Communication and Media Arts
Katie Lever, Chair
leverk@wcsu.edu
Higgins Hall 201H, Midtown campus
(203) 837-8872
(203) 837-8032 (fax)
Krista Brooks, Department Secretary
Higgins Hall 201, Midtown campus
(203) 837-9166
(203) 837-8032 (fax)
Faculty
| J. Barone | J. Eckstein | J. Guzda |
| T. Keys | K. Lever, Chair | V. West |
| K. Wiss |
Overview
The Department of Communication & Media Arts employs a variety of resources designed to help students master the ability to participate in and evaluate the communication process. The department’s curriculum provides a balance of theory and practice that can be applied to business and personal relationships, media and other communication environments.
Students who major in communication or media arts prepare for graduate studies or careers directly related to: managing interaction in settings such as social service agencies, small businesses and corporations; media use, creation, performance, analysis and criticism; and related fields that require public speaking, persuasion and application or analysis of interpersonal and public speaking skills.
Mission
The Department of Communication and Media Arts at Western Connecticut State University is committed to teaching the theory, ethics, and skills necessary to expand and deepen students’ participation in a globalized world. Students learn to engage in challenging dialogues across a variety of communicative landscapes.
Each of our degrees and options shares an emphasis on the enhancement of capacities for observation, critical appraisal, and expression. Graduates of the program are positioned to pursue careers in public service, media campaigns, advocating for the underserved, organizational relations, broadcasting, and filmmaking, among many others.
Objectives
To accomplish this mission, the Department of Communication and Media Arts:
- Offers high-quality undergraduate courses and programs in communication and media theory including digital media production, digital interactive media arts, media studies, public communication and relational communication.
- Emphasizes development of the four modes of communication (speaking, listening, writing, and reading) as well as media production techniques throughout the undergraduate curriculum to enhance students’ ability to understand and create appropriate, creative and effective interaction and media.
- Provides a personalized learning environment for students through faculty-mentored undergraduate research projects, video productions, and internships.
- Prepares students for graduate education in media arts, communication and related fields.
- Assists students in identifying appropriate classes, learning opportunities and careers through attentive advising.
- Fosters the growth and development of faculty and their students through supporting research, attendance at professional meetings, and presentation and publication of scholarly work.
- Collaborates with media-industry professionals in the tri-state area to support professional growth of faculty as well as internship opportunities for students.
Lambda Pi Eta
The department sponsors a chapter of Lambda Pi Eta (LPH), the National Communication Honors Society. As an organization, LPH recognizes, fosters and rewards outstanding scholastic achievement in the field of communication. To qualify, students must be full-time communication majors and have earned 60 credits with at least 12 in communication. They must also have a minimum 3.25 GPA in communication courses and a 3.0 overall GPA. Students must demonstrate commitment to the field. Students may contact the department chair for more information.
Broadcast Education Association
Media Arts students may join the department’s chapter of The Broadcast Education Association. This is the premier international academic media organization, driving insights, excellence in media production, and career advancement for educators, students, and professionals. The association’s publications, annual convention, web-based programs, and regional district activities provide opportunities for juried production competition and presentation of current scholarly research related to aspects of the electronic media. Advanced students are invited to attend the national convention in April.
Course Restrictions
For a complete list of prerequisites, corequisites and other restrictions for all courses, please consult the Course Description section of this catalog.
Learning Outcomes – Communication & Media Arts
- Explain Communication and/or Media Arts theories, ethical perspectives, principles, and concepts.
- Apply Communication and/or Media Arts scholarship and creative works.
- Formulate questions appropriate for Communication and/or Media Arts scholarship and aesthetic works.
- Evaluate the ethical dimensions of communicative activity.
- Analyze one’s own cultural standpoint and hot it influences communication.
- Evaluate personal, private, local, national, and/or global issues from a Communication and/or Media Arts perspective.
- Explain the importance of Communication and/or Media Arts in civic life.
