Discover the exciting world of Creative New Media

26 Oct 2017

Technology around the world is evolving at an extraordinary rate, making the realm of new media and communication more exciting than ever before.

Media Studies is a truly contemporary subject that plays a significant role in society and our lives. As such, the ability to analyse and study new media is a really great skill to have. Students of new media are equipped for the future, graduating with the technological skills and leadership expertise needed to be effective communicators and global citizens.

Students will learn to work as a team to solve organisational issues, cultivating leadership qualities, integrating business theory, practice and communication. A degree in Creative New Media opens the door to a number of career opportunities after graduation. Independent film making, film and television industries, advertising, marketing and public relations, animation and media design, publishing and journalism are all potential careers, while the skills attained are easily transferable to other employment paths.

In the UK, a previous Office of National Statistics study found that people with a degree in media have the second-highest employment rate – demonstrating the potential opportunities that a degree in media could lead to.

Here are five US universities that are pioneers in the field of media and communication…

SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITY

As a small liberal arts school, the opportunities for communication and collaboration between different academic departments and disciplines abound at Siena Heights University, and that’s exactly the way they approach the study of new media. With a broad theoretical foundation in communications, popular culture, and film and media studies, students are then able to pursue their unique interests and strengths allowed in the flexibility of the program. The focus on the critical analysis of new media content, societal structures, and media literacy filtered through the university’s mission of social responsibility and justice challenges students to think beyond the surface.

With that foundation, students then choose their own path through various concentrations in digital communications, marketing, and content creation to suit their own needs. Taught by faculty with professional, as well as teaching, expertise, students gain practical skills in areas such as UX/UI, graphic design, messaging, branding, photography, video, web news, and magazine publications to prepare them for their future careers in digital media.

To further enhance the practical application of the theoretical frameworks and learned skills, students engage in experiential learning with a focus on their individual goals. The emphasis on individualized research, creative projects, and internships prepare Siena students accomplish their goals and succeed in their careers. However, the hands-on faculty and spirit of community offered at Siena ensure that, every step of the way, students have the guidance necessary to achieve their dreams and have a positive impact on their world.

HARRINGTON SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA, UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND

The Harrington School of Communication and Media is one of the most successful institutes at the University of Rhode Island, driven by the individualised attention and mentoring each student receives – made possible by small class sizes and first-class teaching methods. Teachers are dedicated to ensuring their students are prepared with the necessary knowledge, skills and experience needed to further their career after graduation.

With around 1,000 students and more than 150 course offerings each semester, the Department of Communication and Media is an intellectually- and culturally-diverse community, committed to exploring human communication from historical, cultural, philosophical, socio-political, and social-scientific points of view.

The BA degree program in Communication Studies is personalised for each student, providing maximum flexibility when planning for various academic and occupational goals. Students work alongside advisors to design a curricular program that works for them, while courses outside of the department that relate to student needs and goals are also encouraged.

Students here get to grips with the new technologies and facilities involved in film and media – including 3D animation, game design and new media – with a detailed understanding of their cultural contexts.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION, INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

One of the largest academic departments at Indiana State University, the Department of Communication offers a series of BA and BSc degrees with a focus on Communication and Culture, Journalism, Media Studies, and Public Relations. The department’s MA program offers advanced studies in these fields.

Here, the curriculum is designed to prepare students for the constantly changing world around them. The communication program practices experiential learning through a course of study that includes common core requirements. Students are able to take courses in history, theory, and practice of communication, conduct research and engage in writing projects.

Participants learn the complexities of the communication process as the foundation of the ongoing human process of meaning-making and community-building. The diverse range of identities within our local and global communities are explored in class, while students also gain a grasp of the wide range of information technologies that shape communication in the world today.

Throughout the course of study, students will learn the variety of communication practices found in a multicultural and globalised society, applying an ethical framework to various communication interactions and dilemmas.

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION, SPALDING UNIVERSITY

Community is at the heart of study at Spalding University; a school that actively encourages students to volunteer, teach, advocate, organise and give back to the surrounding community. The diverse environment provides students with the perfect opportunity to broaden their academic horizons through the interaction with artists, veterans, activists, parents, religious leaders, and athletes that make up the university.

Courses here range from public relations and social media to digital multimedia and business communication, collaborating with external entities to ensure students have the best possible opportunity to succeed in their career post-graduation. Students are presented with the chance to work with top employers in the area for internships, such as Brown Forman, the Kentucky Derby Festival, WHAS 11, and Greater Louisville, Inc.

Students of the BSc in Communication work closely with their faculty advisor to craft their course selection in-line with their professional goals. Options range from public relations, social media, and organisational, intercultural and leadership communication, with students encouraged to seek out opportunities in a specific market niche.

The MSc in Business Communication is an integrated business curriculum with a focus on the development of written, oral and presentation skills. The school works with business leaders in the area to ensure that students are working to succeed in their goals.

DEPARTMENT OF MASS COMMUNICATIONS, VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY

The mission of the Department of Mass Communications at Virginia State University is to pursue excellence while preparing and inspiring student leaders to be transformative global innovators, adept at traditional and emerging communication technologies and prepared for evolving communication careers.

Using state-of-the-art audio and video equipment in the school’s labs, students explore the world of new media and technology. There is plenty of chance to gain practical experience in their desired specialities, underlined by a requirement to undertake an internship during the BA program. There is a variety of unique experiences available, while students are also able to work on the staff of VSU’s student newspaper, or at WVST television studio or radio station.

Dedicated faculty and staff members boast a wealth of professional expertise and creativity ready to impart on students. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications is one of the most sought-after majors at Virginia State, with graduates regularly going on to open their own businesses, work in area television or radio stations, serve as media specialists for government agencies and businesses, or continue their education through a master’s degree.

*Some of the institutions featured in this article are commercial partners of Study International