Where and how people consume their news and entertainment continues to evolve, making new media an exciting and ever-changing field. New media students are exposed to a world of possibilities as they study computer science, performing arts, communication, visual arts and more. They build critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills, and develop communication skills needed in the world of global media.
New Media Studies offers students an innovative program of study that is structured in three tiers. New Media Studies majors in Visual Art will be prepared for careers in such fields as digital motion graphics, game and apps design, social media applications for advertising and marketing, digital projections and special effects for live performance, audio/video production, 2-D and 3-D animation, and as creative mixed-media artists working primarily with digital technologies.
Concentrations
The Digital Media Design concentration in the New Media Studies major requires artistic capability and basic software skills. Students take advanced courses in graphic design, contemporary art, 2D and 3D animation, and illustration.
The Integrated Communication Media concentration in the New Media Studies major prepares students for careers in radio, video and television production. Courses in digital photography and motion graphic design ensure graduates are well-rounded and prepared to succeed in today's workforce.
The Media Computation concentration in the New Media Studies major offers students courses in computer science, programming, data mining, and computer and video game development.
Students in the Multimedia Writing, Form and Analysis concentration in the New Media Studies major learn electronic literature, writing for digital environments, digital game studies and copyright in the digital age.
The Performance Media concentration in the New Media Studies major offers courses and hands-on learning in performance, music, multimedia composition, digital 3-D, and theatre lighting and sound.
Students apply the skills they acquire in laboratory settings to participate in internships at established and recognized industry sites and through independent or group creative projects under the supervision of dedicated and experienced faculty.
Career Options
3D animator
Digital content writer
Exhibition designer and planner
Lighting designer
Audio engineer
Mobile app developer
VR/AR designer
Motion Capture artist
Performance and media critic
Video game designer or writer
Successful Alumni
Recent Eastern students who earned a bachelor’s degree in New Media Studies are at the following companies:
Theatre and New Media Studies double-major Capri Agresta ’21 is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in scenic technology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. “My undergraduate experience provided me with many hands-on opportunities, including several leadership positions for our mainstage shows. Eastern allowed me to build a portfolio that showcases my carpentry and drafting skills, which is helping to launch my career.”
New Media Studies
Jacob Castillo ’17
“Eastern is a great place to study New Media because of the personalized experience. Every professor I had was more than willing to meet and lend a helping hand; they really care about each student as an individual. And with the brand new Fine Arts and Communication buildings, now more than ever is a good time to get into New Media at Eastern.”
New Media Studies
Matthew Vitello ’17
Matthew is a creative designer at Digital Media Solutions Group. “My experience at Eastern and the New Media Studies program gave me the technical as well as interpersonal skills I needed to get into the workforce. Furthermore, I was able to participate in internships, independent studies and other projects that helped me evolve.”
New Media Studies
Danielle Flaherty ’17
Danielle is a marketing and social media coordinator at Educational Resources for Children. “New media is an ever-expanding field. I concentrated in Media Computation and minored in Computer Science and now work for a nonprofit organization. Between helping the community we serve and working in the marketing/design field, I’m able to make a difference while also making a living.”
New Media Studies
Jessica Marciante ’18
Jess is a senior program instructor at Camp Jewell YMCA. “My New Media Studies major definitely helped me prepare for success in my field. I have used my Photoshop skills to develop social media assets. In addition, due to the variety of writing courses I have had, I was able to create copy for Instagram posts and other projects.”
Savannah College of Art and Design
Wasan Hayajneh ’20
New Media Studies major Wasan Hayajneh '20 is pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in animation at the Savannah College of Art and Design. “The courses I took at Eastern gave me the basis to pursue animation, particularly the multimodal writing and film class. These new media aspects in combination with my illustration degree were instrumental to helping me get where I am today.”
