Digital Communication Design Major: Digital Marketing Option (B.S.)
The Bachelor of Science in Digital Communication Design prepares students for the expanding fields of digital communication and social media as used in business and the public sphere to market products, establish brands, enhance an organization’s presence in the public eye, and support the democratization of society. The program integrates technical and creative disciplines through the study of communication modes, media design, marketing fundamentals, and information technology. The B.S. in Digital Communication Design fosters learning that prepares graduates to make a strategic contribution in public and private enterprises that require the ability to convey messages effectively, manage information appropriately, respond to emerging environments, and employ technology strategically in a digital environment.
Degree Requirements
General Education Program Requirements
A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of two course overlaps. Overlaps can be used between Major, Minor and General Education requirements with only 8 credits overlapped between the Major and Minor.
All General Education requirements must be taken prior to the capstone.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Math for Our World | ||
| Statistics | ||
| Pre-Calculus | ||
| Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems | 4 | |
| Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World | 4 | |
| Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression | 4 | |
| CRIT 602 | Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking | 4 |
| IDIS 601A | Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy | 4 |
| or IDIS 601B | Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer | |
| or IDIS 601C | Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities | |
| Total Credits | 40 | |
Writing Program Requirements
All bachelor's degree candidates are required to complete four writing intensive courses as part of the University Writing Program Requirements as follows:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| The Writing Process | ||
One Writing Intensive course in the Major | ||
One Writing Intensive course at the 600-level or above | ||
One Additional Writing Intensive Course | ||
Writing Intensive courses are identified with the label "Writing Intensive Course" in the "Attributes" section of the course description and/or a W following the course number.
Major Requirements
Prior to capstone enrollment, students are expected to complete all General Education program requirements. Students should consult with their advisor regarding specific major courses that may be completed with their capstone. Refer to the Degree Plan for a sample course sequence. Academic Advisor approval is required for registration to be processed.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Major in Digital Communication Design | ||
| Foundational Courses | ||
| ART 401 | Introduction to Drawing | 4 |
| ART 512 | Fundamentals of Design | 4 |
| ART 515 | Digital Photography | 4 |
| Intermediate Courses | ||
| COM 504 | Web Development I | 4 |
| COM 535 | Visual Media Production | 4 |
| MKT 510 | Principles of Marketing | 4 |
| Advanced Courses | ||
| COM 680 | Trends in Digital and Social Media | 4 |
| COM 743 | Synthetic Media and the Construction of Reality | 4 |
| MKT 645 | Marketing Research | 4 |
| Option in Digital Marketing | ||
| MKT 517 | Consumer Behavior | 4 |
| MKT 615 | Digital Storytelling and Brand Management | 4 |
| Select three courses from the following: | 12 | |
| Writing for Visual Media | ||
| Advanced Visual Communication | ||
| Social Media Marketing | ||
| Agile Marketing | ||
| Digital Advertising | ||
| Marketing Design and Usability | ||
| Integrative Capstone | ||
| COM 798 | Integrative Capstone: Project in Digital Communication Design | 4 |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
Electives
Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, option or minor. Students will need 120 credits total to graduate with a bachelor's degree from the Online Division of the College of Professional Studies.
This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.
Sample Course Sequence
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| ART 401 | Introduction to Drawing | 4 |
| ART 515 | Digital Photography | 4 |
| ENG 420 | The Writing Process | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| ART 512 | Fundamentals of Design | 4 |
| COM 460 | Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics | 4 |
| CRIT 501 | Introduction to Critical Inquiry | 4 |
| MTH 402 | Math for Our World or Statistics or Pre-Calculus | 4 |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COM 480 | Visual Communication | 4 |
| COM 504 | Web Development I | 4 |
| MKT 510 | Principles of Marketing | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COM 535 | Visual Media Production | 4 |
| COM 545 | Digital Illustration | 4 |
| COM 645 | Advanced Digital Illustration | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CRIT 602 | Advanced Critical Analysis and Strategic Thinking | 4 |
| MKT 517 | Consumer Behavior | 4 |
| MKT 615 | Digital Storytelling and Brand Management | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| COM 680 | Trends in Digital and Social Media | 4 |
| MKT 645 | Marketing Research | 4 |
| COM 647 | Writing for Visual Media or Advanced Visual Communication or Social Media Marketing or Agile Marketing or Digital Advertising or Marketing Design and Usability | 4 |
| General Education Course | 4 | |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 20 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| COM 743 | Synthetic Media and the Construction of Reality | 4 |
| Advanced Visual Communication or Social Media Marketing or Agile Marketing or Marketing Research or Digital Advertising or Marketing Design and Usability | ||
| IDIS 601A | Interdisciplinary Seminar: Being Happy or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Business of Beer or Interdisciplinary Seminar: Paranormal Activities | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| COM 798 | Integrative Capstone: Project in Digital Communication Design | 4 |
| Elective | 4 | |
| Credits | 8 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- Express ideas and concepts through the development of digital content.
- Employ industry-standard information design, usability, and accessibility principles throughout the digital communication design process.
- Use optimal composition applications and technologies for specific media and design objectives.
- Develop various process models for digital content creation that reflect project aims, resources, constraints, and other variables.
- Develop methods of communication and content development for individuals, groups, and mass media informed by theories of communication and global culture.
- Develop digital content according to codes of ethics, privacy, conflict, and citizenship.