Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media & Communication

Find Your Space to Create Your Future

Want to Advance Your Career? Hi. Welcome to Hilbert.

At Hilbert College Global, our online BA in Digital Media & Communication program prepares you to be a well-rounded, forward-thinking communications expert. You’ll develop the critical storytelling and creative-thinking skills to contribute your knowledge across the media and industries that interest you most—whether you’d like to pursue opportunities in journalism, television, film, public relations or marketing, for example.

Our expert, industry-experienced faculty and small classes foster an engaged online community that empowers you to become a dynamic thought leader who is equipped to innovate in an ever-evolving digital media landscape. And once you’ve graduated, you’ll be welcomed into a supportive alumni network that offers a lifelong sense of belonging.

Are you ready to get the education you need for an exciting, purpose-driven career? Join us at Hilbert.

Where Growth Happens

Earning a bachelor’s degree in digital media and communication prepares you for a variety of rewarding careers. During your time in the online program, you’ll develop a firm understanding of:

  • Strategic communications
  • Visual storytelling
  • Writing and editing
  • Media industry trends

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Find Your Career Path

Communications professionals are always in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment in media and communication occupations to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, faster than average. Some of the career paths that our graduates take include*:

Public Relations Specialist

Median Annual Salary: $62,800

Graphic Designer

Median Annual Salary: $50,710

News Analyst, Reporter or Journalist

Median Annual Salary: $48,370

Film and Video Editor or Camera Operator

Median Annual Salary: $60,360

Market Research Analyst or Marketing Specialist

Median Annual Salary: $63,920

*Salary information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A graphic designer uses a computer, pen and paper to create a design

Featured Concentration: Graphic Design

Interested in visual storytelling? Our graphic design concentration can help prepare you to become a highly skilled and sought-after visual communicator. You’ll develop the storytelling strategies and creative ideation skills to produce attention-grabbing visual assets across a variety of formats—from traditional billboards and vinyl wraps to digital banners and social media graphics.

Throughout the concentration and program, you’ll benefit from one-on-one time with your professors, who use their own professional design experience to share actionable advice and relevant industry insights. You’ll also gain hands-on experience developing visual assets for a real-world project, event or brand thanks to immersive courses. By the time you graduate, you’ll have honed your own visual style, all while learning best practices and strategies in visual communications.

Curriculum & Courses

Required Courses in Major (9 Courses, 27 Credit Hours)

  • COM 110 Introduction to Mass Media (3 credits)
  • COM 170 Multimedia Production I (3 credits)
  • COM 180 Multimedia Production II (3 credits)
  • COM 210 Media Analysis (3 credits)
  • COM 211 Mass Communication Theory (3 credits)
  • COM 320 Law and Ethics II (3 credits)
  • COM 491 Internship (3 credits)
  • EN 240 The Art of Persuasion (3 credits)
  • MA 200 Topics in Statistics (3 credits)

Courses in Concentration (4 Courses, 12 Credits)

Choose one:

  • Film and Visual Effects Concentration
  • COM 365 Digital Filmmaking (3 credits)
  • COM 375 Digital Film Editing (3 credits)
  • COM 385 2D/3D Graphics (3 credits)
  • COM 455 2D/3D Advanced Graphics (3 credits) or
  • COM 478 Documentary Filmmaking (3 credits)

Graphic Design Concentration

  • COM 270 Digital Photography (3 credits)
  • COM 273 Graphic Design (3 credits)
  • COM 281 Web Design (3 credits)
  • COM 305 Visual Communication (3 credits)

Integrated Marketing Concentration

  • COM 261 Concepts of Integrated Marketing (3 credits)
  • COM 344 Public Relations Writing (3 credits)
  • COM 348 Advertising Copywriting (3 credits)
  • COM 362 Integrated Marketing Research (3 credits)

Multimedia Journalism Concentration

  • COM 343 Journalism (3 credits)
  • COM 360 Press Relations (3 credits)
  • COM 442 Multimedia Journalism (3 credits)
  • COM 443 Journalism Practicum (3 credits)

Communications Electives (4 Courses, 12 Credits)

  • Immersive Learning Course (3 credits)
  • Communications Course, Upper Level (3 credits)
  • Communications Course, Upper Level (3 credits)
  • Communications Course, Lower Level (3 credits)

General Education Requirements (7 Courses, 21 Credit Hours)

  • COM 151 Public Speaking (3 credits)
  • EN 101 College Writing (3 credits)
  • EN 102 Writing in the Humanities (3 credits)
  • GS 101 Foundations Seminar (3 credits)
  • GS 201 Service Learning and Civic Engagement (3 credits)
  • PS 402 Junior Symposium (3 credits)
  • RS 206 Franciscanism (3 credits)

