Computer Information Systems Minor
Advantages
Gain knowledge of both computer science and management information systems while focusing on an applied curriculum rather than theoretical.
Outcome
Web Designer
A unique degree in digital media informatics will hone your creative knowledge in communications, computer science, and information systems in one flexible program.
Major
On Campus
A digital media informatics major will expose you to the technical skills and creative methods necessary for a variety of exciting careers. This vibrant field focuses on how media consumers, the media industry, and computer systems create and shape the content we consume every day.
Beginning with a core curriculum including courses in Mass Media and Society, Social Media Informatics, and Introduction to Programming, you'll then choose one of four specializations.
With new courses added as innovations develop in the field, you'll constantly be on the cutting-edge of today's ever-evolving media environment. Whether you want to focus on building websites, digital storytelling, game design, mobile app development, or beyond, you'll find your home in the digital media informatics program.
This specialization focuses on broadcast media. Students gain skills in television, radio and film production, including visual effects, digital editing, and music theory.
View Loading... requirements for the audio-visual specialization.
This specialization focuses on web and mobile app development. Students become proficient in critical aspects of interactive multimedia design and production through courses in studio art, interactive media, and mobile app development.
View Loading... requirements for the web & mobile apps development specialization.
This specialization focuses on various aspects of game and computer graphic design, including characters, environments, and visual effects, using game engines.
View Loading... requirements for the game design & graphics specialization.
This specialization focuses on integrative studies of creative writing and information technology. Students gain skills in multimedia, technical, screenwriting, and broadcast news writing, which open up career opportunities in the digital content writing field.
View Loading... requirements for the digital writing specialization.
Widener's pre-professional pathways give you the flexibility to follow your interests while preparing for a professional career.
Digital media informatics majors can participate in the following pathways:
Through Widener’s Accelerated Advantage program, you can earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree with only one additional year of study—saving you valuable time and money. Master's degrees can be earned in allied health education (MEd), business administration (MBA), criminal justice (MCJ), organizational development and leadership (MA), and public administration (MPA).
While Widener does not offer a master’s degree in the same field as this major, you can still select from a variety of powerhouse master’s programs that will enhance your job opportunities and prepare you for rapid career growth.
College is about exploration. At Widener, you'll complete a general education curriculum that supports just that. You'll have the flexibility and freedom to dive deep into the topics that spark curiosity, challenge your mind, and power your personal and academic growth.
Along the way, you'll cultivate critical, meaningful skills employers seek, including:
It all starts with ASC 101: Thinking Through — a selection of around 40 course topics that will encourage you to go deeper and examine complex issues that shape our world and our ways of relating to one another. When you dive into the possibilities, you're sure to find multiple courses that inspire and intrigue you, regardless of whether they align with your major! Think of it as an opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and truly learn something new. Then, in your senior year, you'll come full circle with a capstone course that takes your Thinking Through topic to new heights strengthened by everything you've cultivated along your college journey.
Interested in gaining real-world work experience before you graduate? As a student, you can tap into powerful networks of faculty mentors, alumni, and Career Design & Development professionals to find your perfect fit.
You'll have multiple opportunities to gain internship or externship support, including the Widener Works program—an externship program that takes place over winter break. Widener also offers an Experience MORE program which helps financially support students who have unpaid or low-paying internships.
Gain knowledge of both computer science and management information systems while focusing on an applied curriculum rather than theoretical.
Web Designer
Expand your knowledge of how computers function through coding and advanced math courses.
Game Designer
Explore your creative side through art and music history courses and studio art classes to complement digital design skills.
Graphic Designer
Kick off your career by learning how to design, promote, and execute successful events for sports teams and other organizations.
Sports Marketer
Explore digital production, communication theory, and mass media courses that will empower you to effectively communicate across unique audiences.
Broadcast Engineer
Develop your passion across creative and professional writing forms and gain critical thinking skills necessary to create effective, engaging content.
Digital Content Writer
Employment of web developers and digital designers are expected to increase by 23% by 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Employment Projections.
2021 median pay for web developers and digital designers
Freedom Hall houses communication studies, computer science, and digital media informatics. Here, you'll have access to an expansive digital television studio, three editing suites, top-of-the-line video and audio equipment, computer labs equipped with Linux and Windows, a state-of-the-art computer forensics laboratory, and a cluster computer with over 1000 processing cores.
Take your knowledge right from the classroom to real-life projects. You can get involved in research designing computing curriculum for high school STEM camps, attend a professional conference, and present at a poster session. You'll also be able to engage in summer research after your first year, helping you snag a paid internship down the road.
You'll also have the opportunity to join various clubs and organizations across and campus to expand your network, including the Computer Science Club, Public Relations Student Society of America, and many more.
We want to get to know you and see you succeed. Professors will pay attention to how you learn and what you want to accomplish. Your Personal Student Success Team—faculty and peer mentors and liaisons for campus resources—will make sure your first year runs smoothly.
Without skipping a beat, you’ll have what you need to make Widener your second home. And you’ll know how to invest in the greater community, from professional opportunities in Philadelphia to volunteer experiences in your new backyard.
Lean more about faculty mentorship
Explore resources for academic & career support
Find support for health & wellbeing
"Widener’s programs provide students with the experience and knowledge to enable them to become leaders in the IT industry. Teaching with personal attention is our primary goal; classes are small."
"I'm privileged to teach our students at different points throughout their journey. From initial interactions during first-year seminar, providing a preview of the many career paths they may take, to foundational courses where students make the connection between the “why’s” of what they do (theory/research) and the how’s (hands on, production and campaigns courses), and finally applying all that they’ve learned to work for a real client during their Capstone project. It makes my heart smile with pride to watch seniors present their Capstone and reflect on how far they've come through their journey in our program."
The annual MLK Day of Service gave Widener students, faculty, and staff the chance to celebrate the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his vision of social justice and community-building.
Internships can provide valuable learning opportunities and hands-on skills for students. Recently, a group of students from majors across the university completed Widener’s first international internships.
Struggling in class? Trying to strike a healthy balance between school and life commitments? Want accountability to maintain strong grades? The Office of Student Success can help.
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Applying to Widener is easy—and free! Simply complete our Widener Application or the Common Application. You'll also need your official high school transcript and either an admissions essay or your SAT/ACT scores. We're a test-optional school, so there's no need to submit both.
Know you're interested in applying to Widener but unsure if you're ready to zero-in on a major? You can apply as an Exploratory Studies student with an undecided major. This program will help you start your college journey on the right foot while you explore which undergraduate program is the right fit for you.
We accept applications on a rolling basis—there are no hard deadlines. Apply when you're ready and we'll take a look as soon as we receive your app.
Key dates to keep in mind:
Once we receive your application and all materials, you can expect to hear back from us quickly. Along with your application decision, you'll also find out about any merit-based scholarship awards. You're automatically considered for merit scholarships as soon as you apply—you don't need to apply separately.
If you apply before November 1, you are considered an Early Action applicant which comes with benefits like:
All applications are non-binding, so why wait? Apply today!
Our admissions team will help you make the most of college-level credits earned after high school. We maintain strong partnerships and articulation agreements with numerous local community colleges and also accept a wide range of course credits earned at accredited colleges and universities.
Curious about how many credits may transfer? Email your transcripts to transfer@widener.edu and our transfer coordinator will personally review your coursework as an unofficial credit evaluation. Applicants are given priority during busy seasons, but you don't have to apply to work with our transfer coordinator.
Transferring doesn't have to be a guessing game—share your stats and we'll take it from there!
Widener University serves as a "second home" for students from around the world. We are located just outside of Philadelphia and close to New York City and Washington, D.C.—offering many unique professional and personal opportunities to explore.
Want to know what it's like to be an international student on campus or need assistance navigating English proficiency requirements? We're here to help, and our international admissions director will support you through the application process.
This support doesn't end with admissions—our International Student Support team will serve as a valuable resource throughout your Widener journey—meeting Visa/immigration requirements, getting acclimated to campus, and much more.
Learn more about applying as an international student
Learn more about life at Widener as an international student
Because Widener is a private institution, we're able to offer financial assistance that brings an exceptional education within reach. Complete your admissions application today to determine your financial aid package, including scholarships and grants.
Submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step to getting you the financial assistance to make the cost of college—an investment in your future—affordable. This free, online application is the gateway to grants, loans, and other forms of financial aid. Every year, the U.S. Department of Education offers billions of dollars in financial aid to eligible students. Widener gets in on the action, too, annually awarding aid to students with need.
You and at least one parent or caregiver will need a separate FSA ID to access the Federal Student Aid's online system and serve as your legal signatures. Make sure to create your unique FSA IDs before you get started. Our school code is 003313.
Nearly 100% of new full-time undergraduate students receive significant financial aid offers that reduce out-of-pocket costs and make a Widener education not only affordable, but well worth the investment. In fact, once your total financial aid is calculated, the cost of a Widener education is often equal to if not lower than other competitive universities–but with far superior outcomes for your career and earning potential.
The first step to see how much aid you qualify for is submitting the FAFSA.
Funding you don't have to pay back after graduation? That's a win-win! Scholarships and grants are a way for the university and other organizations to honor the academic, merit, and talent-based achievements of our students.
In the Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you can save up to a year of tuition by pursuing a master's degree—resulting in thousands of dollars in savings. During your fifth year of study, you can also apply for graduate-level scholarships and assistantships to further reduce education costs. To learn more about graduate scholarships and assistantships, please speak with your academic advisor during the spring semester of your senior year.
To visit Widener is to fall in love with the place. But don't take our word—experience it for yourself. Plan a visit to connect with our students, faculty, and staff.
We offer a variety of events to get to know Widener—from virtual sessions, workshops, and private tours, to the big splash of our signature open houses.
Have a question about Widener? Drop us a line and an admissions counselor will be in touch. We're always happy to help!
Applying online is easy—and it's free! We also accept the Common Application. Take the next step toward joining the Widener Pride.
Muller Hall
University Pl
Chester, PA 19013
Freedom Hall, Room 313