Program start date | Application deadline |
2026-06-01 | - |
Program Overview
Master of Arts in Digital Media Strategy
Overview
The Master of Arts in Digital Media Strategy is a fully online graduate program for aspiring professionals who want to lead in the evolving world of digital marketing, multimedia communication, and digital content strategy. Built around hands-on projects with real-world clients, this program equips students to develop, execute, and evaluate strategic campaigns that drive engagement and measurable outcomes.
Program Details
- Duration: 12 months (full-time), part-time pathways available
- Credits: 33 credit hours
- Tuition: $640 per credit hour, total tuition: $21,770
- Start Date: June 2026
- Format: Fully online, synchronous classes
Curriculum and Courses
- Required Courses (33 credits):
- DMS-500 Studies in Digital Media (3)
- DMS-505 Digital Writing Genres & Processes (3)
- DMS-515 Digital Media Production Strategies (3)
- DMS-520 Multimedia Storytelling (3)
- DMS-528 User Experience Web Design (3)
- DMS-541 Consulting Strategies (3)
- DMS-542 PR Strategies and Tactics (3)
- DMS-546 Digital Media Campaign Targeting and Analytics (3)
- DMS-551 Digital Persuasion (3)
- DMS-591 Master’s Project Proposal (2)
- DMS-592 Master’s Project Implementation (3)
- DMS-593 Master’s Project Evaluation (1)
Digital Media Skills
- Design thinking
- Digital design
- SEO/SEM analytics
- Graphic design
- UX/UI design
Admission Requirements
- Application: Complete online graduate application
- Bachelor’s Degree: Hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
- GPA: Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale
- Prerequisite Coursework:
- Undergraduate course in media writing
- Undergraduate course in visual design
- Personal Statement: Essay or multimodal composition demonstrating ability to succeed in the program and achieve career goals
- References: 3 references required
Careers Outcomes
- Digital media jobs are in demand, with 140,000 new jobs predicted in the US by 2026
- Top careers for digital media strategists include:
- Digital media communication coordinator
- Content marketing manager
- Social media coordinator
- Digital media strategist
Faculty
- Program Director: Dr. Sam Hamilton
- Faculty Profile: Real-world expertise, balancing academic theoretical research with practical focus of the professional business world
Technology Requirements
- Laptop with minimum system requirements
- Software requirements (communicated to students in early core courses)
- Audio recorder, microphone, and headphones
- Camera with specific features (e.g., 1080p HD video recording, raw image capture)
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Master of Arts in Digital Media Strategy
- Aims to prepare graduates for careers in the expanding digital communications field, such as digital media strategist, social media coordinator, or content marketing manager.
- designing, managing, and measuring the effects of digital communication
- digital writing, graphic design, sound editing, videography, and UX/UI design
- regional organizations and businesses
Objectives:
- expertise in digital media communication
- cutting-edge skills and knowledge
- Build professional experience through real-world projects with regional organizations.
- position yourself for success
Outline:
Course Structure:
- fully online and synchronously
- full-time (33 credit hours) or part-time (36 credit hours) option
- 12 months for the full-time option and 24 months for the part-time option
- The program consists of a sequence of 10 core courses and a culminating Master's Project.
- M.A.
):
- Spring 1 (Senior Year): DMS 505: Digital Writing Genres & Process
- Summer 1: DMS 500: Studies in Digital Media, DMS 542: PR Strategies & Tactics, DMS 515: Digital Media Production Strategies
- Fall 1: DMS 520: Multimedia Storytelling, DMS 541: Consulting Strategies, DMS 551: Digital Persuasion, DMS 591: Master's Project Proposal
- Spring 2: DMS 528: User Experience Web Design, DMS 546: Digital Media Campaign Targeting & Analytics, DMS 592: Master's Project Implementation
- May 2: DMS 593: Master's Project Evaluation (1)
Sample Course Schedule for Full-time Student with Undergraduate Degree:
- Summer 1: DMS 500: Studies in Digital Media, DMS 542: PR Strategies & Tactics, DMS 515: Digital Media Production Strategies
- Fall 1: DMS 520: Multimedia Storytelling, DMS 541: Consulting Strategies, DMS 551: Digital Persuasion, DMS 591: Master's Project Proposal
- Spring 2: DMS 505: Digital Writing Genres & Process, DMS 528: User Experience Web Design, DMS 546: Digital Media Campaign Targeting & Analytics, DMS 592: Master's Project Implementation
- May 2: DMS 593: Master's Project Evaluation (1)
Sample Course Schedule for Part-time Student:
- Summer 1: DMS 500: Studies in Digital Media, DMS 542: PR Strategies & Tactics, DMS 515: Digital Media Production Strategies
- Fall 1: DMS 520: Multimedia Storytelling, DMS 541: Consulting Strategies
- Spring 2: DMS 505: User Experience Web Design, DMS 528: Interactive Web Development
- May 2: ---
- Summer 2: ---
- Fall 2: DMS 551: Digital Persuasion, DMS 591: Master's Project Proposal
- Spring 2: DMS 546: Digital Media Campaign Targeting & Analytics, DMS 592: Master's Project Implementation
- May 2: DMS 593: Master's Project Evaluation (1)
Assessment:
- Current Bridgewater students can **complete a B.S./B.A. + M.A. in only five years.
