Why Major in Digital Media: Computer Science Programming?
The digital media major at Northwest is an interdisciplinary program involving an emphasis in computer science, graphic design or new media. The courses offer a cross-section of skills in design as well as written and visual communication. The major produces graduates who are proficient in art, photography, design, communication, computer programming and legal or ethical considerations as they relate to media.
Northwest offers computer labs equipped with open source software that prevents students from having to purchase additional software.
Minor in Digital Media
A minor in digital media minor is an interdisciplinary minor that teaches students the fundamentals of design, computer graphics, web publishing and web development. After taking the required courses, students can customize their minor from a list of approved electives. For a list of required courses, visit the academic catalog. This minor requires the completion of 24 credit hours.
Career Ready. Day One.
Northwest ensures students are career ready, day one through internships, field experiences and networking opportunities. Read Sheldon's story »
Career Opportunities
Digital Media – Computer Science graduates have found employment in the companies and positions below.
| Job titles | Examples of employers |
|---|---|
|
|
*Based on self-reported data
Profession-based experiences
Knacktive combines six disciplines (computer science, English, graphic design, marketing, mass communications and public relations) into a one-semester interactive and collaborative course. The student-led teams conduct market research, analyze data, write creative strategies, and developed an integrated, digital marketing communication campaign and promotional materials for a real-world client.
At the end of each course, the team makes a formal presentation or client pitch in an attempt to convince the client to use their project. This experience aligns with the digital marketing and advertising agencies competing for clients.
The following organizations have been clients of Knacktive:
- 2011 – Cincinnati-based LasikPlus Vision
- 2012 – Science City, located in Kansas City at the Union Station
- 2013 – Tri-State Ford
- 2014 – Horace Mann Laboratory School
- 2015 – DecisionFx, located in Kansas City
- 2016 – Hy-Vee Market, located in Des Moines, IA
- 2017 – Velocitie, located in Kansas City, MO
- 2018 – American Royal, located in Kansas City, MO
- 2019 – Maryville Tourism
To ensure Northwest is performing at the highest level of education, the professional advisory team, a group of 40 expert employers, evaluates the curriculum and discusses the up-and-coming techniques and opportunities for faculty and students alike. Students are allotted an hour to meet and network with the employers.
The School of Computer Science and Information Systems’ “Road Show” group consists of six to eight students who prepare and present computing materials to students in local K-12 schools, connect with teachers, support efforts to incorporate computing into curriculum and recruit students.
Teacher nights at Horace Mann Laboratory School provide Northwest students with opportunities present to parents and teachers about new technology tools.
Study Abroad
Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their academic development. Faculty members provide short-term study programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available: faculty-led and traditional study abroad.
The traditional program may be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions.
Internships
Although internships are not required in the digital media major, they are highly encouraged to gain real-world experiences.
|
Jasmine Black '12
|
Northwest is involved, not just academically but with job placement after school. We have a 95 percent job placement rate for undergraduate students – there are many colleges that don't have a job placement rate as high as we do, and that shows Northwest is very involved with its students. Northwest really cares about you.
The Northwest Difference
Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and 2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.
The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $6,000. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $5,467 for in-state students and $8,286 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.
Save more than $7,200 over four years through our textbooks and laptop program.
Learn more
More than $19 million in scholarships and grants awarded annually.
Learn more
Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
Learn more
Graduation Rate: 89th percentile of Northwest's national peer group.
