must be taken at SRU or PASSHE
- 26 major credits must be taken at the 300 level or above
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Core Requirements | ||
| COMM 110 | Communication Concepts 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 242 | Media Writing | 3 |
| COMM 310 | Communication Research Methods 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 410 | Communication Law 1,2 | 3 |
| COMM 497 | Senior Capstone Seminar 1 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 | |
| Digital Media Fundamentals | ||
| COMM 235 | Introduction to Digital Design 1 | 3 |
| COMM 248 | Interactive Multimedia 1 1 | 3 |
| COMM 254 | Video Production 1 | 3 |
| COMM 256 | Message Preparation 1 | 3 |
| Subtotal | 12 | |
| Emphasis | ||
| Select Emphasis from the following: | 15 | |
| Digital Media Electives | ||
| Select 2 of the following (at least one course must be 300 level or higher): | 6 | |
| Audio Production 1 | ||
| Principles of Integrated Marketing Communication & Public Relations 1 | ||
| Photojournalism 1 | ||
| Recording and Producing in the Audio Industry 1 | ||
| Interactive Multimedia 2 1 | ||
| Mass Media and Society | ||
| Social Media 1 | ||
| Publication Production 1 | ||
| Digital Animation 1 | ||
| New-Media Journalism 1 | ||
| Editing for Video 1 | ||
| Digital Radio Production 1 | ||
| Multi-Camera Studio Production 1 | ||
| Video Field Production 1 | ||
| Sports and Esports Production | ||
| Digital Imaging 1 | ||
| Advertising Production 1 | ||
| Issues in Communication Technologies 1 | ||
| The Communication Age 1 | ||
| Subtotal | 21 | |
| Internship | ||
| COMM 450 | Internship (3-12 credits) 1 | 3 |
| Total Hours | 51 | |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- 2
A grade of 'C' or higher must be earned in these courses
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Audio Production Emphasis
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 205 | Audio Production 1 | 3 |
| COMM 257 | Recording and Producing in the Audio Industry 1 | 3 |
| COMM 350 | Editing for Video 1 | 3 |
| COMM 352 | Digital Radio Production 1 | 3 |
| COMM 453 | Media Project Management 1 | 3 |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Multimedia Emphasis
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 258 | Interactive Multimedia 2 1 | 3 |
| COMM 307 | Social Media 1 | 3 |
| or COMM 347 | New-Media Journalism | |
| COMM 359 | Interactive Multimedia 3 1 | 3 |
| COMM 401 | Digital Imaging 1 | 3 |
| COMM 453 | Media Project Management 1 | 3 |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Video Production Emphasis
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 205 | Audio Production 1 | 3 |
| COMM 350 | Editing for Video 1 | 3 |
| COMM 354 | Multi-Camera Studio Production 1 | 3 |
| COMM 355 | Video Field Production 1 | 3 |
| COMM 454 | Live Broadcast Production 1 | 3 |
- 1
Course counts for 50% of Major requirements and Major GPA
- *
Some courses may require pre-requisites. Please see course descriptions to determine if there are any pre-requisites for that specific course.
Important Curriculum Guide Notes
This Curriculum Guide is provided to help SRU students and prospective students better understand their intended major curriculum. Enrolled SRU students should note that the My Rock Audit may place already-earned and/or in progress courses in different, yet valid, curriculum categories. Enrolled SRU students should use the My Rock Audit Report and materials and information provided by their faculty advisers to ensure accurate progress towards degree completion. The information on this guide is current as of the date listed. Students are responsible for curriculum requirements at the time of enrollment at the University.
PASSHE - Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Institutions
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION & MEDIA - BS (2119)
Concentration in Digital Media Production (DIGM)
This program is effective as of Summer 2024
Revised 05.16.2024
UCC 04.16.2024
RECOMMENDED FOUR-YEAR PLAN
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| COMM 110 | Communication Concepts | 3 |
| COMM 263 | Mass Media and Society | 3 |
| ENGL 102 | Critical Writing | 3 |
| ESAP 101 | FYRST Seminar * | 1 |
| SUBJ 139 | Foundations of Academic Discovery 1 | 3 |
| Creative & Aesthetic Inquiry | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 235 | Introduction to Digital Design | 3 |
| ENGL 104 | Critical Reading | 3 |
| MATH 117 | Quantitative Reasoning | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Civil Discourse: Theory & Practice | ||
| Ethics and Civil Discourse | ||
| Civil Discourse and Democracy | ||
| Humanities Inquiry | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMM 248 | Interactive Multimedia 1 | 3 |
| COMM 254 | Video Production | 3 |
| SCI 101 | Science of Life | 3 |
| Social Science Inquiry | 3 | |
| Elective | 3 | |
| Declare a Thematic Thread 2 | ||
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 256 | Message Preparation | 3 |
| SCI 102 | Understanding the Physical World | 3 |
| Digital Media Emphasis Course | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMM 310 | Communication Research Methods | 3 |
| Digital Media Emphasis Course | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Digital Media Emphasis Course | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Digital Media Elective | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COMM 410 | Communication Law | 3 |
| Digital Media Emphasis Course | 3 | |
| Thematic Thread Requirement | 3 | |
| Electives | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| COMM 497 | Senior Capstone Seminar | 3 |
| COMM 450 | Internship | 3 |
| COMM 453 or COMM 454 |
Media Project Management or Live Broadcast Production |
3 |
| Digital Media Elective | 3 | |
| Electives | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours** | 121 | |
- 1
Course offered in multiple subjects; cannot take course in first major subject.
- 2
Work with your Academic Adviser to declare a Thematic Thread by the end of your fall semester in your second year.
- *
Students are encouraged to take ESAP 101 as a Free Elective.
Major Code: 2119
Concentration Code: DIGM
Revised: 10-2019
** This document is meant to serve as a guide. Some planners may show more than 120 credits because faculty have created flexibility in choosing courses. However, only 120 credits are required to obtain a degree. Please consult with your academic adviser and refer to your curriculum guide prior to registering for courses. This plan should be reviewed, and verified, by you and your academic adviser at least once each academic year.