Lead the Future of Digital Communication

Communicate with purpose, creativity, and clarity in an ever-evolving digital world with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Studies from Concordia University Irvine. With an interdisciplinary curriculum, this dynamic major blends communication theory, content creation, data literacy, and digital storytelling.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have the tools to design, produce, and distribute compelling media across various platforms — from podcasts and video to social media campaigns and branded content. With our unique, ethically rooted lens, you’ll be empowered to communicate truthfully, thoughtfully, and responsibly in today’s complex media landscape.

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Opportunities for Digital Media Studies Majors

Digital media professionals are storytellers, strategists, designers, and critical thinkers. At Concordia, Digital Media Studies majors develop skills that span communication, design, technology, and data, preparing them for impactful roles in today’s content-driven economy.

Academic Opportunities

As a Digital Media Studies major, you can combine your degree with a related minor.

Extracurricular Activities

Build a strong portfolio and participate in service-learning assignments for campus or nonprofit organizations within the community.

Podcasting and Video Projects
On-Campus Media Campaigns for Clubs and Organizations

Facilities

Access state-of-the-art media labs, editing suites, and collaborative workspaces equipped with industry-standard software and technology, providing hands-on opportunities to develop creative and technical skills.

State-of-the-Art Music Recording Studio

The Borland-Manske Center studio suite, completed in 2019, is a top-tier facility designed by John Storyk. It features a 1100 sq. ft. main studio with a live room for 25 musicians, isolation booths, an amp room, a control room, and a producer’s office. Additionally, 5000 sq. ft. of recording space is available in orchestral and choral halls, each equipped with 32 audio channels and a Steinway B piano.

Access to Film Production Resources

Students have access to industry standard gear and a video space equipped with a green screen. The program emphasizes hands-on learning through one-on-one support and mentorship, empowering students to bring their creative visions to life using real-world tools and guidance.

Mac Graphics Suite Lab

Provides students with a state-of-the-art digital design environment, featuring industry-standard Apple workstations and software for graphic design, illustration, and digital media production. Equipped with ergonomic workspaces, high-resolution displays, and advanced peripherals, the lab fosters creativity and professional skill development.

John & Linda Friend Art Gallery

Serves as a dynamic space for artistic exploration, hosting exhibitions by visiting artists, faculty, and students. Through curated installations and guest lectures, the gallery inspires visual artists to engage with contemporary artistic discourse while developing their unique creative voice.

Internships

As part of the program, you’ll complete an internship or capstone project, building real-world experience and an industry-ready portfolio. Concordia’s location in Southern California gives you access to leading companies in media, entertainment, and marketing. Internship settings may include:

Marketing and Communications Departments
Sports and Entertainment Companies

PR Firms and Advertising Agencies
Social Media Strategy Teams

Film and Video Production Companies
Nonprofit and Community Media Projects

Graduate Schools Attended

While this is a newer program, students with related degrees have successfully gained admission to the graduate schools of their choice. The rigor of a Concordia education—combined with the close mentorship and guidance of dedicated faculty—equips you for success in pursuing your master’s or doctorate.

University of Utah
Academy of Art University, San Francisco
Laguna College of Art and Design

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of Arizona
University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

University of Texas at Austin

Curriculum

The B.A. in Digital Media Studies at Concordia spans disciplines like journalism, graphic design, computer science, and marketing. With its interdisciplinary curriculum, this program gives you a competitive edge in this growing field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, media and communication occupations are projected to grow 4% nationally, with California expecting 6.4% growth and nearly 40,000 new jobs by 2032. Through hands-on coursework, you’ll get workforce-ready with the tools, tech, and training used by today’s top media professionals — including Adobe Creative Cloud and AI.

Digital Media Studies Sample Courses

COM 280: Theories of Human Communication
3

As a systematic exploration of the theories scholars use to explain human communication, this course will deal with rhetoric, persuasion, interpersonal, intercultural, small group, media, organizational, and gender communications.

COM 281: Big Data and A.I. Literacy
3

This course introduces students to the foundational concepts of big data, focusing on data’s impact on communication in society. The course emphasizes ethical considerations and responsible use of data in democratic society. Students will develop critical thinking skills to evaluate data sources, methods of collection, and the implications of big data on privacy, democracy, and social justice.

COM 312: Podcasting and Video on Demand Theory and Production
3

This course explores the theoretical and practical aspects of podcasting and video on demand (VOD) production. Students will learn key elements of digital storytelling, audio and video production, and distribution techniques. By the end of the course, students will produce a multi-episode podcast and a short VOD project while analyzing the role of influencers and creators in shaping online content.

