Program: AS-25843

The Digital Media Technology Program at Polk State College prepares an individual for an exciting career in graphic design, video production, and media content creation. During the program, the student engages in hands-on tasks with industry-standard workflows, technologies, and equipment to produce professional results that communicate effectively.

The Graphic Design Specialization provides a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes media concepts, design principles, image editing, identity systems, interactive design, web development, multimedia integration, effective messaging, and visual communication.

Targeted projects and extensive training allow the student to improve technical skills, expand soft skills, complete creative projects, and develop a strong portfolio. Additionally, each student learns to collaborate effectively within a team, communicate professionally, apply interpersonal skills, and use creative problem-solving to exceed the needs of clients.

The program offers 27 credits in the Core Curriculum, 15 credits in General Education, and 18 credits in Graphic Design. To promote a comprehensive media skillset, the Core Curriculum includes courses in imaging, photography, video production, web development, interactive design, and publication design. It also features a Capstone Course to develop and expand the individual’s portfolio.

The program encourages connections with local employers and industry professionals; where applicable, opportunities for internships and real-world projects are included.

For working adults, professionals, and those seeking specialized training, the Digital Media Technology Program also offers certificate options that may be completed in two semesters.

Certain courses in this program require placement at the college level or satisfaction of Developmental Education requirements in reading, writing, and mathematics.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES (PLOs):

Upon successful completion of this program, the graduate is able to:

PLO 1: Demonstrate comprehensive fluency with digital media concepts, formats, and principles.
PLO 2: Apply imaging skills to create or edit high-quality graphics that meet professional standards for digital media content.
PLO 3: Apply principles of design theory, including typography, color theory, and composition, to create effective visual communication.
PLO 4: Design professional layouts, publications, or marketing collateral for print or digital distribution using industry-standard tools.
PLO 5: Create interactive prototypes to effectively demonstrate user interfaces and user experience flows for web and mobile applications.
PLO 6: Construct and deploy responsive, accessible, and professional websites that are user-centered and adhere to industry standards. 
PLO 7: Create or adapt cohesive visual identity systems and products that effectively represent a client’s brand.
PLO 8: Use manual settings of a digital camera to control exposure and create desired photographic and visual effects. 
PLO 9: Use industry-standard software to organize and edit footage, apply color adjustments, and produce professional video output in correct formats.
PLO 10: Collaborate and communicate effectively within a production team to produce a professional media product that demonstrates technical proficiency and artistic vision.
PLO 11: Demonstrate fluency with ethical and legal considerations of digital media creation and distribution, including copyright, fair use, and accessibility.
PLO 12: Curate a professional portfolio that demonstrates diverse design skills, creative art projects, and professional media content.
PLO 13: Demonstrate career preparation by participating in real-world projects, media internships or externships, résumé development, and professional workflows.