- Practice writing to inform and persuade a variety of audiences.
- Contribute to scholarly and creative works appropriate to the purpose of inquiry.
- Identify elements of career development in Communication and/or Media Arts
Learning Outcomes – Digital Interactive Media Arts
At the completion of this program students will be able to:
- Discuss and apply the concepts related to the visual, spatial, sound, motion, interactive, and temporal elements/features of digital technology and principles for their use in the creation and application of digital media-based work
- Discuss and apply narrative and other information/language structures for organizing content in time-based or interactive media
- Organize and represent content structures in ways that are responsive to technological, social, and cultural systems.
- Discuss the characteristics and capabilities of various technologies (hardware and software); their appropriateness for particular expressive, functional, and strategic applications; their positions within larger contexts and systems, and their influences on individuals and society
- Discuss and apply processes for the development and coordination of digitally-based art and design strategies (for example, storyboarding, concept mapping, and the use of scenarios and personas).
- Analyze and synthesize relevant aspects of human interaction in various contexts (physical, cognitive, cultural, social, political, and economic) and with respect to technologically-mediated communication, objects, and environments.
- Analyze useful, usable, effective, and desirable information with respect to user/audience-centered digitally-based communication, objects, and environments.
- Discuss and apply history, theory, and criticism with respect to such areas as film, video, technology, and digital art and design.
- Engage in teams-based work and to organize collaborations among people from different disciplines.
- Use the above competencies in the creation and development of professional quality interactive digital media productions.
- Develop knowledge of legal and ethical issues across disciplines.
- Present work in a portfolio in a professional way.
Degree Programs in Communication & Media Arts
BA in Communication
Communication Studies option
BA in Media Arts
Media Production option
BA in Digital Interactive Media Arts
Media Production option
Art option
Computer Science option
Minor
Communication
Broadcast Journalism
Bachelor of Arts in Communication: Communication Studies (B.A.)
Description: Students who major in communication prepare for graduate studies or careers directly related to: managing interaction in settings such as social service agencies, small businesses and corporations; media use, creation, performance, analysis and criticism; and related fields that require public speaking, persuasion and application or analysis of interpersonal and public speaking skills.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 33 SH.
| COM 219 Communication Ethics | 3 SH |
| COM 260W Thinking Through Communication | 3 SH |
| COM 380 Communication Theory | 3 SH |
| COM 390 Research Methods in Communication | 3 SH |
| COM 495 Senior Thesis | 3 SH |
| Required Major Electives: Six courses (18 credits) of communication courses. Only course one can be at the 100-level. | 18 SH |
| Students must earn a C (2.0) or better in all communication courses in the major. | |
| Minimum GPA for the BA in Communication = 2.5 in major; 2.0 overall. | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. The WCSU General Education curriculum invites students to encounter a broad range of topics and skills in the liberal arts and sciences. The system requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 40 semester hours split across eleven learning areas. Generally, students can satisfy the requirements for a given learning area with any course they choose within that area; some programs of study may require specific Major Designated General Education Courses; if so, they will be listed with the program requirements. Additionally, the Racial Justice and Global Diversity requirements may be completed with courses which are part of the program requirements. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA Communication: Communication Studies
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| Gen Ed: First Year Experience | 1 | COM Elective | 3 |
| COM 160 Public Speaking OR COM 161 Decision Comm. Skills, OR COM 163 Intro to Human Comm. | 3 | COMP 101 Intro to Comp/Rhetoric | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | Gen Ed: Humanities** | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Mathematical Reasoning* | 3 | Gen Ed: Natural Science & Technology | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts & Humanities** | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| COM 219 Communication Ethics OR COM 260W Thinking through Communication | 3 | COM 219 Communication Ethics OR COM 260W Thinking through Communication | 3 |
| COM Elective OR COM 380 Communication Theory | 3 | COM Elective OR COM 380 Communication Theory | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Natural Science & Technology | 4 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Personal Wellness | 2 | Gen Ed: Writing & Information Literacy | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 | ||
| COM 390 Research Methods in Communication OR COM Elective | 3 | COM 390 Research Methods in Communication OR COM Elective | 3 |
| COM Elective | 3 | COM Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 | ||
| COM 495 Senior Thesis OR Elective | 3 | COM 495 Senior Thesis OR Elective | 3 |
| COM Elective 6 | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| You must earn a C or better in all 100-level communication courses. | |||
| Total Credits Required for the BA in Communication = 120; Minimum GPA in major 2.5. | |||
*Gen Ed: Mathematical Reasoning may be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
** All Bachelor of Arts degrees at WCSU require students to study a language other than English to at least the elementary level II. Students who have completed three years of a language other than English in high school with an overall “C” average or completed a total of four years of two languages other than English in high school with an overall “B” average have met this requirement.
Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts: Media Production
Description: Students who major in media arts prepare for graduate studies or careers directly related to: media creation and performance for television, film, radio, audio, social media, graphics, non-profits, small businesses and corporations; analysis and criticism; and related fields that require scriptwriting, filming, interviewing, recording, producing, directing, editing and postproduction skills. Media Arts engages students in hands-on discovery, experimentation, problem-solving, and the development of original works.
Degree Requirements:
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 42 SH.
| COM 110 Sight, Sound & Motion | 3 SH |
| COM 146 Basic Video Production | 3 SH |
| COM 219 Communication Ethics | 3 SH |
| COM 342 Screenplay Writing OR COM 243 Broadcast Writing | 3 SH |
| COM 246 Intermediate Video Production | 3 SH |
| COM 336 Postproduction | 3 SH |
| COM 390 Research Methods in Communication | 3 SH |
| COM 435 Pre-Production for Senior Project | 3 SH |
| COM 436 Senior Project & Presentation | 3 SH |
| Fifteen (15) credits from the following courses: COM 230 History of Mass Media; COM 243 Broadcast Writing or COM 342 Screenplay Writing; COM 247 Live News & Election Coverage; COM 270 Fundamentals of Radio Broadcasting; COM 271 Exploring the Film; COM 380 Communication Theory; COM 340 Sound for Video; COM 346 Advanced Video Production; COM 252 Media Performance Techniques; COM 371 Film & Video Art; COM 394 Selected Topics in Media Production; COM 480 Television Criticism. In some cases, with permission: COM 297 Internship, COM 298 Student Developed Studies, or DIMA 100 Digital & Interactive Media Arts. | 15 SH |
| Students must earn a C (2.0) or better in all communication/media arts courses in the major. | |
| Minimum GPA for the BA in Media Arts = 2.5 in major; 2.0 overall. | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. The WCSU General Education curriculum invites students to encounter a broad range of topics and skills in the liberal arts and sciences. The system requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 40 semester hours split across eleven learning areas. Generally, students can satisfy the requirements for a given learning area with any course they choose within that area; some programs of study may require specific Major Designated General Education Courses; if so, they will be listed with the program requirements. Additionally, the Racial Justice and Global Diversity requirements may be completed with courses which are part of the program requirements. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA Media Arts Media Production
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| Gen Ed: First Year Experience | 1 | COM 146 Basic Video Production | 3 |
| COM 110: Sight, Sound & Motion | 3 | COMP 101 Intro to Comp/Rhetoric | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Speech Communication | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Mathematical Reasoning* | 3 | Gen Ed: Humanities** | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts or Humanities** | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| COM 342 Screenplay Writing OR COM 243 Broadcast Writing | 3 | COM 246 Intermediate Video Production | 3 |
| Major Elective 1*** | 3 | Major Elective 2*** | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Science & Technology | 4 | Gen Ed: Arts | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Personal Wellness | 2 | Gen Ed: Writing & Information Literacy | 3 |
| COM 219 Communication Ethics | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| COM 336 Postproduction | 3 | COM 390 Research Methods in Communication | 3 |
| Major Elective 3*** | 3 | Major Elective 4*** | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Natural Sciences & Technology | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| COM 435 Pre-Production for Senior Project | 3 | COM 436 Senior Project & Presentation | 3 |
| Major Elective 5*** | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 2 |
| You must earn a C or better in all 100-level communication/media arts courses. | |||
| Total Credits Required for the BA in Media Arts = 120; Minimum GPA in major 2.5. | |||
*Gen Ed: Mathematical Reasoning may be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
** All Bachelor of Arts degrees at WCSU require students to study a language other than English to at least the elementary level II. Students who have completed three years of a language other than English in high school with an overall “C” average or completed a total of four years of two languages other than English in high school with an overall “B” average have met this requirement.
