Masters of Science in Technology
Digital Media Concentration

Program Overview

The ETSU Department of Engineering Technology, Surveying, & Digital Media, in conjunction with the ETSU School of Graduate Studies, offers a graduate program of studies leading to a Masters of Science (M.S.) degree in Technology with a concentration in Digital Media.

Established in Fall 2002, the Digital Media concentration offers a multidisciplinary approach to research in, and the creation of, digital and interactive communication and design. This program provides students with a combination of theoretic, aesthetic and technical knowledge necessary for success as digital media developers, creators, evaluators, researchers and producers. Graduates from the Digital Media concentration will be able to apply and manage new media tools and technologies in a rapidly changing environment for communication, instruction, creative production, and research; will be familiar with the quantitative and qualitative skills needed to analyze and evaluate functional and communication aspects of interactive multimedia design and production; and will have attained a theoretical base upon which to build and manage successful digital media productions.

The M.S. Technology—Digital Media concentration program is a sister program of the undergraduate (B.S.) Digital Media major program. Both Digital Media programs are housed in the Niswonger Digital Media Center, located adjacent to the Centre at Millenium Park directly across State of Franklin Road from the ETSU main campus. For more detailed information about the ETSU Digital Media program, please visit the Digital Media web server pages.

The curriculum in the Department of Technology & Geomatics' various graduate programs provides the knowledge, experience, and concepts needed to develop the learner's capacity to interpret and manage situations that occur in our technological society. The M.S. Technology graduate program offers additional concentrations in Technology and Entrepreneurial Leadership.

The aim of the Department of Technology and Geomatics is to provide educational experiences and graduate leaders in the areas of engineering technology, digital media, geography, and surveying & mapping science. In pursuit of this aim, the department provides general, professional, and technical learning experiences which are characterized by instructional excellence, professional community services, as well as research & scholarly activities.

Program Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the M.S. Technology—Digital Media concentration will be selected according to available space and their potential for unique contribution to this highly selective program. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the digital media field, successful applicants may come from a variety of academic backgrounds-such as art, communication, music, theatre, computer science, technology, curriculum design, architecture, or industrial design-or may have considerable experience in the design and production of digital media products. Applicants will be ranked by the following graduate admissions criteria:

1. A portfolio or other evidence of professional competence in one or more elements of digital media such as web production, interactive CD or DVD ROM development, 3-D modeling/visualization, animation, graphic design, computer art, computer programming, instructional design (distance learning and/or interactive instructional software of online instruction), video/film, writing, photography, or audio production.
   
   
2. Demonstration of competency in multiple softwares as evidenced by work included in the portfolio and as documented in application materials.
   
   
3. An undergraduate GPA of at least 3.0 on a 3.0 scale.
   
   
4. A written Statement of Purpose (1000-1500 words) describing reasons for wishing to enter the program, goals for his/her career in the field of digital media, and ideas and topics for research in digital medias that the applicant may wish to pursue.
   
   
5. Any applicable professional and academic accomplishments (i.e., awards, honors, etc.). Please include a full curriculum vita (CV) or résumé with your completed application.
   
   
6. International students:  a TOEFL of at least 570 (paper score) or 230 (computer score), or an IELTS score of 6.5.

Students whose preparation is lacking in certain areas may be required to take additional undergraduate courses that will not be counted toward the M.S. Technology degree. In the case of a deficiency in the applicant's undergraduate background, the student will be required to complete needed undergraduate courses prior to acceptance into the graduate program.

Digital Media Concentration Requirements

All M.S. Technology degree students electing the Digital Media concentration option must complete the following core and culminating experience courses:

Guided Electives:

Students must take at least 21 additional hours (thesis option) or 24 hours (non-thesis option) of graduate-level guided electives that support a particular study emphasis. A combination of research and production electives should be chosen in consultation with your graduate committee, the committe chair, &/or the graduate Digital Media program coordinator.

Guided electives may also be taken in Technology (ENTC), Computer and Information Science (CSCI) , Art and Design (ARTA), Communications (COMM) , Business (BADM, MGMT, MKTG, etc.), and other departments as appropriate to support the chosen study emphasis.

The following should be noted:

Additional Program Fees

A Digital Media Enhancement Fee of $100 per semester hour will be applied to all DIGM courses for all students. This fee will be used to offset the costs associated with the Digital Media program; all proceeds collected from this fee will be used to continue and enhance the Digital Media program at ETSU.

A fee of $20 per semester hour will be applied to all Business Administration (BADM), Management (MGMT), Marketing (MKTG), or similar courses taught in the Business division of the College of Business & Technology.