Specific General Education Core Modules (6 Courses, 18 Credit Hours)

  • American History/Western Civilization Elective (3 credits)
  • Foreign Culture and Language Elective (3 credits)
  • Natural Science Elective (3 credits)
  • Social Sciences Elective (3 credits)
  • General Education Elective (3 credits)

General Electives (5 Courses, 15 Credit Hours)

  • All College Electives (5 courses, 3 credits each)

Electives, Upper Level (6 Courses, 18 Credit Hours)

  • Liberal Arts Electives, Upper Level (4 courses, 3 credits each)
  • All College Electives, Upper Level (2 courses, 3 credits each)
Faculty

You’ll learn from professional writers, marketers and media experts with decades of experience in the field of communications.

Amy Smith, PhD Professor of English

Amy Smith, PhD

Professor of English

716-649-7900, ext. 354

asmith@hilbert.edu
Anthony Hughes, PhD Professor of English

Anthony Hughes, PhD

Professor of English

716-649-7900, ext. 226

ahughes@hilbert.edu
Christopher R. Gallant, MFA Associate Professor, Division Chair, Arts & Sciences

Christopher R. Gallant, MFA

Associate Professor, Division Chair, Arts & Sciences

716-926-8896

cgallant@hilbert.edu
Donald E. Vincent, PhD Associate Professor

Donald E. Vincent, PhD

Associate Professor

716-926-8881

jlukasik@hilbert.edu
Tara Kazmark Writing Coordinator, English Instructor

Tara Kazmark

Writing Coordinator, English Instructor

716-649-7900, ext. 415

tkazmark@hilbert.edu
Taylor Doherty Associate Professor of Theater and Digital Media

Taylor Doherty

Associate Professor of Theater and Digital Media

716-649-7900

tdoherty@hilbert.edu
Quote Icon

"Hilbert afforded me opportunities to assume leadership roles, while the smaller class sizes provided for a more intimate and personal educational experience. The dedication of faculty to each student and the resources available at Hilbert provided me with the experience and knowledge to land interviews and, ultimately, be successful in my desired field of work."

Al Leight,

Digital Media & Communication Alumnus

Financing Your Degree

450 per credit Icon

$450 per credit

120 credits Icon

120 credits

Financial aid Icon

95% of students receive some form of financial aid

At Hilbert College Global, we’re committed to making your education affordable and accessible. For a full-time student on a four-year track, the cost of tuition will be $13,500 per year. However, our transfer-friendly policies and financial aid may significantly reduce the cost of your degree.

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Inclusive Community

Our cultural foundation in inclusivity and support creates a welcoming learning community that guides students to become servant leaders.

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High ROI

Hilbert was ranked in the top 25% in the nation for return on investment by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.

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Attentive Faculty

Thanks to a 12:1 student-to-instructor ratio, you’ll develop strong relationships with our industry-leading faculty members, who are committed to your success.

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Real-World Curriculum

You’ll gain knowledge in key areas such as finance, accounting, supply chain and human resources, making you a valuable contributor to organizations across industries.

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Flexibility

All courses are asynchronous and last eight weeks, with six convenient start dates throughout the year.

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Holistic Perspective

You’ll learn about the impact of mass media and marketing on society, investigating issues surrounding race, gender and inclusion and how they relate to the stories we tell.

The next class start date is approaching. Don’t wait to apply!

Get Your Degree While You Work

Flexible scheduling, affordable tuition and accelerated degree programs allow you to balance your personal and professional life while earning your degree.

APPLY NOW

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Your Space to Belong

Applying to Hilbert College Global is fast, simple and completely free. We’re committed to serving transfer students by accepting AP, IB, CLEP and Dantes (DSST) credit. We’ll also waive general education requirements for students who have earned at least 60 credit hours through prior education.

To complete your application, take the following steps.

  • Create an account and set a password.
  • Provide the required materials in the application portal:
    • Completed application
    • Official transcripts from high school and any other collegiate institutions where you’ve attended
    • Send transcripts to onlineadmissions@hilbert.edu or by mail to: Online Admissions, Hilbert College Global, 5200 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, New York, 14075
  • Once we receive your completed application and transcripts, your assigned admissions counselor will connect with you personally to guide you through the remainder of the enrollment process. Have questions or concerns? We’re here to help. Contact us at +1 (716) 320-7900 or by email at admissions@online.hilbert.edu.

About Hilbert College Global

Hilbert College is an independent institution of higher learning that embraces its Franciscan heritage and values. Students from diverse backgrounds learn through liberal arts and professional programs to become informed citizens committed to serving and strengthening their communities.

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