The interdisciplinary Digital Media Arts program provides a solid foundation in technology, a rich creative background in the arts, and the communication skills necessary to convey ideas in the digital realm. As media and business environments are increasingly dependent on digital communication competencies, our curriculum offers training for exciting careers in today's high-tech digital workplace.
What to Expect Studying at Notre Dame of Maryland University
Small class sizes offer personal attention while challenging, yet flexible, assignments using a wide variety of hardware and software tools enhance the student experience. An emphasis on collaboration rather than competition creates a supportive environment for peer critiques.
Student Outcomes
After completing the program, you will be able to:
- Create effective visual communications strategies that could assist individuals and businesses;
- Use technology to address visual communication challenges;
- Analyze the historical impact design and visual communications have had on our culture;
- Evaluate the moral and ethical issues related to visual media, art, and technology;
- Apply formal design principles to solve visual communication problems; and
- Work effectively as an individual and as a member of a creative team.
Research & Internship Opportunities
A capstone practicum course includes a semester-long professional internship, which greatly increases employability.
Digital Media Arts Careers
The digital media arts major prepares students for wide range of careers involving creative applications of computer technology.
- Graphic Design
- Publication Layout
- Web Design
- Animation
- Video Production
- Post-Production
Additional Info
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
First Year |
|||
| NDMU-100 Perspectives in Education | 4 | Foreign Language | 3 |
| ENG-101 | 3 | Literature | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | COM-101 Oral Communication | 3 |
| ART-101 Drawing 1 | 3 | ART-102 Color and Design | 3 |
| DMA-101 Graphic Design I | 3 | History | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
Second Year |
|||
| Foreign Language | 3 | PHL-200-level | 3 |
| MAT-110 Discrete Mathematics | 3 | Social Science | 3 |
| RST-201 Intro to Biblical Studies | 3 | COM-310 Media Literacy | 3 |
| ART-162 Digital Photography | 3 | CST-260 Web Animation | 3 |
| DMA-201 Time-Based Media | 3 | DMA-253 GD Theory | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
Third Year |
|||
| PHL-300/400-level | 3 | Religious Studies 300/400 | 3 |
| Natural Science | 4 | General Electives/Minor | 3 |
| DMA-351 Graphic Design II | 3 | DMA-375 Typography | 3 |
| COM-210 Social Media | 3 | Major Elective | 3 |
| CST-261 Web Page Design | 3 | DMA-360 Motion Graphics | 3 |
| [16 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
Fourth Year |
|||
| Physical Education | 1 | 4 General Electives/Minor | 9 |
| 4 General Electives/Minor | 12 | DMA-461 Practicum | 3 |
| [13 credits] | [12 credits] | ||
Students accepted into the Dual-Degree Communications program complete at least 90 credits of the BA in three years, and then begin the MA coursework during the fourth year, while simultaneously completing the requirements of the BA. The master’s degree is completed in the fifth year.
Sample 5-Year Plan
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
First Year |
|||
| NDMU-100 | 4 | ART-102 | 3 |
| DMA-101 | 3 | ART-162 | 3 |
| Art-101 | 3 | Gen Ed | 9 |
| Gen Ed | 6 | ||
Second Year |
|||
| DMA-201 | 3 | COM-310 | 3 |
| COM-210 | 3 | CST-260 | 3 |
| Gen Ed | 9 | Gen Ed | 9 |
Third Year |
|||
| CST-261 | 3 | DMA-461 | 3 |
| Gen Ed | 12 | DMA-360 | 3 |
| Gen Ed | 9 | ||
Fourth Year |
|||
| IDS-510 | 3 | CST-515 | 3 |
| COM/CST Elective 1 | 3 | COM/CST Elective 3 | 3 |
| COM/CST Elective 2 | 3 | Grad Elective 1 | 3 |
| Undergrad Electives | 6 | Undergrad Electives | 6 |
Fifth Year |
|||
| COM/CST Elective 4 | 3 | COM/CST Elective 6 | 3 |
| COM/CST Elective 5 | 3 | Grad Elective 3 | 3 |
| Grad Elective 2 | 3 | Grad Elective 4 | 3 |