***Several course choices in this major can be 3 or 4 SH. Remember that you must complete a minimum of 120 credits to graduate.
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN DIGITAL AND INTERACTIVE MEDIA ARTS
As a field, Digital and Interactive Media Arts (DIMA) is a way of conceptualizing emerging practices of personal, commercial, and artistic expression in a variety of high tech channels. In this new terrain, traditional foundations in design and aesthetics form the ground of expression, but they are joined with the more recent fields of computer programming and video production computer animation, game design and interactive web design.
Careers that rely on competence in designing Digital and Interactive Media Arts are as varied as the fields they draw upon. Where some students may require a proficiency in the use and application of DIMA technologies and principles in the creation of artistic artifacts (fine arts, television, film, games), others may be involved in the creation of new technologies and their use as communication tools (advertising, public relations, and all web-based organizational communication).
This program seeks to ground students in the basics of aesthetics, programming, sound, and video production and design. By taking a project-based learning approach, students will come to understand and apply the full creative development process from idea to presentation. Students will touch all aspects of the creative processes in digital and interactive media arts, and then specialize in one of two options: Media Production and Programming.
Goals
- To provide an interdisciplinary program in which students will acquire knowledge in fundamentals and specific area(s) of focus.
- To provide exemplary faculty who are actively engaged in their discipline.
- To provide learning environment in which students apply appropriate learning and skills to create new digital interactive media content.
- To provide students access to exemplary, digital interactive media software, equipment, and facilities.
- To support experiential learning through internships and cooperative education.
Our primary goals in this degree are to create an environment in which students:
- Conceptualize, plan and execute creative ideas using appropriate DIMA technology.
- Learn to communicate effectively about their ideas by discussing and defending their work and critiquing others in relation to concepts, ideas, techniques, processes, and experiences.
- Learn the value of interdisciplinary thinking and collaboration.
BA Digital and Interactive Media Arts: Media Production
Description: Students who major in DIMA prepare for graduate studies or careers directly related to digital media creation and oversight for small businesses, non-profits, public and governmental organizations, and private sector corporations of all kinds.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 48-49 SH.
| DIMA CORE | |
| DIMA/CS 100 Introduction to Digital and Interactive Media Arts | 3 SH |
| DIMA 200 Storytelling for Digital and Interactive Media Arts | 3 SH |
| DIMA/CED 297 Internship | 3 SH |
| DIMA/CS 300 Digital and Interactive Technologies | 3 SH |
| DIMA/COM 436 Senior Project | 3 SH |
| ART 121: Fundamentals of Two-Dimensional Design | 3 SH |
| ART 117 Digital Photography | 3 SH |
| COM 146 Basic Video Production | 3 SH |
| COM 110 Sight, Sound, and Motion | 3 SH |
| CS 140 Intro to Programming OR CS 143 Visual Basic | 3-4 SH |
| Programming Language: CS 110 Web Design OR CS 102 3D Modeling & Printing OR CS 103 Comp Animation & Scripting. | 3 SH |
| MEDIA PRODUCTION OPTION | |
| COM 243 Broadcast Writing OR COM 342 Screenplay Writing | 3 SH |
| COM 246 Intermedia Video Production | 3 SH |
| COM 336 Postproduction | 3 SH |
| COM 371 Film and Video Art | 3 SH |
| Media Production Elective: One of the following: COM 247, 252, 340, 270, 435, 446. | 3 SH |
| Minimum GPA for the BA in DIMA = 2.5 in major; 2.0 overall. | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. The WCSU General Education curriculum invites students to encounter a broad range of topics and skills in the liberal arts and sciences. The system requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 40 semester hours split across eleven learning areas. Generally, students can satisfy the requirements for a given learning area with any course they choose within that area; some programs of study may require specific Major Designated General Education Courses; if so, they will be listed with the program requirements. Additionally, the Racial Justice and Global Diversity requirements may be completed with courses which are part of the program requirements. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA DIMA: Media Production
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| Gen Ed: First Year Experience | 1 | COM 146 Basic Video Production | 3 |
| COM 110: Sight, Sound & Motion | 3 | ART 121 Fundamentals of 2-D Design | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Speech Communication | 3 | COMP 101 Intro to Comp/Rhetoric | 3 |
| DIMA/CS 100 Intro. to Digital and Interactive Media Arts | 3 | CS 140 Intro to Programming OR CS 143 Visual Basic** | 3-4 |
| Gen Ed: Mathematical Reasoning* | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| COM 243 Broadcast Writing OR COM 342 Screenplay Writing | 3 | COM 246 Intermediate Video Production | 3 |
| ART 117 Digital Photograph | 3 | Programming Language (CS 102, 103, 110) | 3 |
| DIMA 200 Storytelling for DIMA | 3 | Media Production Elective (COM 247, 252, 270, 340, 435, 446) | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts or Humanities*** | 3 | Gen Ed: Humanities*** | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Personal Wellness | 2 | Gen Ed: Writing & Information Literacy | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| COM 371 Film and Video Art | 3 | COM 336 Postproduction | 3 |
| DIMA 300 Digital and Interactive Technologies | 3 | Gen Ed: Natural Science & Technology | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Natural Sciences & Technology | 4 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| DIMA/CED 297 DIMA Internship | 3 | DIMA/COM 436 Senior Project & Presentation | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 2 |
| Total Credits Required for the BA in DIMA = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0 | |||
*Gen Ed: Mathematical Reasoning may be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
**Several course choices in this major can be 3 or 4 SH. Remember that you must complete a minimum of 120 credits to graduate.
*** All Bachelor of Arts degrees at WCSU require students to study a language other than English to at least the elementary level II. Students who have completed three years of a language other than English in high school with an overall “C” average or completed a total of four years of two languages other than English in high school with an overall “B” average have met this requirement.
BA Digital and Interactive Media Arts: Art
Description: Students who major in DIMA prepare for graduate studies or careers directly related to digital media creation and oversight for small businesses, non-profits, public and governmental organizations, and private sector corporations of all kinds.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 46-50 SH.
