Digital Media Informatics Major (BA)

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Digital Media Informatics Major (BA)

A unique degree in digital media informatics will hone your creative knowledge in communications, computer science, and information systems in one flexible program.

At a Glance

• Offered as: Major
• Format: On Campus
• College/School: College of Arts & Sciences
• Campus Location: Chester, PA

Program Overview

A digital media informatics major will expose you to the technical skills and creative methods necessary for a variety of exciting careers. This vibrant field focuses on how media consumers, the media industry, and computer systems create and shape the content we consume every day.

In addition to completing the Digital Media Informatics core, students choose one of four specializations and must complete at least eight concentration courses, with a minimum of four courses from their chosen specialization.

With new courses added as innovations develop in the field, you'll constantly be on the cutting-edge of today's ever-evolving media environment. Whether you want to focus on building websites, digital storytelling, game design, mobile app development, or beyond, you'll find your home in the digital media informatics program.

Digital Media Informatics Specializations

• Audio-Visual Specialization: This specialization focuses on broadcast media. Students gain skills in television, radio and film production, including visual effects, digital editing, and music theory.
• Web & Mobile Apps Development Specialization: This specialization focuses on web and mobile app development. Students become proficient in critical aspects of interactive multimedia design and production through courses in studio art, interactive media, and mobile app development.
• Game Design & Graphics Specialization: This specialization focuses on various aspects of game and computer graphic design, including characters, environments, and visual effects, using game engines.
• Digital Storytelling Specialization: This specialization focuses on integrative studies of creative writing and information technology. Students gain skills in multimedia, technical, screenwriting, and broadcast news writing, which open up career opportunities in the digital content writing field.

Digital Media Informatics Program Options

• Pre-Professional Pathways: Widener's pre-professional pathways give you the flexibility to follow your interests while preparing for a professional career. Digital media informatics majors can participate in the following pathways:
  • Pre-Dental
  • Pre-Law
  • Pre-Medical
  • Pre-Occupational Therapy
  • Pre-Pharmacy
  • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Pre-Veterinary
• Accelerated Master's 4+1 Program in Another Field: Through Widener’s Accelerated Advantage program, you can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree with only one additional year of study—saving you valuable time and money. Master's degrees can be earned in allied health education (MEd), business administration (MBA), criminal justice (MCJ), organizational development and leadership (MA), and public administration (MPA).

Pair Your Digital Media Informatics Major with a Minor or Certificate

• Communication Studies Minor: Explore digital production, communication theory, and mass media courses that will empower you to effectively communicate across unique audiences.
• Creative Writing Minor: Develop your passion across creative and professional writing forms and gain critical thinking skills necessary to create effective, engaging content.
• Computer Information Systems Minor: Gain knowledge of both computer science and management information systems while focusing on an applied curriculum rather than theoretical.
• Computer Science Minor: Expand your knowledge of how computers function through coding and advanced math courses.
• Arts Minor: Explore your creative side through art and music history courses and studio art classes to complement digital design skills.
• Sport and Event Management Minor: Kick off your career by learning how to design, promote, and execute successful events for sports teams and other organizations.

Career Outlook & Outcomes for Digital Media Informatics Majors

• Recent Employers: Longwood Gardens, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia 76ers
• Avg. Salary: $78,300 (2021 median pay for web developers and digital designers)
• Industry Growth: Employment of web developers and digital designers are expected to increase by 23% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.

Why Study Digital Media Informatics at Widener?

• Learn in State-of-the-Art Facilities: Freedom Hall houses communication studies, computer science, and digital media informatics. Here, you'll have access to an expansive digital television studio, three editing suites, top-of-the-line video and audio equipment, computer labs equipped with Linux and Windows, a state-of-the-art computer forensics laboratory, and a cluster computer with over 1000 processing cores.
• Engage Beyond the Classroom: Take your knowledge right from the classroom to real-life projects. You can get involved in research designing computing curriculum for high school STEM camps, attend a professional conference, and present at a poster session.
• Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One: We want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish. Your Personal Student Success Team—faculty and peer mentors and liaisons for campus resources—will make sure your first year runs smoothly.

Admissions & Aid

• How to Apply as a First-Year Student: Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application. You'll also need your official high school transcript and either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores. We're a test-optional school, so there's no need to submit both.
• When to Apply: We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app.
• What to Expect After Applying: Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. Along with your application decision, you'll also find out about any merit-based scholarship awards. You're automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you apply—you don't need to apply separately.

Financial Aid

• Nearly 100% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid: Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment.
• Scholarships Start at $100,000 Over 4 Years: Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.
• 4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition: In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs.