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
Undergraduate Major
Digital Media Informatics Major (BA)
A unique degree in digital media informatics will hone your creative knowledge in communications, computer science, and information systems in one flexible program.
At a Glance
Click to Open
Offered as
Major
4+1 Bachelor's + Master's
College/School
Campus Location
- Chester, PA
Explore the Digital Media Informatics Major
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:
- Audio-Visual
- Graphics, Mobile, and Web Development
- Gaming and Artificial Intelligence
- Digital Writing
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.
Digital Media Informatics Specializations
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 graphics, web design, and mobile app development. Students become proficient in critical aspects of interactive multimedia design and production through courses in studio art, interactive media, and computer graphics.
View Loading... requirements for the graphics, mobile, & web development specialization.
This specialization focuses on various aspects of game and computer graphic design. Students gain skills in designing software that is capable of intelligent behavior and explore 3D programming with technology like Alice.
View Loading... requirements for the gaming & artificial intelligence 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.
Digital Media Informatics Program Options
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:
At Widener, you can earn a bachelor's and a master's degree with only one additional year of study—regardless of your chosen major. Through our Accelerated Advantage 4+1 program, you'll earn your bachelor's of choice and choose from a range of master's degrees that will enhance your job opportunities and prepare you for rapid career growth—all while saving you time and money.
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.
Pair Your Digital Media Informatics Major with a Minor or Certificate
Career Outlook & Outcomes for Digital Media Informatics Majors
Why Study Digital Media Informatics at Widener?
Learn in State-of-the-Art Facilities
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.
Engage Beyond the Classroom
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.
Experience Mentorship & Support From Day One
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
Our Faculty
"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 freshman 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."
Recent News
How We Spent our Summer Vacation
Partnering with faculty advisors, more than 60 students participated in the annual Summer Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities (SURCA) program, applying what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-life, hands-on projects.
President's Award Winner: “My Experience at Widener has been Transformational”
President’s Award Winner Ijjae Hill reflects on her time at Widener as she prepares to receive her undergraduate degree.
Building Skills and Connections: The Value of Student-Workers on Campus
At Widener, students are engaged across campus in various on-campus jobs that enhance professional development and create a sense of community beyond their classroom experience.
Admissions & Aid
Our admissions and financial aid teams are here to support you every step of the way. Have a question? Ask away!
Admissions
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.
When to Apply
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:
- October 1: FAFSA opens for the next academic year (Widener's school code is 003313)
- November 1: Early Action deadline and decision notifications begin
What to Expect After Applying
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:
- Receiving your admissions decision by Thanksgiving
- Early consideration for merit-based scholarships
- Early notification of financial aid offers, including need-based awards
- Priority enrollment for summer registration—where you sign up for classes!
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.
Financial Aid
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.
Paths to Savings
95% of Undergrad Students Receive Financial Aid
Nearly 100% of new 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.
Scholarships Start at $90,000 Over 4 Years
(including $20,000 per academic year for transfer students)
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.
4+1 Students Save Time & Tuition
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.
Undergraduate Admissions Office
-
Muller Hall
- 888-WIDENER
- admissions.office@widener.edu
Digital Media Informatics Department
-
Freedom Hall, Room 313
- 610-499-4367
- ykortsarts@widener.edu