| DIMA CORE | |
| DIMA/CS 100 Introduction to Digital and Interactive Media Arts | 3 SH |
| DIMA 200 Storytelling for Digital and Interactive Media Arts | 3 SH |
| DIMA/CED 297 Internship (SH will depend on hours. 1 SH minimum) | 1-3 SH |
| DIMA/CS 300 Digital and Interactive Technologies | 3 SH |
| DIMA/COM 436 Senior Project | 3 SH |
| ART 121: Fundamentals of Two-Dimensional Design | 3 SH |
| ART 117 Digital Photography | 3 SH |
| COM 146 Basic Video Production | 3 SH |
| COM 110 Sight, Sound, and Motion | 3 SH |
| CS 140 Intro to Programming OR CS 143 Visual Basic | 3-4 SH |
| Programming Language: CS 110 Web Design OR CS 102 3D Modeling & Printing OR CS 103 Comp Animation & Scripting. | 3 SH |
| ART OPTION | |
| ART/DIMA 210 Fundamentals of Imaging Software I | 3 SH |
| ART/DIMA 224 Fundamentals of Imaging Software II | 3 SH |
| ART 356 Adv. Photo Methods OR ART 346 Color Photography | 3 SH |
| ART 342 Digital Production: Illustrator | 3 SH |
| ART 352 Digital Production: Web Development | 3 SH |
| Minimum GPA for the BA in DIMA = 2.0. | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. The WCSU General Education curriculum invites students to encounter a broad range of topics and skills in the liberal arts and sciences. The system requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 40 semester hours split across eleven learning areas. Generally, students can satisfy the requirements for a given learning area with any course they choose within that area; some programs of study may require specific Major Designated General Education Courses; if so, they will be listed with the program requirements. Additionally, the Racial Justice and Global Diversity requirements may be completed with courses which are part of the program requirements. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA DIMA: Art
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| Gen Ed: First Year Experience | 1 | COM 146 Basic Video Production | 3 |
| COM 110: Sight, Sound & Motion | 3 | ART 121 Fundamentals of 2-D Design | 3 |
| DIMA 100 Intro. to Digital and Interactive Media Arts | 3 | COMP 101 Intro to Comp/Rhetoric | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | CS 140 Intro to Programming OR CS 143 Visual Basic** | 3-4 |
| Gen Ed: Mathematical Reasoning* | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| ART/DIMA 210 Fundamentals of Imaging Software I | 3 | ART/DIMA 224 Fundamentals of Imaging Software II | 3 |
| ART 117 Digital Photography | 3 | Programming Language (CS 102. 103, 110) | 3 |
| DIMA 200 Storytelling for DIMA | 3 | Gen Ed: Speech Communication | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts or Humanities*** | 3 | Gen Ed: Writing & Information Literacy | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Personal Wellness | 2 | Gen Ed: Humanities*** | 3 |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 | ||
| ART 356 Adv Photo Methods OR ART 346 Color Photography | 3 | ART 342 Intro to Digital Imaging & Production | 3 |
| DIMA 300 Digital and Interactive Technologies | 3 | Gen Ed: Natural Sciences & Technology | 4 |
| DIMA/CED 297 DIMA Internship | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Natural Sciences & Technology | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 | ||
| ART 352 Digital Production: Web Dev. | 3 | DIMA/COM 436 Senior Project & Presentation | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 2 |
| Total Credits Required for the BA in DIMA= 120; Minimum GPA in 2.0 | |||
*Gen Ed: Mathematical Reasoning may be taken in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
**Several course choices in this major can be 3 or 4 SH. Remember that you must complete a minimum of 120 credits to graduate.
*** All Bachelor of Arts degrees at WCSU require students to study a language other than English to at least the elementary level II. Students who have completed three years of a language other than English in high school with an overall “C” average or completed a total of four years of two languages other than English in high school with an overall “B” average have met this requirement.
BA Digital and Interactive Media Arts: Computer Science
Description: Students who major in DIMA prepare for graduate studies or careers directly related to digital media creation and oversight for small businesses, non-profits, public and governmental organizations, and private sector corporations of all kinds.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, and electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 47-50 SH.
