Major in Digital Media and Web Technology

Students may seek an academic major in digital media and Web technology.

The digital media and Web technology major provides in-depth knowledge in practical applications of computing. The coherent and flexible program of study includes areas such as digital media, gaming, and Web-based technology. The interdisciplinary approach allows students to integrate courses from several specialized areas in computing. Graduates are prepared for a variety of entry- and mid-level technical and management positions within the digital media, Web technology, gaming, and computing industries.

Intended Program Outcomes

The student who graduates with a major in digital media and Web technology will be able to

• Design, develop, and manage digital media using current and emerging technologies that adhere to industry standards.
• Analyze needs and effectively manage projects and resources, applying sound business principles and technology.
• Design and develop digital, interactive, and Web-based media to meet customer requirements and usability standards.
• Develop, test, and implement Web and multimedia applications using sound techniques for scripting and programming.
• Effectively apply relevant theories, practices, and principles when designing and developing works of digital media.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in digital media and Web technology requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework, including 30 credits for the major; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Requirements for the Digital Media and Web Technology Major

Coursework for a major in digital media and Web technology includes the following:

• Foundation courses (6 credits): CMST 290 and 295
• Required core course sequence (6 credits): CMST 385–386 (Web technology), CMST 341–342 (motion graphics), or CMST 310–311 (digital design)
• Supplemental major courses (15 credits): Chosen from any CMST, CMIS, CMIT, CMSC, CSIA, and IFSM courses (Note: Taking courses within a single topic area—Web technology, motion graphics, or digital design—is highly recommended.)
• Required capstone course (3 credits): CMST 495

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all the requirements for the BS in digital media and Web technology. Coursework for the major is indicated by . Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Digital Media and Web Technology Degree Courses

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

• EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3)
  (strongly recommended as first course)
• LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)
• WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)
• MATH 106 Finite Mathematics (3)
  or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

• PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
  or ENGL 240 Introduction to Fiction, Poetry, and Drama or other arts and humanities course
• IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)
  or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
• Both BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)
  and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)
  or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology or other biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory course(s)
• CMIS 102 Introduction to Problem Solving and Algorithm Design (3)
  (fulfills the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement and prerequisite for later courses)
• GVPT 170 American Government (3)
  or other behavioral and social sciences course
• WRTG 291 Research Writing (3)
  or other communications/writing course

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

• PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
  or SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology or other behavioral and social sciences course (discipline must differ from first)
• CMST 295 Fundamentals of Digital Media (3)
• NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)
  or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy or other biological and physical sciences lecture course
• HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)
  or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865 or other arts and humanities/historical perspective course (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
• CMST 290 Introduction to Interactive Design (3)
  or other foundation course for the major
• SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)
  or WRTG 293 Introduction to Professional Writing or other communications/writing or speech course

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

• WRTG 393 Advanced Technical Writing (3)
  or other communications/upper-level advanced writing course
• CMST 385 Principles of Web Design and Technology I (3)
  or CMST 341 Principles of Multimedia I or CMST 310 Fundamentals of Electronic Publishing
• CMST 386 Principles of Web Design and Technology II (3)
  or CMST 342 Principles of Multimedia II or CMST 311 Advanced Electronic Publishing
• CMST 306 Introduction to Visual Basic .NET Programming (3)
  or other supplemental major course
• CMST 388 Fundamentals of JavaScript (3)
  or other supplemental major course
• CMST 460 Web Application Development Using ColdFusion (3)
  or other supplemental major course
• CMST 463 Web Application Development Using PHP/MySQL (3)
  or other supplemental major course
• CMST 450 Web Development Using XML (3)
  or other supplemental major course

Capstone Course for Major (to be taken in the last 9 credits)

• CMST 495 Current Trends and Projects in Digital Media and Web Technology (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (46)
(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses)

Recommended Minor

Business administration

Recommended Electives

• CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices
• IFSM 304 Ethics in Information Technology
• WRTG 490 Writing for Managers
  

Total credits for BS in digital media and Web technology: 120

• Digital Media and Web Technology Degree Planning Worksheet