MCDM PRACTICES AND PRINCIPLES

The Master of Communication in Digital Media is a degree program for working professionals, intended to balance fundamental theory and concepts with practical tools. It focuses on the economic, political, social and cultural impact of new communication technologies and encourages students to apply these concepts to their spheres of interest.

Many of our students are looking to advance their careers – some within their present organizations, others in new professional directions. They want a new perspective on technology. Although a few may pursue additional studies after completing the MCDM, the MCDM is not integrated into the Communication Department doctoral program.

At the end of the program, students should be able to:

- Identify and analyze the impacts of current digital media technology on business and social institutions.

- Understand how to use digital media tools to create and convey a message.

- Apply new business and management models based upon or impacted by digital media.

The MCDM provides high quality instruction with conceptual and practical applications. As such:

- The course plan should clearly lay out expectations and learning objectives.

- Class projects should flow directly from larger learning objectives.

- Grading and workload (3 hours a week per credit hour including class time) at this grad school level should also reflect that most students are working full-time, which may require instructors to be realistic, and flexible, in their expectations.

- A 3.5 - 4.0 grade reflects a substantive ability to master the course content, reflect upon it critically, fully participate in class, and express oneself in a way that expands the scope of the content beyond how it has been traditionally understood.

- A 3.0 – 3.4 grade reflects the ability to assimilate course content, understand its implications, express oneself clearly, and obvious progress in learning.

- A minimum of 2.7 is required for each course that is counted towards the degree.

- Final grades should be submitted in a timely manner.

Our students are expected to:

- Write coherently and clearly, completing assignments on time and as directed.

- Not miss more than two classes a quarter, unless due to extreme circumstances.

- Engage as much as possible with colleagues and the instructor.

- Stay current with the latest developments in digital media.