Design and Digital Media

Bachelor of Science in Design and Digital Media

In today’s digital age, technology serves as the foundation of every industry. The need for skilled professionals in this field is rising, given that organizations rely heavily on technology to achieve their goals. Our Design and Digital Media major provides you with hands-on training in the latest technology trends, including the use of industry-standard software such as Adobe. You will explore the exciting possibilities of design and digital media with a marketing approach, which will equip you with the skills necessary to succeed in this fast-paced industry.

Personalized Guidance

At Beacon College, we understand that each academic journey is unique. That’s why, from day one, Design and Digital Media students are paired with a dedicated faculty member who serves as their advisor. This mentorship ensures a personalized approach to education, helping you construct a degree plan that best aligns with your long-term goals. Throughout the four-year journey, faculty advisors provide invaluable guidance and support.

What You’ll Learn

As a Design and Digital Media major, you will develop skills in graphic design, animation, digital illustration, game design, filmmaking, video editing, photography, web design and broadcasting. You will learn how to use industry-standard software and tools to create visual content for various platforms. Furthermore, you will build a strong foundation in design principles visual storytelling, and digital communication. You will develop an understanding of professional responsibilities and ethical, legal, and social issues regarding technology and digital media.

Blaze Your Path

The Design and Digital Media program at Beacon College provides hands-on experience in graphic and web design that will be useful tools for me to thrive and grow in the workforce.

— Isaac Gwin

Through the Design and Digital Media classes, I’ve learned about industry standards and have also been given the freedom and the chance to express myself through digital art.

— Zachary Murray

Early on in high school, I figured out I wanted to pursue a career in graphic design. After taking time off college, I realized Beacon had the best support system to help me succeed.

— Jake Borowski

Sample Courses

Digital Imaging and Design

Students use Adobe Photoshop to explore the artistic potential of imaging technology and solve visual problems. They learn how to plan and produce digital images that demonstrate an understanding of design, composition, color, and visual communication. Hands-on projects include image manipulation, photo retouching, photo montage, and text and layout techniques for digital art, ads, and publications.

Web Design

An introduction to the design, creation, and maintenance of web pages and websites. Students gain fundamental knowledge of HTML and CSS, as well as effective navigation and the appropriate use of graphics, type, color, and multimedia.

Visual Communications

The Visual Communications course is an introduction to the fundamentals of design, and it guides students through hands-on production projects that examine digital imagery, typography, color theory, and layout. The course explores the production workflow while generating creative design solutions and compelling messages.

Digital Video

Digital Video is an introduction to the phases and tools of video production. Students combine audio, video, and graphics to develop digital video projects. They become proficient in a variety of editing techniques on a timeline. Emphasis is placed on developing quality video for the web.

Publication Design

Using Adobe InDesign, this course introduces page layout and design for both print and screen. Instruction focuses on the use of type and layout as key elements in graphic communication. Students learn how to import text and imagery, arrange multi-page publications, and prepare digital files for commercial reproduction and distribution.

Advertising Design

This course provides vital advertising concepts, vocabulary, and graphic production skills for the aspiring digital media professional. Advertising Design trains students to apply critical thinking and problem-solving in terms of branding, demographics, and target marketing. Class projects expose students to a variety of media and delivery strategies as they create both individual advertisements and advertising campaigns.

Vector Illustration and Layout

Using Adobe Illustrator for vector drawing, students learn how to produce original graphics, digital illustrations, and production layouts. The course focuses on aesthetics, visual communication, principles of design, and typography. Projects include vector art, logos, ads, posters, and publications.

Sample Student Work

Field Experience and Internships

Design and Digital Media majors are required to complete 80 hours of experiential learning and internships. The knowledge, skills, and experience you gain — both in the classroom and through internships — will boost your resume and confidence with real-world work experience. Recent internship experiences include publication design, graphic design, web support, social media marketing, videography, and digital media.

Internships and Experiences

Career Opportunities

Students with a B.S. in Design and Digital Media possess the skills to seamlessly step into dynamic professional roles or opt for advanced studies in graduate school. This degree opens doors to a multitude of design and multimedia career pathways and opportunities for specialization, including but not limited to:

Multimedia art
Graphic design
Advertising design
Digital illustration
Digital art
Content strategist

Publication design
Digital media
Web design
Interactive design
Digital video/audio editing
Social media designer

Photography
Digital imaging and retouching
Animation
3-D modeling
User interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design
Motion graphics designer

In addition, obtaining a degree in Design and Digital Media provides individuals with valuable skills that are in high demand across multiple industries such as marketing, advertising, entertainment, and e-commerce. Whether someone is interested in branding, user experience design, content creation, or multimedia production, the opportunities are endless for those who possess expertise in web and digital media.

Meet Your Instructors

Brittany Strozzo

Assistant Professor and Chair of Studio Art/Design and Digital Media

352-787-3835 bstrozzo@beaconcollege.edu

Matthew Cupach

Senior Instructor

352-638-9760 mcupach@beaconcollege.edu

Madeline Curnan

Instructor

352-315-4383 mcurnan@beaconcollege.edu

Stephanie Portalatin

Instructor

352-764-6820 sportalatin@beaconcollege.edu

Meet Your General Education Instructors

Angel Maldonado

Dean of Curriculum and Innovation

352-315-9269 amaldonado@beaconcollege.edu

Jessica Caolo

Assistant Professor

352-315-1082 jcaolo@beaconcollege.edu

Christina Hansen

Instructor

352-764-6361 chansen@beaconcollege.edu

Dr. Patricia Konovalov

Professor

352-638-9815 pkonovalov@beaconcollege.edu

Jodi Livingston

Instructor

352-787-1525 jlivingston@beaconcollege.edu

Dr. Mary-Anne Primack

Assistant Professor

352-787-2912 mprimack@beaconcollege.edu

Autumn Welt

Assistant Professor

352-787-1056 awelt@beaconcollege.edu