COM 310: Writing for Content Marketing
3

This course equips students with the skills needed to write both long-form and short marketing materials and custom content (branding) articles and media pieces for corporate, government and nonprofit agencies. Students will create articles that are sound in content and mechanics. They will explore the practices of good journalism and learn how to position a corporation’s “story” within 21st century mass media. An emphasis will be placed on crafting content tailored to specific audiences and mediums – such as blogs, social and video – to meet the needs of a client (company, organization, brand or product). Working with corporate executives, public relations and advertising agencies will also be explored.

COM 471: Advanced Strategies in Social Media
3

This course will utilize the practical tools and strategies required to successfully leverage social networks to develop and understand core concepts that can be applied to various applications. This course will utilize the practical tools and strategies required to successfully leverage social networks to develop and understand core concepts that can be applied to various applications and give you the necessary tools to manage a social media account as a business representative. In this course you will gain experience creating a social media marketing strategy, such as curating actual content, creating a social media training plan, advertisements, and a crisis and metrics plan. Prerequisite: COM 371 or consent of the instructor.

View Full Curriculum

Where Our Alumni Are Working

Concordia University Irvine grads are respected in the many industries in which they find skillful work. Here are just a few of the places our alumni have recently been employed:

Adidas
Albertsons Companies, Inc.
Arrowmac
Huntington Harbour Philharmonic Society
KPMG

Los Angeles Clippers
Marriott
Misty May Treanor Sports Complex
Nike

Northwestern Mutual
Roxy
Walt Disney Co.
Vision Design Studio

Meet Your Professors

Professors in the Digital Media Studies program are committed to helping you build creative, analytical, and ethical communication habits that will serve you throughout your career. Our courses are developed and delivered by faculty who bring real-world experience in media production, journalism, and digital strategy.

Lucas Hatlen

Dr. Lucas Hatlen's research focus centers on digital media. He is the faculty advisor for Concordia's digital media lab, where he teaches students about a wide range of topics related to digital media. These topics include social media, podcasting, streaming, and esports.

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Dr. Lucas Hatlen's research focus centers on digital media. He is the faculty advisor for Concordia's digital media lab, where he teaches students about a wide range of topics related to digital media. These topics include social media, podcasting, streaming, and esports.
Caroline Wong

Professor Wong brings 20 years of experience working in and around newsrooms with an emphasis in marketing, television, newspaper and writing for new media such as web and tablet applications. She is also the Faculty advisor for CUI’s student newspaper, The Concordia Courier.

Newspaper Advisor, Adjunct Professor of Communication Studies

Professor Wong brings 20 years of experience working in and around newsrooms with an emphasis in marketing, television, newspaper and writing for new media such as web and tablet applications. She is also the Faculty advisor for Concordia University Irvine student newspaper, The Concordia Courier.

More Faculty

One of our greatest assets at Concordia University Irvine is our dedicated faculty. In a small learning environment, our professors care about you—not just your performance—and they cultivate lifelong mentoring relationships with the students they teach.

Digital Media Studies Faculty

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Digital Media Studies Major

School of Arts and Sciences

Lead the Future of Digital Communication

Opportunities for Digital Media Studies Majors

Academic Opportunities

Extracurricular Activities

Facilities

State-of-the-Art Music Recording Studio

Access to Film Production Resources

Mac Graphics Suite Lab

John & Linda Friend Art Gallery

Internships

Graduate Schools Attended

Curriculum

Where Our Alumni Are Working

Meet Your Professors

Lucas Hatlen

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Caroline Wong

Newspaper Advisor, Adjunct Professor of Communication Studies

More Faculty

Get Started

Request Info

Schedule a Visit

Apply Now

Explore the Opportunities

Digital Media Studies Major

School of Arts and Sciences

Lead the Future of Digital Communication

Opportunities for Digital Media Studies Majors

Academic Opportunities

Extracurricular Activities

Facilities

State-of-the-Art Music Recording Studio

Access to Film Production Resources

Mac Graphics Suite Lab

John & Linda Friend Art Gallery

Internships

Exclusive Internships with OCVIBE, the Anaheim Ducks, and Honda Center

Graduate Schools Attended

Where Our Alumni Are Working

Meet Your Professors

Lucas Hatlen

Assistant Professor of Communication Studies

Caroline Wong

Newspaper Advisor, Adjunct Professor of Communication Studies

More Faculty

Get Started

Request Info

Schedule a Visit

Apply Now

Explore the Opportunities