Welcome to Briar Cliff University

The Briar Cliff University major in digital media integrates the traditional mass media education with design and production skills for the emerging field of digital media. The program includes digital photography, digital video editing along with multimedia, website, and digital storytelling, production. This interdisciplinary program will produce educated and well-trained men and women in a liberal arts tradition. Students will gain a solid understanding of the capabilities of new technology and learn to create and design information for the complex global community in which we live. All new digital majors must complete a minimum of three credit hours of internship/work experience at an approved digital media site. It is encouraged that students majoring in digital media obtain at least a minor in one of the following disciplines: Art, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Management Information Systems or Writing.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students who complete the digital media major at Briar Cliff University will obtain:

Knowledge: Information and Theoretical Concepts:
Interpret the role the media and how it has affected society from a historical perspective.
Demonstrate an understanding of the profession within the context of convergence.
Have knowledge of theories and concepts prevalent in the field.
Demonstrate innovation and creative problem solving
Describe the infrastructure of the Internet and World Wide Web

Ethical, Legal, and Social Responsibility
Be familiar with important legal issues that face the field of mass communication.
Develop personal values based upon ethical standards.
Recognize ethical dilemmas that face mass media professionals.
Recognize the power of the media and its effects on society.

Writing for the Communication Field
Demonstrate proficiency in the various writing styles appropriate for the communication professions.
Demonstrate the ability to write and edit articles for publication.
Critically evaluate written and oral presentations for style and content.

Visual Communication
Interpret, create, and disseminate visual information.
Draw still life and the figure

Electronic Applications
Obtain and demonstrate the skill necessary to use technologies appropriate to the field.
Plan, create, and complete projects using electronic media.

Applied Learning
Apply the knowledge and skills appropriate in the communication field.
Demonstrate skills needed for an entry-level position in the profession.

Research in Mass Communication
Understand, analyze, and evaluate research.
Demonstrate an understanding of research methods.

Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in New Media (58 credits )
MCOM 101 Introduction to Mass Communications (3)
ART 111 Design (3)
MCOM 200 Newswriting I (3)
MCOM 216 Basic Photography – Digital (3)
MCOM 220 Visual Communications (3)
BUAD 225 Principles of Management (3)
MCOM 225 Graphic Communications (3)
WRTG 225 Organizational Communications (3)
BUAD 274 e-Business (3) or MCOM 307 Public Relations (3)
MCOM 300 Ethical and Legal Issues in Mass Media (3)
MCOM 331 Broadcast Writing (3)
MCOM 331L Broadcasting Writing Lab (1)
NEWM 315 Digital Video (3)
NEWM 325 Website Production (3)
NEWM 345 Interactive Web Development (3) **
NEWM 420 Digital Storytelling (3) **
NEWM 425 Advance Multimedia Production (3) **
MCOM 440 Research in Mass Media (2)
NEWM 490 Internship (3)

Practicum
MCOM 31 Cliff News Practicum I (1)
MCOM 32 Cliff News Practicum II (1)
One of the following:
MCOM 33 Cliff News Practicum III (1)
MCOM 51 BCU-Radio Practicum I (1)
MCOM 61 BCU-TV Practicum I (1)

** Taught every other year

Minor Requirement: Six courses approved by the department chairperson of which two must be at the 300-level courses.

See The Department of Mass Media Handbook for more information about the digital media major and The Department of Mass Media.