The Digital Media Art & Design (DMAD) degree prepares students to enter the quickly expanding field of digital media. The degree focuses specifically on how visual media such as digital photography, videography, and graphic design are used to promote ideas in the contemporary world of visual language and media communication. Understanding both the technical and the conceptual processes to produce captivating and affective imagery allows students to enter the job market through a variety of positions according to the strengths of the individual.
Through a uniquely designed progression of courses students become fluent in both conceptual visual language and efficient technical practices, which build the foundation necessary to compete in an industry that is continually evolving.
For more information regarding the DMAD program, including course descriptions for the DMAD major and minor, follow this link: King University | DMAD
Course Descriptions
Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, assignments, and critiques, students learn to see photographically through an exploration of the basic tools, techniques, and aesthetics of digital photography, with an emphasis on the creative use of camera controls, exposure, digital imaging software, and basic output techniques. 4 s.h.
This course will introduce students to the practice of web publishing, the basic principles of social media strategy, and web integration. Students will explore how to effectively utilize current digital media tools and applications for communication and content curation on the Internet. Furthermore, the proper use of web publishing tools, content management systems, and multimedia software will be demonstrated at an introductory level. 4 s.h.
This course is an introduction to hardware and software management for the Macintosh Computing platform. Topics include creating a personal data management system and workflow, general maintenance, trouble shooting and repair of Macintosh software and hardware. This course also serves as an introduction to multimedia creation and publishing with an emphasis on creating professional, engaging presentations using the Macintosh environment. This class will prepare students for a broad range of media projects as well as proficiency in the major tool of a digital creative, the Macintosh computer. 4 s.h.
This course is an introduction to technical and creative application of digital imaging. Students will learn full control of their Digital SLR camera and apply it to a variety of situations. Students will explore Digital Asset Management and advanced output options to apply to their own workflow and creative final products. 4 s.h.
This course exposes students to the concept of visual rhetoric, invites them to create their own working definition of that term, and demands that they demonstrate their understanding of both traditional concepts of rhetoric with words that use implied visuals and 21st century concepts of rhetoric that incorporate explicit visuals. The course touches on semiotics, design theory, and classical rhetoric as well as explores the meaning of visual literacy and how that skill/awareness changes communication, persuasion, and story-telling. Students will analyze texts on pages and screens and design texts for print and digital application to show their developing understanding of human communication through media. 4 s.h.
This course will emphasize the creation of expressive visual statements utilizing advanced image manipulation, compositing and publishing. 4 s.h.
Prerequisite: PHOT 2010
This course gives students the opportunity to research and create work to build a portfolio that exemplifies their technical skill and their identity as an artist. Students will conceptualize and produce bodies of work centered around personal vision and creating identity. 2 s.h.
Prerequisite: PHOT 2010
This course offers an introduction to silver-based black and white photography and darkroom practices. Through multiple and varied class projects, lectures, critiques, and demonstrations, the course is designed to give students a basic understanding of black and white film capture as well as photographic silver gelatin printing techniques. Students will explore the medium of analog photography while improving their skills in composition, image capture, and printing. 4 s.h.
Prerequisite: PHOT 1010 or PHOT 2010
This course will introduce photographic lighting in the studio as it applies to still imaging and video. Emphasis will be on control of artificial lighting in a studio situation. 4 s.h.
Prerequisite: PHOT 2010
This course explores the production, presentation, and publishing of advanced media elements through project-based scenarios. Students will study advanced digital video capture, audio capture, editing, and various venues for release of finished products. 4 s.h.
Prerequisite: PHOT 2010, PHOT 3010
This course presents advanced theory and technical application of photographic lighting as it applies to imaging and video. Topics include location and studio management, professional application, and personal creative vision. 4 s.h.
Prerequisites: PHOT 2010, PHOT 3010
This course is an introduction to imagery in the mediums of photography, web, video, and animation as they relate to digital media’s impact on society through the exploration of concepts and technique. 4 s.h.
This course is an introduction to procedures to create, plan, and produce visual communication design. Emphasis is on acquiring and working with visual vocabulary to gain mastery of conceptual and creative procedures by learning technical skills that translate ideas and concepts into visual design and graphic imagery. 4 s.h.
Prerequisite: DMAD 2400
In this course, students will apply graphic design theory to create conceptual approaches for communicating ideas visually. Through a series of assignments, students will plan, develop, manage, and execute projects for multiple platforms including print and digital media. The emphasis of the course is to create practical design materials while developing a professional portfolio. 4 s.h.
Prerequisite: DMAD 2400
This course is an introduction to the management of a digital media company. Students will be introduced to basic business concepts, including the legal formation of a business, financial management tools and techniques, business communications, and an introduction to marketing concepts. Topics include the development of a business idea; crafting a business and financial plan; alternative models of financing, marketing, and launching. The ultimate outcome of this course will be to develop creative individuals with the entrepreneurial and managerial skills necessary to conceive, launch, and manage a sustainable digital media enterprise in the increasingly complex economic environment of contemporary art-making. 4 s.h.
This course gives students the opportunity to research and create work to build a portfolio that exemplifies their technical skill and their identity as an artist. Students will conceptualize and produce bodies of work centered around personal vision and creating identity. 2 s.h.
Prerequisite: PHOT 2900
This course covers development of logical and efficient site structures, importation and use of a variety of graphic file formats, color management for online publication and successful utilization of typography. Using HTML and CSS, students will design, construct and publish a professional personal website. Emphasis is placed on successful publishing and management of the student’s own work. Students will become familiar with Content Management software and the integration of JavaScript for animation and interactive elements. 4 s.h.
This course gives students the opportunity to research and create work to build a portfolio that exemplifies their technical skill and their identity as an artist. Students will conceptualize and produce bodies of work centered around personal vision and creating identity. 2 s.h.
Prerequisite: PHOT 3900
Comprehensive assessment in Digital Media Art & Design demonstrates competency in the graduating student’s major field with a capstone project and an exhibition. Students must earn a grade of C- or higher on the capstone project. 0 s.h.
Jobs in Digital Media
Below are lists of jobs that a graduate in the Digital Media Art & Design program at King University jobs available for the DMAD graduate.
- Advertising Photography (freelance or staff)
- User Experience Designer
- Fine Art Photography
- Photojournalism and Editorial (freelance or staff)
- Wedding and Portrait Photography
- Corporate Photography (freelance or staff)
- Industrial photography (freelance or staff)
- Web Designer
- Multi-media Production
- Technical and Medical photography
- Stock Photography
- Social Media/Social Networking
- Graphic Designer
- Digital Retouching
- User Interface Designer
- Electronic Services
- Project Manager
- Assistant (freelance or staff)
- Stylist (prop, hair and makeup, food etc.)
- Photo Librarian/Archivist
- Account Manager
- Art Director
- Editor
- Media Sales Representative