| DIMA CORE | |
| DIMA/CS 100 Introduction to Digital and Interactive Media Arts | 3 SH |
| DIMA 200 Storytelling for Digital and Interactive Media Arts | 3 SH |
| DIMA/CED 297 Internship (SH will depend on hours. 1 SH minimum) | 3 SH |
| DIMA/CS 300 Digital and Interactive Technologies | 3 SH |
| DIMA/COM 436 Senior Project | 3 SH |
| ART 121 Fundamentals of Two-Dimensional Design | 3 SH |
| ART 117 Digital Photography | 3 SH |
| COM 146 Basic Video Production | 3 SH |
| COM 110 Sight, Sound, and Motion | 3 SH |
| CS 140 Intro to Programming OR CS 143 Visual Basic | 3-4 SH |
| Programming Language: CS 110 Web Design OR CS 102 3D Modeling & Printing OR CS 103 Comp Animation & Scripting. | 3 SH |
| COMPUTER SCIENCE OPTION | |
| CS 170 Interm. Java Programming OR 172 Language C++ | 3-4 SH |
| CS 205 Data Modeling & DB Design OR MIS 301 DB Applications in Business | 3-4 SH |
| CS 221 Object Oriented Programming & Data Structure OR CS 250 Advanced Topics | 4 SH |
| CS 245 Web Application Development OR CS 340 Computer Animation | 4 SH |
| MAJOR DESIGNATED GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE | |
| MAT 141 Foundational Discrete Math | 3 SH |
| Minimum GPA for the BA in DIMA = 2.0 | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. The WCSU General Education curriculum invites students to encounter a broad range of topics and skills in the liberal arts and sciences. The system requires students to successfully complete a minimum of 40 semester hours split across eleven learning areas. Generally, students can satisfy the requirements for a given learning area with any course they choose within that area; some programs of study may require specific Major Designated General Education Courses; if so, they will be listed with the program requirements. Additionally, the Racial Justice and Global Diversity requirements may be completed with courses which are part of the program requirements. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link: https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BA DIMA: Computer Science
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| Gen Ed: First Year Experience | 1 | COM 146 Basic Video Production | 3 |
| COM 110: Sight, Sound & Motion | 3 | ART 121 Fundamentals of 2-D Design | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | COMP 101 Intro to Comp/Rhetoric | 3 |
| DIMA 100 Intro. to Digital and Interactive Media Arts | 3 | CS 140 Intro to Programming OR CS 143 Visual Basic** | 3-4 |
| MAT 100 Intermediate Math OR MAT 133 Precalculus* | 3 | MAT 133 Precalculus OR MAT 141 Foundational Discrete Math* | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| CS 170 Language C++ OR CS 172 Intermed. Java Programming** | 3 | CS 221 Obj Oriented Programming OR CS 250 Advanced Topics** | 3 |
| ART 117 Digital Photography | 3 | Programming Language (CS 102, 103, 110) | 3 |
| DIMA 200 Storytelling for DIMA | 3 | Gen Ed: Speech Communication | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Arts or Humanities*** | 3 | Gen Ed: Writing & Information Literacy | 3 |
| MAT 141 Foundational Discrete Math OR Elective | 3 | Gen Ed: Humanities*** | 3 |
| Semester 5 | Semester 6 | ||
| CS 205 Data Modeling and DB Design OR MIS 301 DB Applications in Business** | 3-4 | CS 245 Web App Development OR CS 340 Computer Animation | 4 |
| DIMA 300 Digital and Interactive Technologies | 3 | Gen Ed: Natural Science & Technology | 4 |
| DIMA/CED 297 DIMA Internship** | 3 | Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Natural Sciences & Technology | 3 | Gen Ed: Personal Wellness | 2 |
| Gen Ed: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Semester 7 | Semester 8 | ||
| Gen Ed: Arts | 3 | DIMA/COM 436 Senior Project & Presentation | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective** | 2-3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective** | 1-3 |
| Total Credits Required for the BA in DIMA= 120; Minimum GPA in 2.0 | |||
*MAT 141, required for the program, requires either an appropriate placement score or completion of MAT 133; MAT 133 requires placement or completion of MAT 100. Students not placing directly into MAT 141 should take either MAT 100 or 133 in Semester 1
**Several course choices in this major can be 3 or 4 SH. Remember that your total must be 120 to graduate.
*** All Bachelor of Arts degrees at WCSU require students to study a language other than English to at least the elementary level II. Students who have completed three years of a language other than English in high school with an overall “C” average or completed a total of four years of two languages other than English in high school with an overall “B” average have met this requirement.
