Program Overview

Digital Storytelling Program

The Digital Storytelling program is designed to equip students with the skills to create stories and adapt them to multiple platforms for diverse audiences. This program prepares students for careers in media and communication, or to launch new ideas as entrepreneurs.

Program Description

The program offers a foundation of digital storytelling courses, including performance, media literacy, acting for the camera, brand storytelling, and social media strategy and podcasting. Students can develop a specialty area by exploring focused elective courses in:

• Data and immersive and emerging technologies
  • Virtual reality and immersive media
  • Launching a media brand
  • Data storytelling
• Production and performance in documentary and commercial work
  • Animation
  • Acting for camera
  • Screenwriting
• Community impact and social change
  • Grant-writing
  • Leadership and crisis communication

Experiences

Students will have the opportunity to team up with other students in production and learning spaces, such as the content creation suite, multi-camera studio, social media listening lab, or one of the streaming or one-button studios. They will also master equipment like lighting, sound, projection, or even puppets in the Fisher Theater.

Minor

The core courses of media literacy, personal branding, digital storytelling and performance, and applied storytelling will be open to all Iowa State students. These pair well with many careers, preparing students to craft a compelling online persona, capitalize on social media as a means of self/brand promotion, and use story to connect with audiences. A minor in digital storytelling will help students expand the impact of any degree.

Career Opportunities

The digital economy has more than doubled since 2020, now reaching $4.9 trillion – 18% of U.S. GDP – and supporting 28.4 million jobs in the United States. Career opportunities for graduates of the Digital Storytelling program include:

• Podcast producer
• Content creator
• Social media strategist
• Digital marketing specialist
• Virtual reality experience designer
• Documentary producer
• Digital storyteller
• Digital media specialist

Industry Context

The digital economy has grown significantly, with the industry now reaching $4.9 trillion and supporting 28.4 million jobs in the United States. This growth is expected to continue, with the demand for skilled digital storytellers increasing across various industries.