- 100% of MDMS students have found employment, with 95% working in the field of digital media and digital communication.
Teaching:
- Experienced faculty, with a balance between theoretical and practical backgrounds.
- active learning
- Small class sizes to foster close interaction and personalized guidance.
Unique Approaches:
- Collaboration with regional organizations and businesses on real-world projects.
- Opportunities for students to build professional portfolios through their projects.
- Use of industry-standard software and technology.
Careers:
- career paths in digital media and communication
- Examples include **digital media strategist, social media manager, content marketing manager, public relations specialist, web designer, UX/UI designer, video producer, and digital advertising specialist.
Other:
- highly ranked
- technology and equipment
Bridgewater College: A Summarization
Overview:
Bridgewater College is a private, liberal arts college located in Virginia. It offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing a close-knit community and personalized learning experience. The college prides itself on its affordable tuition, making a college degree accessible to a wider range of students.
Services Offered:
Academics:
Bridgewater College offers a diverse selection of 60 majors and minors across various disciplines.Admissions & Aid:
The college provides comprehensive support for prospective students, including application assistance, financial aid options, and a net price calculator to estimate individual costs.Life at Bridgewater:
The college fosters a strong sense of community, with opportunities for student involvement in clubs, organizations, athletics, and social events.Visit:
Prospective students can schedule campus tours, meet with current students and faculty, and experience the college environment firsthand.Other:
Bridgewater College offers additional services such as career counseling, alumni networking, and a campus store.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Bridgewater College emphasizes a close-knit community where students are encouraged to participate in various activities and events. The college provides a supportive environment for students to thrive academically and socially.
Key Reasons to Study There:
Affordable Tuition:
Bridgewater College offers a competitive tuition rate, making a private college education more accessible.Personalized Learning:
The college prioritizes small class sizes and close faculty-student relationships, fostering a personalized learning experience.Strong Community:
Bridgewater College cultivates a strong sense of community, encouraging student involvement and fostering lasting connections.Focus on Experiential Learning:
The college offers opportunities for students to engage in research, internships, and study abroad programs, enhancing their practical skills and knowledge.Academic Programs:
Bridgewater College offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including:
Undergraduate:
60 majors and minors across various disciplines, including the arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences.Graduate:
Four graduate programs, focusing on areas such as education, athletic training, and business.Other:
Connections Campaign:
The college is currently running a $35 million campaign to raise funds for scholarships, teaching and learning initiatives, and capital projects.Summer Research Awards:
Bridgewater College provides funding for students to conduct research projects under the guidance of faculty members during the summer.International Opportunities:
The college offers study abroad programs and opportunities for students to engage in global learning experiences.Entry Requirements:
Undergraduate Students:
High School Graduation Requirements:
- A high school diploma or equivalent from an accredited institution.
- Completion of four units of English, three units of mathematics (including Algebra I), three units of science (including one laboratory course), three units of history/social studies, and two units of foreign language.
- Minimum GPA of 2.7 or higher.
- Strong recommendations from high school teachers or counselors.
Additional Requirements for International Students:
- International students whose native language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency by achieving a minimum score on one of the following tests:
- TOEFL: 79
- IELTS: 6.5
- Duolingo English Test: 105
Transfer Students:
- Completion of a minimum of 24 transferable college credits with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities.
Graduate Students:
Bachelor's Degree:
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Minimum GPA of 2.7 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
- Submission of official sealed transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate course work completed.
- Completion of prerequisite coursework with a minimum grade of C or better:
- An undergraduate course in media writing (BC’s COMM 255W fulfills this requirement.)
- An undergraduate course in visual design (BC’s ART 120 fulfills this requirement.)
Applicants may be accepted into the program contingent on completion of coursework in progress. Option 1: Write an essay no longer than 700 words in which you:
- Demonstrate you have the ability to be successful in this program
- Demonstrate how this program will help you achieve your career goals
- Describe specific past experiences with digital media, citing examples of you producing multimodal messages and/or learning theories about digital technology.
- Please cite academic, news and/or web articles in your discussion as appropriate Option 2: You may submit a multimodal composition instead of a written essay that satisfies the same objectives listed above. Please keep in mind the piece you submit should demonstrate the same level of structured argument and specificity that a written essay would display. (including appropriate oral or written citation of sources)
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION:
Three letters of recommendation should be submitted with your application. At least one letter should be from an internship supervisor, field experience supervisor or employer. At least one letter should be from an undergraduate professor. Please view your application as a persuasive argument about why you will succeed in the program. Your letter writers will be contacted automatically after you enter their name and email address into the online application.