Good Academic Standing in the Major
Communication & Media Arts majors must earn a C (in some cases a B-) or better in classes that count in the major. Students must repeat a required course in the major until they earn the necessary minimum grade. Students may repeat major electives if they don’t earn the minimum grade, or when possible and desirable, select another major elective in its place. The major elective earning a C- or less may then be used as a free elective. Students do not earn additional credit for retaking a class. Courses retaken may not be eligible for financial aid or count towards Satisfactory Academic Progress for financial aid, athletics, etc.
Students must be in “Good Academic Standing” to change their major to Communication or Media Arts. This means, they must have at least a 2.0 GPA, a 2.5 in classes that will count towards their major.
Communication & Media Arts majors must remain in good academic standing in the major or be placed on “Probation in the Major.”
Good Academic Standing in Communication & Media Arts includes each of the following:
- Maintaining an GPA of 2.0
- Maintaining a GPA in the major of 2.5 (in classes that count towards the major requirements)
- Completing COM 380 Communication Theory and COM 219 Communication Ethics with a C or better before earning 60 credits; or within 15 credits of transferring into Communication or Media Arts if they have already earned 60 credits.
- Completing COM 390 Research Methods in Communication with a C or better before earning 90 credits or within 15 credits of changing their major to Communication or Media Arts if they have already earned or transferred in 90 credits.
Probation in the major means students are at risk of being disqualified from eligibility to earn a degree in Communication or Media Arts. After being placed on probation in the major, students have one semester to address the area that placed them on probation. If students are not able to meet the requirement within one semester, they are subject to suspension from the major. Students who are suspended from the major will be required to change their major. If they do not actively change their major, they will be changed to “Focus Undeclared” status.
The status “Probation in the Major” and “Suspension in the Major” will not appear on the student’s transcript. Students will be notified of the change of status by the department. Students on probation in the major must meet with their advisor to discuss a plan for successful completion of the degree. Students are ultimately responsible for maintaining their GPA and successfully completing their academic work. The advisor may discuss changes in life, study habits, or attitude to improve performance. Advisors may also recommend a decreased course load or utilizing campus resources to address personal, emotional, academic or life situations which are make it difficult to perform well in school. Once the requirements for Good Academic Standing in Communication & Media Arts are met, students may reapply to change their major to Communication or Media Arts.
Please consult your advisor for all program requirements.
Eighteen semester hours (18 SH) in communication which must include at least 12 semester hours above the 100 level. Only courses with a C grade or better will count.
Please consult your advisor for all program requirements.
Required Courses (9 SH):
WRT 270W News Writing
COM 146 Basic Video Production 3 SH
COM 243 Broadcast Writing 3 SH
Three credits (3 SH) selected from the following list in consultation with an advisor:
COM 246 Intermediate Video Production (prereq. COM 146) 3 SH
COM 247 Live News & election Coverage 3 SH
COM 252 Video Performance Techniques 3 SH
COM 270 Fundamentals of Radio Broadcasting 3 SH
COM 336 Postproduction (prereq. COM 246 and COM 235) 3 SH
COM 394 Special Topics in Media Production (see advisor) 3 SH
WRT 270W News Writing 3 SH
6 Credits (6 SH) from the following list:
WRT 279 Sports Writing 3 SH
WRT 333W Editorial Environment 3 SH
WRT 335W Fact-Based Opinion Writing 3 SH
WRT 338W Writing About Specialized Subjects 3 SH
WRT 375 Book, Performance, & Restaurant Reviewing 3 SH
WRT 490 Internship/Practicum in Writing 3 SH
Notes:
- See Catalog section on World Language Requirements to determine how language classes count.
- Electives in the junior and senior year are often used for professional internships or minors in related areas.