Why Major in Digital Media: Visual Imaging?
The digital media major at Northwest is an interdisciplinary program involving an emphasis in computer science, art or mass media. 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.
Students majoring in digital media with an emphasis in visual imaging learn to create computer programs and the visual appearance of internet graphics as well as enhance experience of the web users.
Career Ready. Day One.
Northwest ensures students are career ready, day one through internships, field experiences and networking opportunities. Read Elicia's story »
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 Opportunities
100%
placement rate
100% of students graduating with a degree in digital media continue their education or find employment within six months after graduation. Below is a list of job titles related to this major:
- Artist
- Creative designer
- Graphic designer
- Interactive designer
- Print designer
- Web designer
*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
Student Organizations
Big Shoe Graphics is a work-for-profit student-run advertising agency. Clients present their needs to the students, and teams submit concepts for review and selected concepts are paid by the client. Once a client is satisfied with the layout proposal, advanced students act as freelancers creating work under the director's guidance. The tag line for Big Shoe Graphics is “An experience you can profit from,” and over the years they have created logos for hospitals, start-up companies, children’s books, brochures, websites, animations, interactive tutorials, textile designs and creative writing magazines.
For a full list of student organizations with in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts »
Internships
Internships are required for the digital media with an emphasis in visual imaging to ensure students are career-ready by graduation.
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Mark Loeber
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I interned at Bridge Church in Maryville. I had the opportunity to create stage designs that went along with Sunday morning teachings. This image was just one of the many stage designs and was from the series 'At Work.'
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.
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.
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More than $19 million in scholarships and grants awarded annually.
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Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
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Graduation Rate: 89th percentile of Northwest's national peer group.
