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Learn by Creating

Get your hands dirty with projects that build community collaboration and development. As a New Media Major, you’ll gain access to the Media Lab. Ever want to work with laser cutters, 3D printers and the latest design software? The Media Lab is an artist’s dream where students can explore visual communications with tools that are always changing in their complexity.

Cutting-Edge Skills

As the world of new media evolves, there will be a need for knowledgeable professionals with a high level of skillset in technology and communication. Receive hands-on learning while gaining a broad understanding of the social and economic impact of cutting-edge technologies.

Careers

The mission of the program is to prepare students for the broad spectrum of career opportunities available in today’s digitally oriented world. Graduates of the Digital Communication program are well-equipped for a career in

  • Television Production
  • Directing Audio
  • Editing
  • News Producer
  • Film Producer
  • Studio Lighting Positions
  • Reporting
  • Public Relations
  • Media Relations
  • Social Media Management
  • Corporate Communications
  • Corporate Video Production
  • Writing: Journalism, Blogs, Magazines
  • Web Design

Internships

To succeed in these fields takes a serious depth of knowledge and experience working with the latest and most modern resources. That’s why all students in the program complete at least one internship, during which they sharpen their skills in production, technology, and other areas essential for success. Our students recently have completed internships at:

  • Mahaska Communications Group (MCG)
  • Communication Research Institute (CRI)
  • Iowa Cubs
  • Prairie Meadows Race Track
  • Mahaska Health Partnership
  • KBOE 104.9FM/KMZN 99.5FM 740AM
  • Musco Sports Lighting, LLC.
  • George Daily Auditorium
  • United Way of Mahaska County

The things I learned in the new media division will be with me for life. The connections I’ve made, the people I’ve met, the experiences I’ve had, the professionalism that I’ve learned, those will be the things that stay with me.

Axel Vazquez

Faculty

Amanda Devore

Communications Coordinator & New Media Tech Support 641-673-1114 Email

Brant Bollman

Director of Theatre Arts Email

Max Leonida

Film Artist-in-Residence 641-673-1092 Email

Organizations

Students in the program benefit from a variety of opportunities to develop their interests and abilities in digital communication outside of the classroom. The student-led Media Club offers outstanding opportunities to work with William Penn’s KWPU radio station where they lead all aspects of the radio’s production.

Courses

You’ll take the following courses as a student in the digital communication program:

New Media Core Courses

  • COMM 102 Media Writing
  • COMM 123 Media’s Past and Digital Future
  • COMM 125 Introduction to Public Relations Principles
  • COMM 126 Video Production I
  • COMM 141 Live Events and Sports Practicum (1 credit x 4 semesters)
  • COMM 226 Video Production II
  • COMM 235 Journalism Practicum
  • COMM 238 Communication Theory and Ethics
  • COMM 250 TV News I
  • COMM 268 Social Media
  • COMM 319 Media Law
  • COMM 357 Internship
  • COMM 360 Media Entrepreneur
  • COMM 390 Applied Communications Seminar
  • APCS 112 Computer Applications for Communications
  • ART 134 2-Dimensional Design
  • ENGL 220 Introduction to Literature
  • ENGL 200+ Any Literature Course 200-level or above
  • ART/COMM 211 Digital Photography
Journalism Emphasis
  • COMM 220 Principles of Journalism and Reporting
  • COMM 320 Advanced Reporting
  • COMM 350 TV News II
Public Relations Emphasis
  • COMM 225 Writing for Public Relations
  • COMM 316 Public Relations Research and Campaigns
  • COMM 345 Public Relations Practicum 2
Video Production Emphasis
  • COMM 128 Audio Production and Radio
  • COMM 203 Media Writing Toward Video
  • COMM 350 TV News II

New Media Minor Courses

  • COMM 102 Media Writing
  • COMM 123 Media’s Past & Digital Future
  • COMM 126 Video Production I
  • COMM 238 Communication Theory & Ethics
  • COMM 250 TV News I
  • COMM 268 Social Media
Journalism Concentration
  • COMM 220 Principles of Journalism & Reporting
  • COMM 235 Media Practicum
Public Relations Concentration
  • COMM 225 Writing for Public Relations
  • COMM 235 Media Practicum
Video Concentration
  • COMM 128 Audio Production & Radio
  • COMM 226 Video Production II