Digital Media Arts, BS
The Digital Media Arts program is dedicated to educating and training designers of the future. Students will be prepared to meet the high demand of the design industry using their skills in graphic design and interactive media. In addition, students will be introduced to critical design theory and analysis in preparation for graduate study.
Students can apply to the University using the State of Texas Common Application for Freshman Admission available at www.pvamu.edu. Admission information can be found by visiting https://www.pvamu.edu/admissions/how-to-apply-for-admission/.
Degree and Courses
The Digital Media Arts degree mirrors the American Institute of Graphic Arts professional standards. The degree emphasizes:
1. Increasing the ability to create and develop visual responses to communication problems;
2. Increasing the ability to solve communication problems using the design process and beta testing implementation; and
3. Increasing the understanding of and ability to utilize tools and technology. The lower-division coursework, Creative Thinking, Sign + Symbols, Fundamentals of Digital Imaging, and Fundamentals of Interactive Media, introduce content associated with developing problem-solving strategies and honing technical proficiency. The upper-division coursework focuses on advanced training in technology, branding, print graphic design, motion graphics, various forms of interactive media, and project development
Career Opportunities
Question:
How will a degree in Digital Media Arts help me to be a successful designer?
Answer:
Becoming a successful designer is more than just mastering software. Designers must study the history, theory, and traditions of the industry. Design requires excellent communication and basic math skills in addition to creativity. For every aspect of your design, you should be able to explain why. With a degree in Digital Media Arts, you will master all the “other” tools that will make you a well-rounded designer.
Professional designers can work in a range of different design careers and projects including digital design, multimedia design, type design, motion graphics (film title and/or tv graphics), exhibit design, signage design, environmental design, package design, publications systems, educational design, magazine illustration, identity design (branding), information design and design entrepreneur.
Program Requirements
Complete Core Curriculum Listing at https://catalog.pvamu.edu/universitycorecurriculum/
| Core Curriculum 42 Credit Hours | ||
| Communication (Select Two) | 6 | |
| Mathematics (Select One) | 3 | |
| Life and Physical Sciences (Select Two) | 6 | |
| Language, Philosophy, and Culture | 3 | |
| Art History I (Prehistoric to the 14th Century) | ||
| Creative Arts | 3 | |
| African American Art | ||
| American History (Select Two) | 6 | |
| Government/Political Science (Select Two) | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Science (Select One) | 3 | |
| Component Area Option One (Select One) | 3 | |
| Component Area Option Two (Select One) | 3 | |
| Major Requirements | ||
| ARTS 1311 | Design I (2-Dimensional) | 3 |
| ARTS 1312 | Design II | 3 |
| ARTS 1315 | Creative Thinking | 3 |
| ARTS 1316 | Drawing I | 3 |
| ARTS 1304 | Art History II (14th century to the present) | 3 |
| ARTS 2331 | Graphic Design History | 3 |
| ARTS 2311 | Design III | 3 |
| ARTS 2336 | Sign + Symbol | 3 |
| DGMA 3312 | Layout I | 3 |
| DGMA 3313 | Layout II | 3 |
| DGMA 3332 | Typography I | 3 |
| DGMA 3333 | Typography II | 3 |
| DGMA 3334 | Branding | 3 |
| DGMA 3335 | Interactive Media | 3 |
| DGMA 4314 | Problems in Media Arts I | 3 |
| DGMA 4315 | Problems in Media Arts II | 3 |
| DGMA 4316 | Advanced Interactive Media | 3 |
| DGMA 4317 | Social Media Design | 3 |
| DGMA 4318 | Motion Graphics | 3 |
| DGMA 4321 | Senior Studio Thesis | 3 |
| Prescribed Electives | ||
| ARTS 3319 | Printmaking | 3 |
| ARTS 4310 | Creative Photography I | 3 |
| DGMA 2317 | Fundamentals of Digital Imaging | 3 |
| DGMA 2318 | Fundamentals of Interactive Media | 3 |
| Free Arts Electives (Select Two) | 6 | |
| Painting | ||
| Sculpture I | ||
| Watercolor | ||
| Crafts Design | ||
| Total Hours | 120 | |