This course introduces students to the technology and techniques of digital image creation using SLR cameras. Starting with “what is digital” theory and principles, this course will train students in basic digital still camera photography, composition, and storage technique. It will then continue with each student shooting and editing their own photo essay, to be used as a first portfolio piece.

Students are introduced to shooting, editing, studio, lighting, and sound principles. A live studio project introduces all roles of studio production and team-building skills. Students write, produce and edit a one-minute montage on a digital edit system and learn the basic skills needed to edit on a digital system.

This course follows the techniques begun in MGD 110 Digital Photography I. Students will progress with their use of full manual exposure controls. Topics include professional techniques for creating product shots, portraits, and stock photography. Students will complete the course with a strong foundation in digital camera techniques for various print photography and e-publishing applications.

This is an introductory studio course that presents visual ideas using digital illustration. The course focuses on computer-based drawing and design techniques. Technical aspects of industry-standard illustration software will be studied, and studio projects will be developed from concept through completion. Course completion will result in a strong working foundation in the rudiments of digital illustration for professional practice.

This course will focus students’ shooting and editing abilities for field production situation. Students will also learn the technical operation of Adobe Premiere as well as some of the basics of the grammar of editing such as sequence building, pacing, and audio manipulation which aids in the establishment of a specified mood or style. A variety of editing approaches will be examined.

This course teaches the foundational guidelines that enable the creative design of graphics to fulfill specified communications requirements.

How to take a project from development to execution to evaluation is the objective of this course. Different styles of production will be examined for promotional, educational, and motivational videos. Two productions will be completed based on the approaches discussed in the lecture. Scripting and storyboarding for the projects is a critical factor. Using the shooting and editing skills learned in Term II, students will practice making informative and convincing media.

Eye-catching animated graphics are a growing trend in broadcast and non-broadcast television. Motion Graphics will introduce students to motion design aesthetics and professional animation software programs. This course will focus on designing for specific elements used in video projects – logo, titles, IDs, informational graphics, and symbolic images.

This course explores the development of visual identity systems as a core component of branding. Students learn to research, conceptualize, and design logos, typography, color palettes, and other visual elements to create cohesive and effective brand communications across print and digital media

The use of color correction software to achieve a unified, color-graded, and color-corrected production while editing is essential in today’s digital editing toolset. This course will explore various techniques to maintain consistency across shots and add color context within a visual story.

Students learn about the elements of pre-production involved in live studio work, the technical jobs required to carry out a live production, and the responsibilities of the producer and director. Studio lighting approaches such as 3-point lighting, chroma-key, use of gels, high and low key lighting using the studio lighting grid are discussed. Use of the waveform monitor and vectorscope will be introduced. Students will carry out two studio productions – a talk show and a commercial or PSA. Preparing a script, lighting plot as well as planning for other pre-production elements such as graphics and audio will be covered. Each student will experience the role of the director by directing his/her own talk show as well as participating as a crewmember for other students' productions.

The course explores the overwhelming popularity of Content Management Systems (CMS) to display and manage content for the web. Students will build a self-hosted WordPress website portfolio and learn all the features to modify the layout and display of content.

This course introduces students to the core principles and practices of digital marketing with a focus on social media, email marketing, content creation, and analytics. Students will explore how brands communicate and engage audiences in digital spaces while learning to create strategic, data-informed campaigns. Through hands-on projects, students will develop skills in content planning, campaign execution, and performance analysis across major platforms.

Podcasting is an exciting medium for immersive and informative storytelling. In this course, students will learn the basics of every aspect of narrative podcasting, from audio interviewing techniques, workflow and organization, construction and structuring an episode, script writing, and post-production mixing. Students will design, build, and launch a private podcast. In addition, students will study the equipment and techniques used in audio engineering in depth. Students will also study and develop advanced production techniques.

This course prepares students to develop a professional-quality portfolio and career materials for employment in the visual communication and media industries. Students will create and refine a portfolio showcasing business-oriented design and media projects while exploring strategies for personal branding, self-assessment, and professional presentation. The course covers resume development, demo/reel production, portfolio organization and format selection, interview techniques, job-search strategies, and workplace professionalism. Emphasis is placed on selecting and arranging work samples, articulating individual strengths and creative skills, and delivering effective portfolio presentations in interview settings. Upon completion, students will have a polished portfolio, professional resume and reel, and the confidence and skills necessary to pursue career opportunities in the visual communication and media fields.

A video, graphic design or audio program is produced that exhibits students’ abilities in developing a project from concept to completion. A detailed proposal for the project must be submitted for approval to a designated faculty member.

Students receive credit for practical work experience in the field with a commercial (or equivalent) company. Students must make a written application to the department chair with selection based on academic achievement, attendance, and defined job skill requirements.