NEW MEDIA and WEB DESIGN

New media and web design is a 45-credit interdisciplinary major offered through the Department of Communication.

The Program

Students interested in pursuing the undergraduate degree must begin by completing pre-communication requirements. After completing these requirements, students submit the pre- communication form available on the department web site, www.ndsu.edu/communication. Following verification of course work completed, students will be accepted into the professional program.

Pre-communication Preparation

Students must complete 21 credits of selected courses with a grade of B or above to become new media and web design majors. The courses are Comm. 110; Comm. 112; Comm. 114; Comm. 212; Comm. 216; Engl. 110 (unless exempt); Engl. 120; Soc. 110 or PolS. 110 or Psyc. 111 or CJ. 201. Pre-communication preparation courses may be retaken one time only.

New Media and Web Design Major

Students may earn a Bachelor of Science degree (includes an approved minor) or a Bachelor of Arts degree (includes proficiency in a modern language) based on completion of all pre- communication preparation courses and major requirements. Students are encouraged to specialize within the major by choosing electives based on development (coding and programming) or design (content, interface and marketing).

Career Opportunities

This major is designed to fill an important need for students educated in the variety of theory and practices that many industry professionals call new media. This preparation includes not only skills in preparing content, designing and coding Internet web sites, but also examination of larger issues as digital media becomes pervasive in all levels of society. Questions of the web as it relates to journalism, communication studies, ethics, law, art, socialization, war, global culture, and other areas of culture and society will be part of classes in this major.

Web Design Minor

Many other majors offered at NDSU can be greatly enhanced by a web design minor. The 21-credit interdisciplinary minor includes a nine-credit core and 12 credits of specialized electives from at least two departments.

Internship Program

The three-credit internship offers practical experience for the new media and web design major or web design minor, and is required for both. Students put to practical use the knowledge gained through their web studies course work by building a working web site for a client. After proposing a capstone project to a designated capstone advisor, students work independently, reporting occasionally to their advisor. Students are required to present results of their capstone work to the advisor for grading. Many groups and organizations need web site development, and this practical experience often leads to recommendations and jobs.

Scholarships

The department awards a number of scholarships to juniors and seniors with financial need who excel in academics and who have demonstrated career potential and commitment. Applications are available in March for awards in May. Visit the department web site for more information.

Extra-Curricular Activities

The University has two honorary societies for top students majoring in a degree program offered by the Department of Communication. Pi Kappa Delta is a national honor fraternity for students involved in human communication activities. Lambda Pi Eta is a national honorary for majors with high grades and achievement.

High School Preparation

A well-rounded high school education with some experiences in high school music, forensics, theater, journalism, FFA and scouting often serves as good preparation for students in communication-related fields. Students with interests in science and art, business and service, and publicity and promotion will find this to be a compatible major. While students are not expected to bring computer programming background to the new media and web design major, some programming knowledge is required to complete the degree. Prospective students may find that a basic background in mathematics will enhance their preparation for the major.

The Faculty

Faculty members in the Department of Communication are committed teachers, researchers, scholars and practitioners. The faculty earned doctorates at the universities of Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Southern California, Tennessee; Wyoming, Michigan State, Penn State, Purdue; and University of Cambridge (UK). Students of new media and web design also profit from a team of ITS web development and other specialists who advise the department in this area and teach some specialized classes. Also enhancing this interdisciplinary program are faculty from several departments, including art, business, computer science, English, and management information systems.

Sample Curriculum

This sample curriculum is not intended to serve as a curriculum guide for current students, but rather an example of course offerings for prospective students. For the curriculum requirements in effect at the time of entrance into a program, consult with an academic adviser or with the Office of Registration and Records.

Contact Information

Department of Communication
North Dakota State University
Ehly Hall 202
Dept #2310
PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-7705
Fax: (701) 231-7784
Email: Mark.Meister@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/communication

Office of Admission

North Dakota State University
Ceres 114
Dept 5230, PO Box 6050
Fargo, ND 58108-6050

Tel: (701) 231-8643
Fax: (701) 231-8802
Email: NDSU.Admission@ndsu.edu
Web: www.ndsu.edu/admission/

(07/12)