This track covers the creative side of technology. Projects focus on real-world design solutions with a marketing approach. Comprehensive courses cover:
- Graphic communications
- Digital imaging
- Web page production
- Digital media
Program Benefits
As a CIS major, you will learn to:
- Cultivate creative, technical and business skills.
- Utilize critical thinking to analyze situations involving technology, data, and digital media.
- Develop an ability to impact local and global computing in regard to individuals, organizations, and communities through technology and analytics.
- Assess technology and media related problems and implement effective solutions both independently and as a team member.
- Research and present potential computing strategies in the areas of creative digital media or modern technology systems.
- Demonstrate skills in applied technologies, applications, and network communications, including practical knowledge of best practices for working in the industry.
- Communicate computing concepts and processes using professional technical terminology.
- Apply conceptual thinking to evaluate organizational needs, form strategic goals, and apply design processes.
- Display an understanding of professional responsibilities, ethical, legal, and social issues in regard to technology and digital media.
Sample Courses
Digital Imaging and Design – Students use digital imaging software to explore the artistic potential of technology and solve visual design problems.
Web Design – An introduction to HTML and CSS code, for the purpose of designing, developing, and maintaining web sites.
Visual Communications – Students examine the fundamentals of design and graphic production while generating creative design solutions and compelling brands.
Digital Video – Students combine audio, video, and graphics to develop digital video projects for multimedia and the web.
Publication Design – An introduction to multi-page layout and design, with an emphasis on file preparation for print publication.
Portfolio Seminar – Students take the time to polish their work and prepare online portfolios geared towards their specific area of interest.
Learn more about these classes in the academic catalog.
Field Experience and Internships
The Beacon College Internship requirement is intended to encourage experiential learning as a complement to a student’s education, providing valuable work experience related to the individual’s academic program. CIS majors are required to perform 80 hours of work experience, which may be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time. Learn more about Beacon College internships.
Recent student internship experiences include:
- Publication Design Internship, Akers Media
- Graphic/Web Design Internship, Rock Paper Simple
- Web Support Internship, WTJX Virgin Islands Broadcasting
Sample Student Work
The Web and Digital Media Track combines critical thinking with hands-on production skills. Using industry standard applications, students are assigned the task of developing creative design solutions to achieve professional communication goals. Below is a sampling of projects that display the high quality work produced in the Web & Digital Media Track.
Michael Hall and Xavier Thomas-Beacon College Catalog Cover-Publication Design
Career Paths
Since virtually every industry uses technology in one form or another, there are many different career possibilities for CIS majors in the Web & Digital Media Track. Some of the most popular current options are:
- Advertising Design
- Digital Illustration
- Digital Imaging
- Digital Audio & Video Editing
- Graphic Design
- Publication Design
- Photography
- Photo Retouching
- Web Design
Within the past few years, Beacon CIS graduates have been employed various technical and creative positions, including:
- Disney Photographer
- Graphic Production Assistant
- Web Site Designer
