Digital Media MS

2 Years On Campus Masters Program

Drexel University

Program Overview

Drexel’s MS in Digital Media is a 45-credit, STEM-designated interdisciplinary program that prepares you for advanced work in digital design, animation, games, immersive media and critical media studies, built around three domains: Art and Design, Technology and Critical Thinking. It suits creative technologists, such as animators, game designers and interactive artists, who want to work with real-time rendering, VR/AR and AI-enhanced workflows while thinking critically about the impact of what they build.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Building creative and technical fluency. Your first year covers nine required 3-credit courses spread across all three domains. You’ll explore ideas and storytelling in DIGM 551 Critical and Speculative Design for Digital Media and DIGM 552 Visual Storytelling in Digital Media, then build your technical toolkit with DIGM 562 Interactive Media and User Experience and DIGM 563 Emerging Technologies in Digital Media. Courses in media theory and project management round out the year, so you’re ready to specialize in Year 2.

Year 2: Going deeper and finishing with your own work. You’ll take three upper-level courses, DIGM 664 Advanced Topics in Digital Media, DIGM 674 Ethics and Social Impact of Digital Media and DIGM 675 Future Trends in Digital Media. Alongside them you complete a final-year Capstone Project or Research Thesis over three terms, supported by DIGM 691, DIGM 692 and DIGM 693 (Digital Media Research and Project Development I and II, and Thesis/Capstone Finalization). The capstone can be a professional artifact such as an animation, game or immersive application, while the thesis is a scholarly investigation. Full-time students finish in two academic years (six quarters), and a part-time path is also available.

Focus Areas: Animation, game design, immersive media (VR/AR), interactive media and user experience, emerging technologies including AI and spatial computing, critical media theory, and the ethics of digital media.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates will understand digital media research methods, analyze the cultural and ethical impact of digital media, apply principles of interaction, play and user experience design, and critically evaluate emerging technologies. They will also collaborate effectively in academic and industry project settings, communicate results in written, visual and digital formats, adapt to evolving tools, and combine critical thinking with creative problem-solving.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The catalog page doesn’t list a program-specific accreditation or professional body. It does point to professional alignment through the program’s STEM designation, its industry-standard facilities, and a standard occupational classification code (SOC 15-1134) that places the degree in the web and digital interface design field. Those facilities include a professional-grade LED volume wall for virtual production, a Vicon motion capture system and animation and game development studios in the URBN Center.

Reputation (Employability Rankings): The catalog page publishes no rankings or employability statistics, so I haven’t invented any. What it does offer is faculty depth, including program directors in animation and visual effects, user experience and interaction design, VR and immersive media, and game design and production.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Drexel University, the Digital Media MS program is designed to immerse students in hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge tools that enhance their learning and prepare them for successful careers in the digital media landscape. The program emphasizes experiential learning through collaborative projects, internships, and the use of industry-standard software, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the field.

Here are some key aspects of the experiential learning opportunities available in the Digital Media MS program:

- Collaborative Projects: Engage in team-based projects that simulate real-world scenarios, allowing you to develop teamwork and communication skills essential for the industry.

- Internships: Take advantage of Drexel's strong connections with local and national companies to secure internships that provide valuable work experience and networking opportunities.

- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Utilize advanced labs and studios equipped with the latest technology for video production, animation, and interactive media design.

- Industry-Standard Software: Gain proficiency in essential software tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Unity, and other digital media applications that are widely used in the industry.

- Field Trips: Participate in organized visits to media companies, studios, and industry events to gain insights into current trends and practices in digital media.

- Research Opportunities: Access dedicated laboratories for research projects, allowing you to explore innovative ideas and contribute to the field of digital media.

- Libraries and Resources: Benefit from extensive library resources, including digital archives and databases, to support your research and creative projects.

- Institutes and Centers: Collaborate with various institutes at Drexel, such as the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design, which fosters interdisciplinary learning and innovation.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The Digital Media MS program at Drexel University equips graduates with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Alumni have successfully transitioned into roles such as Digital Marketing Manager, User Experience Designer, and Multimedia Artist. With a strong emphasis on practical experience and industry connections, this program prepares students for a dynamic career in digital media.

Here’s what you can expect in terms of progression and future opportunities:

- University Services: Drexel offers robust career services, including personalized career counseling, resume workshops, and networking events that connect students with industry professionals.
- Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Graduates of the Digital Media MS program have a high employment rate, with many securing positions within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for graduates in this field is around $70,000, with potential for growth as experience increases.
- University–Industry Partnerships: Drexel has established partnerships with leading companies in the digital media sector, such as Comcast and SAP, providing students with internship opportunities and real-world projects that enhance their learning experience.
- Long-term Accreditation Value: The program is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, ensuring that the education you receive meets high standards and is recognized by employers.
- Graduation Outcomes: Over 90% of graduates report satisfaction with their education and feel well-prepared for their careers, highlighting the program's effectiveness in meeting industry demands.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the Digital Media MS program, students have the option to pursue a PhD in Digital Media or related fields, allowing for deeper research opportunities and academic advancement. Additionally, graduates can explore certifications in specialized areas such as UX design or digital marketing, further enhancing their expertise and career prospects.